Idaho Homeschool Laws and Regulations

Homeschooling in Idaho Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: No

1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Education

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 7-16

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Idaho

It’s very easy to start homeschooling in Idaho. If your child is currently enrolled in public school, you’ll need to formally withdraw them and let the school know you’ll be homeschooling. You are not required to give advance notice or details about the education you will be providing. 

TIP: Idaho homeschoolers have no attendance or assessment requirements, and you are not required to follow a particular curriculum. 

Once you’ve decided that homeschooling is the correct education method for your family, you can begin immediately!

Qualifications to Homeschool in Idaho

Idaho does not require teaching licenses or certifications to teach in a homeschool. Parents and guardians can teach the child themselves, utilize helpful relatives, or hire a tutor.

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Mandatory School Age in Idaho

Children between the ages of 7 and 16 fall under Idaho’s compulsory attendance law.  Your child must receive instruction if they are between the ages of 7 and 16 by the time public school starts in your district. 

Idaho Homeschool Subject Requirements

Idaho law does not require grade-level labels, giving home educators the freedom to instruct their child at the proficiency level that best meets their abilities. 

Idaho code states that homeschoolers must learn the same subjects taught in public schools. However, home educators do not need to teach these subjects in a specific order or at a certain achievement level. 

Plan your curriculum around these core academic areas:

• Language arts and communication
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies

As a homeschooler, you can use the needs and interests of your student as a guide for choosing how to approach these core subjects.

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Idaho Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

There is no legal requirement for homeschooled students to take standardized tests in Idaho.

However, if you choose to have your child participate in public school activities, such as sports, the school may require them to meet the same qualifications as their public school peers. This may include submitting scores from a standardized, nationally-normed test.

Otherwise, home educators can choose whether to test their child, how often to test, and which tests to participate in.

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Idaho

Only students attending public or private schools are required to receive immunizations.

TIP: Homeschooled children are not legally obligated to get vaccinated, and parents/guardians do not have to file any exemption forms. 

However, if your homeschooled child participates in public school classes, sports, or programs, they may have to meet vaccination requirements or file an exemption.

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Resources for Homeschool Families in Idaho

Homeschooling families often seek opportunities to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and empower their homeschooling journey. 

Families can achieve this by joining homeschool groups, co-ops, or larger associations. These connections can provide valuable resources and opportunities for homeschooling families to engage with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from each other. These relationships help families create a rich and rewarding homeschooling experience.

Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Idaho

Creating or joining a homeschool group or co-op can provide many benefits for your family. 

Homeschool groups often provide a sense of community and help your children befriend other homeschoolers. Additionally, homeschool groups often offer opportunities for group activities, such as field trips or physical education. As a home educator, you can connect with experienced homeschoolers in person or find support through online groups.

TIP: Homeschool co-ops allow home educators with various talents to share the teaching load. Children also enjoy the benefits of different teaching methods and learning alongside other homeschoolers. 

Ultimately, homeschool groups and co-ops provide valuable experiences and support for your family’s homeschooling journey. Whether you’re seeking community or a helping hand, joining a homeschool group or co-op offers an excellent way to enhance your homeschooling experience.

The internet is a great place to start looking for a homeschool group or co-op. Here are some popular groups in Idaho:

Treasure Valley Homeschool Moms and Dads

Homeschool Idaho Discussion Group

Caldwell, ID Area Homeschool Community

Idaho Panhandle Homeschooling Families

Idaho Homeschool Support

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Homeschool Organizations and Associations

As a homeschooling family, you can find resources and support through homeschool organizations and associations. These groups offer a range of benefits, including access to events, information, legal assistance, and advocacy efforts. 

Unlike more informal groups or co-ops, homeschool associations are typically more structured and may require membership fees. Joining a homeschool association lets you connect with other families and gain access to valuable resources to support your child’s education.

TIP: For many years, Idaho had two homeschool associations–Idaho Coalition of Home Educators and Christian Homeschoolers of Idaho State. The two organizations merged into Homeschool Idaho in 2018.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Idaho

Homeschooled students in Idaho can be “dual enrolled,” meaning they’re enrolled at a public school while also being homeschooled. Dual enrollment lets homeschoolers take advantage of many sports and extracurricular activities offered through their local public school.

However, there are also several ways to participate in sports and athletics outside of the public school system. Here are some great places to start: 

Group Name & Website	What Sports They Cover	What Area in Idaho
YMCA Treasure Valley Homeschool PE	Dodgeball, spider ball, capture the flag, line tag	Boise
Momentum Sports and Play	Ninja Obstacles, gymnastics, parkour, martial arts, cheer, tumbling	Coeur d’Alene
Nampa Parks and Recreation	Homeschool PE, swim, basketball, baseball, volleyball, dodgeball, ultimate frisbee, and more	Nampa

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Idaho Homeschool Field Trips 

Homeschooling in Idaho offers endless opportunities for educational and adventurous field trips. Here are five unique ideas to consider for a field trip for your family or homeschool group:

Idaho Museum of Natural History: Located on the Idaho State University campus in Pocatello, this museum offers interactive exhibits and displays that showcase Idaho’s unique geology and wildlife. The museum also provides educational programs and guided tours.

Old Idaho Penitentiary: Step back in time and explore Idaho’s first state prison, located in Boise. The penitentiary offers guided tours and interactive exhibits that explore the history of Idaho’s correctional system.

Idaho Botanical Garden: This 50-acre garden in Boise features unique flora and fauna from around the world. The garden offers educational programs and tours for all ages, including hands-on activities and workshops.

Silverwood Theme Park: Located in Athol, this amusement park offers roller coasters, water rides, and other thrilling and educational attractions. The park’s rides and exhibits allow students to learn about physics, engineering, and other STEM topics.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve: This otherworldly landscape in South-Central Idaho offers unique geological formations, hiking trails, and educational programs that explore the park’s volcanic history and ecological significance.

Special Education Homeschoolers

Idaho law allows students to dual-enroll with a public school so students with special needs can receive services. This is beneficial for families who want to homeschool but also need the support of the school district in providing services for their children.

One caveat of the law is that students are only accepted for dual enrollment if there is space in the program. If the special education classes or times for services are filled by students already enrolled full-time in the public school, there may not be anything available for homeschooled children.

The law leaves Idaho homeschoolers with options and can potentially provide services that might otherwise be unattainable. Learn more here.

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Idaho Homeschool FAQ

When did homeschooling become legal in Idaho?  

In 2009, Idaho’s legislature modified the education attendance code, allowing home education to exist without the attendance oversight of public schools. Six years later, in 2015, the Idaho Parental Rights Act was passed, protecting the fundamental right of parents to direct the care and education of a minor child. 

Does Idaho have any homeschool funding or grants I can apply for?  

We recommend connecting with Homeschool Idaho, the state homeschool association, to stay current on potential grants and legislation. 

Is Idaho homeschool friendly? 

Idaho is very homeschool friendly due to the freedom the state gives homeschoolers and the deep and diverse homeschooling community. 

Home educators in Idaho can educate on their own schedule, select their own curriculum, use faith-based materials, set their own graduation requirements, and customize materials for gifted students. 

How do Idaho homeschoolers get a diploma?  

Idaho does not oversee graduation requirements for homeschoolers, and your homeschooler will not need to follow the same steps to graduate as a public school student. 

As a home educator, you get to map out your high schooler’s course work, grades, and work assessments and issue them a diploma. 

Is unschooling legal in Idaho?

Yes, unschooling is legal in Idaho. Unschooling allows children to learn through exploring their interests at their own pace. Families who choose this homeschooling option can encourage their children to follow their natural curiosity and learn through hands-on experiences. 

The state of Idaho requires that unschooled students receive an education in the core academic areas of language arts, math, science, and social studies. Homeschooling freedoms in Idaho allow you to choose your delivery method of teaching these subjects.

How do I enroll my child in public school after homeschooling in Idaho? 

The Idaho State Department of Education does not have a set policy regarding the grade-level placement of homeschooled students. Each school district has a process for validating the subject areas your child studied while homeschooling. 

We recommend contacting your local school for a comprehensive overview of their enrollment steps. They can provide the information you need to ensure a smooth and successful transition for your child.