Iowa Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Iowa Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes

2 Options for Homeschooling: Independent Private Instruction, Competent Private Instruction

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-16

Record-Keeping Requirements: Yes, depending on which option you choose.

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: Depends on which option you choose.

How to Start Homeschooling in Iowa

Iowa’s homeschool laws are a little complex, but the options provide choices for every kind of family and child. In Iowa, homeschooling is known as “private instruction.” Private instruction is broken into several categories, some with very minimal requirements. Your first step will be choosing which homeschool option is best for you and your family. 

Options for Homeschooling in Iowa

There are two options for homeschooling in Iowa:

• Independent Private Instruction (ISP)
• Competent Private Instruction (CPI)

ISP is the least restrictive, but it also means families give up the ability to participate in some programs. CPI has more requirements but still allows families a great deal of choice, providing access to options like dual enrollment in public school classes and extracurriculars.

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Independent Private Instruction (IPI)

IPI is the least restrictive of Iowa’s homeschool options. It has minimal reporting requirements and the most basic course requirements. Families who prefer lots of flexibility and little oversight will likely prefer IPI. Find a brief overview of how it works below. For complete details, visit the Iowa Private Instruction Handbook here.

How do I start IPI?

Families don’t need to notify anyone of their intent to use IPI or complete any forms. However, to avoid potential truancy investigations, it’s wise to let your local district know you’ll be schooling your children at home using IPI.

Eligibility for IPI

Any family can school their own children under IPI. Guardians and custodians can also use this program, provided they aren’t teaching more than four unrelated students. 

Requirements for IPI in Iowa

It’s very easy to meet Iowa’s legal requirements for IPI. Here’s what you must do:

• Provide instruction in math, reading and language arts, science, and social studies using any curriculum or materials you like.
• Upon written request from the local district’s superintendent or the department’s director, provide a report identifying the primary instructor, location, name of the authority responsible for the IPI, and names of the enrolled students.

IPI Requirements for Immunizations, Evaluations, and Standardized Testing 

Students participating in Independent Private Instruction are not required to be immunized or complete a blood lead test.

Families do not need to file any evaluations or records with the local district or the state. However, homeschool families should strongly consider keeping thorough academic and attendance records for their own benefit. 

TIP: Thorough records will make it easier to provide students with transcripts down the line or help them transition to public school if needed.

IPI students don’t need to complete any standardized testing. However, if you wish your child to complete a standardized assessment, you can contact your local district for a free courtesy assessment.

Competent Private Instruction (CPI)

Iowa’s other form of homeschooling is CPI, which is more restrictive. We’ve provided the basic details here, but you can get more information in the Iowa Private Instruction Handbook here.

Iowa defines competent private instruction as:

• Taking place at least 148 days during the school year and at least 37 days per school quarter
• Provided by a licensed practitioner (Option 1) or parent, guardian, or custodian (Option 2)
• Ensuring the student makes adequate yearly progress. According to the Iowa Department of Education: “Adequate progress means evaluation scores above the 30th percentile based on national norms in each of the required areas … and indicate the student has made six months’ progress from the previous evaluation or is at or above grade level for their age.”

CPI students must receive math, reading and language arts, science, and social studies instruction.

TIP:  Instructors or parents/guardians can choose any curriculum program or educational materials they wish to teach these subjects.

There are several forms of CPI, each with its own requirements and characteristics.

Homeschooling by Competent Private Instruction (CPI), Option 1: Licensed Practitioner

When families choose this option, their children’s education is overseen by someone licensed to teach by the state of Iowa. This could be a person the family hires or a parent or guardian who holds a teaching license. Some districts offer Home School Assistance Programs (HSAP), which may be able to provide local licensed teachers at no cost to the family. Otherwise, families need to cover the costs involved.

CPI Option 1 has some strict requirements:

• Families must complete Form A (see below) by September 1st or within 14 days of withdrawing their child to begin homeschooling in the middle of the academic year.
• Students must receive required immunizations or provide a notarized exemption form.
• Children under the age of 6 must have a blood lead test.
• The supervising teacher must monitor students to ensure adequate yearly progress.

CPI Option 1 students are eligible for dual enrollment in public school classes, extracurriculars including sports, and the Iowa e-Learning Central online program.

Homeschooling by Competent Private Instruction (CPI), Option 2: Parent or Guardian

CPI Option 2 is a little less restrictive, with the ability to opt out of certain reporting requirements in exchange for fewer district-provided benefits. Here’s an overview:

• Parents and guardians do not need any credentials to teach their children under CPI Option 2.
• Families are only required to file Form A (see below) if they want their children to be eligible for dual enrollment in local public school classes and extracurriculars.
• Families may complete an annual evaluation that shows adequate yearly progress and must complete it to be eligible for dual enrollment. (See the Iowa Private Instruction Handbook for more.)
• Students are eligible for the Iowa e-Learning Central online program.
• Students only need proof of immunization or a notarized exemption form to be eligible for dual enrollment.
• Children under the age of 6 must complete a blood lead test.

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 Notice of Intent for Homeschooling in Iowa

This varies by the type of private homeschool instruction you choose:

• Individual Private Instruction (IPI): No notice is required. However, you may wish to inform your local district so you don’t accidentally start a truancy investigation.
• Competent Private Instruction (CPI), Option 1: Families must complete Form A by September 1st. If you withdraw your child in the middle of the year to start private instruction, complete Form A within 14 days. 
• Competent Private Instruction (CPI), Option 2: Families may choose to complete Form A, but are not required to unless they plan to participate in dual enrollment classes or activities.

TIP: To see what’s required on Form A and how to file it, visit the Iowa Department of Education website here.

Mandatory School Age in Iowa

To comply with state educational laws, all children between the ages of 6 and 16 are required to attend school or receive private instruction at home using IPI or CPI.

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Independent Private Instruction (IPI) Vs. Competent Private Instruction (CPI)

Under IPI, families have few restrictions or requirements, but are not eligible for dual enrollment benefits or a district-issued diploma.

Under CPI Option 2, families complete evaluations to ensure adequate yearly progress. These students may receive a district-issued diploma (if they qualify). These students are eligible for dual enrollment if families complete Form A, submit an annual progress report, and provide proof of immunization or a notarized exemption form.

Confused about which option is right for you? Think about whether you may want your children to eventually participate in local school sports or extracurriculars and if a district-issued diploma is important to you. Consider which reporting requirements you’re comfortable meeting as well. Compare all of Iowa’s homeschool private instruction options here.

Iowa Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Students participating in CPI must receive instruction at least 148 days during the school year and at least 37 days per school quarter. 

TIP: The state does not indicate a minimum number of hours per day.

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Iowa Homeschool Subject and Curriculum Requirements

All students must study math, reading and language arts, science, and social studies. However, home educators and CPI teachers are welcome to choose any curriculum programs or other educational methods they like.

Iowa Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

These vary by the type of homeschool private instruction:

• Individual Private Instruction (IPI): No records are required, including attendance or evaluations. However, parents should consider keeping thorough records to help create transcripts or transition children to public school if necessary.
• Competent Private Instruction (CPI), Option 1: Families must complete Form A. If students wish to participate in dual enrollment activities, the teacher must provide proof of academic eligibility through academic records.
• Competent Private Instruction (CPI), Option 2: Families may choose to complete Form A, but are not required to unless they plan to participate in dual enrollment classes or activities. They may also choose to file annual evaluations with the local district, but these are only required for dual enrollment students.

TIP: No matter what homeschool option you choose, it’s helpful to keep thorough academic records.

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Iowa Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

In general, Iowa homeschool private instruction students aren’t required to take standardized tests. However, some Home School Assistance Programs (HSAP) may require students using CPI Option 1 to take these tests.

All private instruction students (IPI and CPI) are allowed one standardized courtesy assessment each year, provided by the local district at no cost. Contact your local district for more information.

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Iowa

Immunization requirements depend on the type of homeschooling:

• Individual Private Instruction (IPI): No requirements
• Competent Private Instruction (CPI), Option 1: Provide proof of required immunizations or a notarized exemption form
• Competent Private Instruction (CPI), Option 2: No requirements, except for dual enrollment. Dual enrollment students must provide proof of required immunizations or a notarized exemption form.

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 Dual Enrollment in Iowa

Dual enrollment allows some types of homeschool private instruction students to participate in programs through a local school district. Learn more about dual enrollment in the Iowa Private Instruction Handbook.

TIP: Dual enrollment can be a terrific option for more advanced high school subjects or kids who want to play sports or participate in extracurriculars.

Who is eligible for dual enrollment?

• Individual Private Instruction (IPI): Not eligible
• Competent Private Instruction (CPI), Option 1: Eligible with proof of academic eligibility from the licensed teacher supervising the student’s education
• Competent Private Instruction (CPI), Option 2: Eligible with completion of Form A and annual evaluations, plus required immunizations or notarized exemption form

What activities are included in dual enrollment?

These vary by district offerings. Students may take public school classes or receive special education services. They may also participate in interscholastic sports or extracurriculars like clubs. Contact your local district to learn more if you’re interested in dual enrollment options.

Resources for Homeschool Families in Iowa

Iowa has many resources for homeschool families to turn to. Homeschool groups and organizations provide support, friendship, and insight and are often a great way to get involved in the homeschool community. Listed below are all the resources we gathered to get you started.

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Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Iowa

Becoming part of a homeschool group or co-op (short for cooperative) is a fantastic way for families to interact with other homeschoolers. Numerous homeschool groups and co-ops arrange field trips, courses, seminars, and other events for homeschoolers. Children and home educators will also find friendships, assistance, and guidance.

We recommend checking online when you begin your search for a homeschool group or co-op. Homeschool Iowa can help you make a connection. Or, take a look at The Homeschool Mom’s roundup here.

Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Homeschool families can benefit greatly from the resources and support homeschool organizations and associations provide. Homeschool associations are typically more formal than traditional groups or co-ops and may require membership fees. These entities often offer access to events, information, resources, legal assistance, and advocacy efforts. 

Homeschool Iowa is a network of Christian home educators. You’ll find educational resources, events, a yearly conference, and more.

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Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Iowa

CPI families eligible for dual enrollment may participate in their local district’s interscholastic sports. Homeschool families also have many other sports options, including homeschool athletic classes and leagues or community youth sports. Ask your local homeschool group for recommendations, or try some of these options.

Iowa Homeschool Field Trips 

There are so many field trip options for homeschool families in Iowa! Consider taking field trips with other homeschool families or groups to enjoy group discounts and educational programs. 

Iowa homeschool field trip ideas include visiting Reiman Gardens and the public art on the campus of Iowa State University. Take a hike on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, or check out the Laura Ingalls Wilder House and Museum at Burr Oak. Des Moines has the Science Center of Iowa or you can visit the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville. There’s much to explore, so take advantage of homeschool’s flexibility and get out there!

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Special Education Homeschoolers

Homeschooling a student with special needs in Iowa can be a more detailed process than in other states. This is because Iowa has more oversight for students already identified as needing special education services.

If your child has already been evaluated and designated as needing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), the state requires that parents gain approval before homeschooling. When might this happen? If your child previously attended public school, had a special education evaluation, and was given an IEP, that would require parents to obtain approval. 

However, if there was no initial evaluation done or permission for re-evaluation is denied by the parents, the state does not require parents to have their homeschooling program approved.

Something else to keep in mind is that most of the funding for special education in Iowa comes from the state, not the federal government. This means it is up to the state to decide whether or not special needs homeschooling students can receive any of the funds to get services. 

One workaround for receiving special education services is dual-enrolling in the local public school. This gives the student with special needs more of an opportunity to receive services while also providing parents with a program that can easily gain approval from the district.

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Iowa Homeschool FAQ

Does Iowa pay for homeschooling?

Iowa does not pay for homeschooling for families who choose Independent Private Education. Home educators are responsible for all costs associated with their child’s education.

Families who participate in Competent Private Instruction Option 1 (Licensed Practitioner) may be able to work with their local district’s Home School Assistance Program to find licensed teachers and instructional materials at no cost. 

How much does it cost to homeschool in Iowa?  

Homeschooling costs vary widely depending on a family’s choices. You may need to pay for curriculum programs, instructional materials, outside classes, school supplies, and more. This can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year, so do your research carefully when determining the potential costs of homeschooling.

Does Iowa issue diplomas to homeschool graduates?

This depends on your chosen option:

• Independent Private Instruction (IPI): Iowa school districts do not issue diplomas for IPI students, nor does the state of Iowa. Home educators can issue their diplomas or work with a homeschool co-op or curriculum provider that does.
• Competent Private Instruction, Option 1: Students who meet the graduation requirements are eligible to receive a high school diploma from the supervising district.
• Competent Private Instruction, Option 2: Students may be eligible to receive a diploma from the district. Beginning in 8th grade, home educators should work directly with the district to learn their requirements and start the process. Otherwise, they may choose to issue their own diplomas.

Is Iowa a homeschool-friendly state? 

With multiple options, including minimal-requirement Independent Private Instruction, homeschool families will find an option right for them. However, in many cases, families will need to cover all costs. Also, IPI students aren’t eligible to take classes or play sports at local schools, so families will need to find other options instead. 

Can I unschool my child in Iowa?  

Unschooling, a type of education in which a child pursues the subjects that interest them at a pace that’s right for them, is legal in all 50 states. 

TIP: Iowa requires all children to receive instruction in certain subjects.

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

Parents who wish to end homeschooling and enroll their child full-time in public school should work directly with the district to learn their requirements and procedures.