Below is a summary of Iowa Homeschool Laws to help you ensure your homeschool is compliant.
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Note: The information below is not to be considered legal advice. I’m a homeschool mom with an interest in helping you, not a lawyer. I strongly recommend that you contact your state education department if you have questions specific to your circumstances.
Iowa has three methods for homeschooling:
- Independent Private Instruction
- Competent Private Instruction Option A
- Competent Private Instruction Option B
Independent Private Instruction
Independent Private Instruction is what would be considered a typical homeschool with few requirements.
Can I Teach?
There is no state requirement for you to meet in order to teach.
Do I Have to Notify the State?
No. There is not a notification requirement, however it is recommended that you submit a written notification to your local school so your child isn’t marked absent.
Required Subjects
Iowa’s minimum required subjects are:
- Mathematics
- Reading and Language Arts,
- Science
- Social Studies
How Many Days a Year do I Have to Teach?
There’s no specific requirement for the number of instruction days or hours.
Competent Private Instruction Option A
Competent Private Instruction Option A is conducted by a professional teacher and has additional reporting requirements.
Can I Teach?
Your child must be taught by a licensed teacher.
Do I Have to Notify the State?
Yes. You are required to submit Form A by September 1 of the year of enrollment.
Documentation
The teacher must monitor your child’s progress. Standardized tests aren’t required, but are available for your child if desired.
How Many Days a Year do I Have to Teach?
148 days per school year with at least 37 days of instruction per quarter.
Competent Private Instruction Option B
Competent Private Instruction Option B is taught by an unlicensed parent or guardian, but has additional reporting requirements.
Can I Teach?
There is no state requirement for you to meet in order to teach.
Do I Have to Notify the State?
No. You may submit Form A by September 1 of the year of enrollment, but it isn’t required.
Standardized Testing
Your child will have to take a standardized test each year with results reported to the school district by August 1st.
How Many Days a Year do I Have to Teach?
148 days per school year with at least 37 days of instruction per quarter.
Compulsory Attendance Age
The compulsory attendance age is the age range in which your child must be attending school of some type.
In Iowa, your child must be enrolled if they are 6 years old by September 15 of the school year. Unless they are dual enrolled in public school, they are no longer required to when they turn 16 years old.
If they are dual enrolled and turn 16 years old after September 15, they must complete that school year.
Public School Sports
The Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) allows homeschoolers to participate in extracurricular activities.
Homeschool students may be dual enrolled in public school and participate in extracurricular activities if they meet other eligibility requirements.
A student in a Competent Private Instruction option may be accepted by a school to participate in extracurricular activities without dual enrollment.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully this summary of Iowa Homeschool Laws gets you started on your homeschool journey with your family!
If you’re just getting started, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed.
The Home Learning Kit can help!
It’s a package of handy learning tools to make your homeschool more fun and engaging, curated by yours truly. Check it out!
