Iowa is widely recognized as one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the U.S., offering several distinct pathways for families to educate their children at home with varying levels of oversight. Since 2013, when the state significantly deregulated private instruction, most Iowa families enjoy a ‘low-regulation’ environment with minimal reporting requirements.

Compulsory Attendance in Iowa

In Iowa, children must receive instruction starting at age 6 (by September 15th) until they turn 16. While many families continue homeschooling through high school graduation at age 18, the legal requirement for state-mandated instruction ends at 16.

Homeschool Pathways

1. Independent Private Instruction (IPI)

This is the most popular and least restrictive option in Iowa. Under IPI, you are not required to notify the state or your local school district that you are homeschooling.

• Notification: None required.
• Subjects: You must provide instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
• Assessments: No testing or evaluations are required.
• Restrictions: You cannot charge tuition, and you may instruct up to 5 unrelated students.

2. Competent Private Instruction (CPI) Option 1: Licensed Teacher Supervision

Under this pathway, your child’s instruction is provided by or supervised by an Iowa-licensed teacher.

• Notification: Form A must be filed by September 1 or within 14 days of starting.
• Teacher: The teacher must meet with the student and parent at least twice every 45 days of instruction.
• Assessments: No annual assessment is required because the supervising teacher provides the oversight.

3. Competent Private Instruction (CPI) Option 2: Parent/Guardian-Led

This option allows the parent to be the primary instructor. It is split into two sub-categories:

• CPI Without Reporting: If you do not want dual enrollment or district services, you do not need to file Form A. In this case, there are no mandatory assessments.
• CPI With Reporting: If you want your child to participate in sports, band, or special education services at a public school (Dual Enrollment), you must file ‘Form A’ with the local district. This triggers a requirement for an annual assessment (standardized test or portfolio review) unless the student is under age 7 by September 15.

Annual Assessments

Assessments are only mandatory if you choose the CPI With Reporting pathway. Acceptable forms of assessment include:

• Standardized tests (such as the Iowa Assessments or Stanford 10).
• A portfolio evaluation by a licensed teacher.
• Report cards from an accredited correspondence school.

The Iowa ESA (Students First Act)

In 2023, Iowa introduced the Education Savings Account (ESA) program. It is important for homeschoolers to understand that ESA funds are strictly for students enrolled in accredited private schools.

• If you homeschool under IPI or CPI, you are not eligible for the $7,800+ annual payment.
• Families who wish to access these funds must enroll in a private school. Some private schools offer ‘homeschool assistance’ or ‘hybrid’ models, but legally, the student is classified as a private school student, not a homeschool student, and must follow the school’s curriculum and testing policies.

Steps to Start Homeschooling in Iowa

1. Choose your pathway: Decide between IPI (most private) or CPI (needed for public school sports/services).
2. Withdraw (if applicable): If your child is currently in public school, notify the school in writing that you are withdrawing them to begin private instruction.
3. File Form A (Optional): Only if you chose CPI with reporting to access district services.
4. Maintain Records: While IPI requires no records, it is highly recommended to keep a log of instruction days and a portfolio of work for high school transcripts.

Resources

• Iowa Department of Education - Private Instruction
• HSLDA Iowa State Page
• Coalition for Responsible Home Education - Iowa