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Key Takeaways
- Kentucky requires eight core subjects: reading, writing, spelling, grammar, history, mathematics, science, and civics
- No specific curriculum is mandated—only subject areas must be covered
- The Rudasill decision prohibits the state from prescribing or approving materials
- You demonstrate compliance through attendance records and portfolio documentation
- Your freedom is absolute as long as all eight subjects are included
The Eight Required Subjects
Kentucky homeschoolers must include instruction in eight core subject areas. Unlike many states, Kentucky doesn’t specify how, when, or with what materials you teach these subjects—only that they’re covered.
1. Reading
What This Means
Reading encompasses phonics, decoding, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary development. From elementary through high school, reading includes both fiction and non-fiction, with increasing complexity and critical analysis as students advance.
How to Satisfy This Requirement
- Elementary (K-5): Structured phonics programs (Abeka, BJU, Saxon Phonics, Sonlight), reading-based curricula, literature selections, read-alouds
- Middle (6-8): Literature studies, novel units, independent reading, reading comprehension practice
- High School (9-12): Advanced literature analysis, challenging texts, diverse genres, critical reading skills
Examples of Compliant Materials
- Abeka Reading Series
- BJU Reading Program
- Sonlight literature-based curriculum
- Saxon Phonics
- Project Gutenberg selections
- Published literature studies
Documentation for Portfolio
- Reading list (books completed)
- Comprehension activities
- Reading logs
- Essays or responses to literature
2. Writing
What This Means
Writing covers composition, essay construction, grammar application in context, creative writing, and written expression. The skill builds from simple sentence construction to advanced composition, research papers, and rhetoric.
How to Satisfy This Requirement
- Elementary (K-2): Copying, dictation, simple sentences, daily journal writing, creative story writing
- Elementary (3-5): Paragraph writing, basic essays, creative writing, instruction following
- Middle (6-8): Multi-paragraph essays, research fundamentals, creative writing projects, persuasive writing
- High School (9-12): Advanced essays, research papers, rhetoric, college-preparation writing
Examples of Compliant Materials
- Writing With Ease or Writing & Rhetoric (classical approach)
- IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) curriculum
- Bravewriter
- Essay-based curricula in core programs (Abeka, BJU)
- Free composition instruction from Khan Academy or online sources
Documentation for Portfolio
- Writing samples from throughout the year
- Essays with drafts showing revision
- Creative writing pieces
- Research papers
- Writing prompts and responses
3. Spelling
What This Means
Spelling instruction teaches phonetic patterns, word origins, irregular words, and spelling conventions. From elementary phonetically-regular words through high school Latin/Greek roots and advanced vocabulary.
How to Satisfy This Requirement
- Elementary: Phonetic spelling programs, spelling lists, spelling patterns
- Middle: Word families, etymology, challenging word lists, spelling in writing context
- High School: Etymology, advanced vocabulary, specialized terminology
Examples of Compliant Materials
- Spelling curricula (All About Spelling, Spelling Workout, Saxon)
- Phonics programs that include spelling
- Word study programs
- Spelling through writing focus (integrated into composition)
- Online spelling programs
Documentation for Portfolio
- Spelling lists and assessments
- Progress in writing accuracy
- Spelling tests or practice work
- Word study logs
4. Grammar
What This Means
Grammar covers parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, mechanics, and language conventions. It builds from basic concepts (nouns, verbs) to complex sentence construction and usage analysis.
How to Satisfy This Requirement
- Elementary (K-2): Oral language, simple concepts (nouns, verbs), basic punctuation
- Elementary (3-5): Parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation rules, mechanics
- Middle (6-8): Complex grammar, diagramming, advanced mechanics, usage conventions
- High School (9-12): Advanced grammar analysis, rhetoric, style, usage in context
Examples of Compliant Materials
- Dedicated grammar programs (IEW, Bravewriter, Memoria Press)
- Grammar components in core curricula (Abeka, BJU, Saxon)
- Online grammar instruction (Khan Academy, IXL)
- Classical grammar programs (Veritas Press, Memoria Press)
Documentation for Portfolio
- Grammar lessons and practice work
- Grammar assessments
- Examples of grammar application in writing
- Diagramming samples (if applicable)
5. History
What This Means
History includes study of the United States, world history, Kentucky history, and historical thinking skills. Students should understand cause and effect, analyze primary sources, and develop historical perspective.
How to Satisfy This Requirement
- Elementary (K-5): Foundational history, Kentucky history, American history basics, historical figures
- Middle (6-8): United States history, world history survey, Kentucky/local history emphasis
- High School (9-12): Advanced US history, world history, Kentucky history, AP-level preparation if desired
Examples of Compliant Materials
- Narrative history curricula (Sonlight, My Father’s World)
- Traditional textbooks (Abeka, BJU)
- Classical history programs
- Online history courses
- Kentucky Historical Society resources
- Documentary-based studies
Kentucky-Specific Recommendations
- Include Kentucky history in middle grades
- Focus on Kentucky pioneers, Daniel Boone, frontier history
- Explore Appalachian culture and heritage
- Study major Kentucky industries (bourbon, horses, coal)
- Visit historical sites: Fort Boonesborough, historic homes, battlefields
Documentation for Portfolio
- Reading lists (history books, primary sources)
- Essays and reports
- Timeline activities
- Research projects
- Museum/historical site visit records
6. Mathematics
What This Means
Mathematics develops from arithmetic foundations through pre-calculus and beyond. Requires understanding of computation, problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and application to real situations.
How to Satisfy This Requirement
- Elementary (K-5): Arithmetic, basic operations, place value, fractions, word problems
- Middle (6-8): Pre-algebra, fractions/decimals/percentages, basic algebra, geometry basics
- High School (9-12): Algebra I & II, geometry, pre-calculus, trigonometry, calculus (if applicable)
Examples of Compliant Materials
- Traditional math programs (Saxon, Teaching Textbooks)
- Online math (Khan Academy, Time4Learning)
- Classical math (Memoria Press)
- Integrated curricula math components
Documentation for Portfolio
- Math lessons and completed assignments
- Tests or assessments showing progress
- Problem-solving samples
- Work samples showing mathematical reasoning
7. Science
What This Means
Science includes life science, earth science, physical science, and scientific methodology. Students learn to observe, hypothesize, experiment, and understand natural phenomena.
How to Satisfy This Requirement
- Elementary (K-5): Life science basics, earth science exploration, simple physical science, observation skills
- Middle (6-8): Biology, earth science, physical science, hands-on experiments
- High School (9-12): Biology, chemistry, physics, or advanced earth science; lab work for college preparation
Examples of Compliant Materials
- Science curricula (Abeka, BJU, Apologia, Sassafras Science Adventures)
- Online science (Khan Academy, Crash Course)
- Lab-based programs for high school
- DIY experiments and observation logs
- Documentary-based learning
Documentation for Portfolio
- Science lesson records
- Experiment logs and results
- Lab reports
- Science readings and comprehension
- Observation journals
- Project documentation
8. Civics
What This Means
Civics covers government, citizenship, rights and responsibilities, civic participation, and understanding of governmental systems (local, state, federal).
How to Satisfy This Requirement
- Elementary: Basic government concepts, community helpers, rules and laws, patriotic understanding
- Middle: State and local government, federal government structure, citizen responsibilities
- High School: Advanced civics, constitutional law, current events analysis, civic participation
Examples of Compliant Materials
- Government/civics textbooks or curricula
- iCivics.org (free civics education resource)
- Kentucky government resources and structure study
- Current events analysis
- Civics components in history curricula
- Community service and civic participation
Kentucky Focus
- Kentucky state government structure
- Kentucky’s role in US history
- Local government and community civics
- Voter registration and participation
- Kentucky laws and legal system basics
Documentation for Portfolio
- Civics lessons and readings
- Government study notes
- Current events analysis papers
- Civics assessments
- Civic participation records (voting, community service)
Practical Subject Integration
Kentucky requires eight subject areas, but they don’t need to be taught in isolation:
Integrated Approach Example:
- History unit covers history and civics simultaneously
- Science experiment combines science with writing (lab reports)
- Literature study combines reading with writing (essays) and potentially history/civics
- Math problems can include real-world applications connecting to science or social studies
This flexibility is one of Kentucky’s strengths—you can teach more efficiently through integrated, project-based, or thematic approaches while still hitting all eight requirements.
What About Other Subjects?
The eight required subjects don’t preclude teaching other subjects. Many Kentucky homeschoolers include:
- Foreign languages
- Arts (visual arts, music, performing arts)
- Physical education
- Electives (journalism, economics, psychology, computer science)
- Advanced subjects (AP classes, dual enrollment)
These are entirely optional and completely up to your discretion.
Demonstrating Compliance
While Kentucky has no curriculum approval process, you should maintain documentation showing instruction in all eight subjects:
- Attendance records (170 days, 1,062 hours annually)
- Portfolio materials (samples from each subject area)
- Reading lists (books and materials used)
- Assignment samples (showing work in each area)
- Assessment results (if any formal testing done)
You don’t need formal tests or evaluations, but being able to show evidence of study in all eight areas demonstrates legal compliance.
Freedom Within Requirements
Kentucky’s approach is unique: you have absolute freedom in how and with what materials you teach, as long as all eight subjects are included. This means you can:
- Create your own curriculum
- Use free resources
- Mix and match programs
- Integrate subjects
- Choose your own pace and sequence
- Design projects that span multiple subjects
The requirement is subject coverage, not curriculum approval. That distinction is Kentucky’s greatest advantage for homeschoolers.