Update: Boone County has changed course and allowed me to register my daughter. I’m relieved for my kids. But that doesn’t help all the other homeschooling families in KY. Homeschoolers need a published policy to confirm their rights if a district tries to exclude them from national tests and scholarship opportunities.

I received a call from Amanda Reifsnyder with the Office of Continuous Improvement and Support Division of School and Program Improvement, in Frankfort. She seemed very receptive to my explanations of what the current problems are and how homeschoolers are being harmed by denied access to tests because of misinformation in the school districts. The Boone County HS counselor and Mrs. Reifsnyder committed to presenting my proposed solutions to my concerns in their next board meetings. I’ll update as solutions are implemented for our state.

Original issue:

As a parent who homeschools four children, it is frustrating and unjust to see them excluded from opportunities like the PSAT due to discriminatory practices in our local school districts. Despite homeschooling families paying taxes that contribute to the education system, which their children do not directly benefit from, their kids are further marginalized by being denied access to critical college testing.

In Kentucky, certain counties are effectively prohibiting homeschoolers from participating in the PSAT, a gateway to the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT),  by not allowing students not enrolled in their public schools to register for the test. This exclusion is not only unfair but also contradicts the non-discrimination policy outlined by the College Board, the organization responsible for the administration of the PSAT.

The PSAT is a vital tool for college preparation and scholarship opportunities, and it should be accessible to all students, regardless of their educational setting. The National Home Education Research Institute highlights that more than 2.5 million students are currently homeschooled in the U.S., and they deserve equal access to the resources that can shape their academic futures.

Kentucky school districts must recognize the rights of homeschoolers. It is critical to allow them access to the PSAT hosted at public schools. By doing so, we can ensure that all students have a fair chance at the opportunities provided by higher education access and merit-based scholarships.

Let us unite in calling for policy changes in Kentucky that align with the College Board's non-discrimination policy and uphold the rights of homeschoolers. This call for action is not just for my children, but for every homeschooled child who is affected by this unfair practice. Please sign this petition to encourage Kentucky schools to open their doors to all students for PSAT testing. They deserve a level playing field to showcase their academic abilities and secure a bright educational future.