Iowa Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

Homeschooling Options in Iowa

  1. Independent Private Instruction (IPI):

    • Description: Provides private or religious-based instruction in core subjects without state oversight.
    • Requirements:
      • Notification: No formal notification to the school district is required.
      • Teacher Qualifications: No specific qualifications are mandated.
      • Subjects: No state-mandated subjects; parents have full discretion.
      • Assessment: No state-mandated assessments.
      • Immunization: Not required.
    • Note: While not required, it's recommended to maintain records of attendance and academic progress for your personal reference.

  2. Competent Private Instruction (CPI) with Dual Enrollment:

    • Description: Allows students to participate in public school classes and extracurricular activities while receiving private instruction.
    • Requirements:
      • Notification: Submit a CPI form to the local school district.
      • Teacher Qualifications: No specific qualifications are mandated.
      • Subjects: No state-mandated subjects; parents have full discretion.
      • Assessment: No state-mandated assessments.
      • Immunization: Not required.

  3. Competent Private Instruction (CPI) with Independent Private Instruction (IPI):

    • Description: Combines private instruction with the option to enroll in public school classes or activities.
    • Requirements:
      • Notification: Submit a CPI form to the local school district.
      • Teacher Qualifications: No specific qualifications are mandated.
      • Subjects: No state-mandated subjects; parents have full discretion.
      • Assessment: No state-mandated assessments.
      • Immunization: Not required.

  4. Private Instruction with Home School Assistance Program (HSAP):

    • Description: Provides support and resources from the local school district.
    • Requirements:
      • Notification: Submit a CPI form to the local school district.
      • Teacher Qualifications: No specific qualifications are mandated.
      • Subjects: No state-mandated subjects; parents have full discretion.
      • Assessment: No state-mandated assessments.
      • Immunization: Not required.

Compulsory School Age

In Iowa, children between the ages of 6 and 16 are required to receive educational instruction. If your child is between these ages, you must either enroll them in an accredited public or private school or provide private instruction through one of the options mentioned above.

Resources for Homeschooling in Iowa

  1. Iowa Department of Education – Home Schooling:

  2. Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA):

    • Overview: Offers legal support and information on homeschooling laws across the United States, including Iowa.
    • Website: HSLDA – Iowa

  3. Homeschool Iowa:

    • Overview: A statewide organization that provides support, resources, and advocacy for homeschooling families in Iowa.
    • Website: Homeschool Iowa

  4. Iowa Association of Christian Home Educators (IACHE):

    • Overview: Provides support and resources for Christian homeschooling families in Iowa.
    • Website: IACHE

  5. Iowa Homeschooling Facebook Groups:

Additional Considerations

  • Recordkeeping: While not mandated, it's recommended to maintain records of attendance and academic progress for your personal reference.

  • Field Trips and Extracurricular Activities: Homeschooling in Iowa allows for flexible scheduling, making it easier to incorporate field trips and extracurricular activities into your child's education.

  • Support and Community: Engaging with local homeschool groups and co-ops can provide valuable support, socialization opportunities for your child, and resources to enhance your homeschooling experience.