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Homeschooling in Iowa: Start Here

Welcome to the home page for homeschooling in Iowa. If you are searching for information about IA homeschools or want to learn how to get started, you are in the right place.

It is incredibly easy to start homeschooling in Iowa!

Quick Iowa Homeschool Information

  • State notification: None
  • State assessment: None
  • State required subjects: No
  • Common Core status: Formally adopted
  • Required parent education level? None
  • Required Vaccinations? Yes, no records submitted.
  • Estimated homeschool population: 18,376
    • Learn how to get started today!

Iowa Homeschool Overview
And Homeschool Requirements in Iowa

There are an estimated 18,376 home educated students in Iowa

Iowa does not require families to notify the state of their decision to homeschool. IA does not require that home educators take specific subjects or classes. The IA government does not conduct any state assessments of homeschoolers.

Very few states have laws that prevent parents from homeschooling their children. Iowa does not prohibit parents from homeschooling based on their legal or criminal history. Only two states, Pennsylvania and Arkansas, prohibit some parents based on their criminal history or by someone living in the home.

There is no required level of education for parents in Iowa to educate their children at home.

Iowa vaccine information

Yes, there is. Yes, no records submitted.

Iowa Homeschool Law

Iowa State Standards and Common Core

Iowa has delayed the implementation of SBAC tests until the 2016–17 school year and is yet to implement the Common Core in its K–8 curriculum. However, Iowa’s implementation of the Common Core is reaching accredited nonpublic schools which are being required by state mandate to follow the standards.

State Subject Requirements

Requirements depend on the legal option used for homeschooling.

Independent Private Instruction:

Parents must provide instruction in mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies.

Competent Private Instruction 1:

None.

Competent Private Instruction 2:

None.

Important IA legal information links

  • Private Instruction Handbook, Iowa Department of Education
  • Private Instruction (Home Schooling), Iowa Department of Education
  • Iowa Code Section 299A
  • Private Instruction Comparison Chart, Iowa Department of Education

    • Iowa Homeschool Key Resources

    How to Start Homeschooling in IA

    It is not as hard as you might think to start homeschooling in Iowa! Click here to get started.

    Local Homeschool Associations, Organizations, and Groups

    Our local organizations/homeschool groups database is under construction.

    Local Common Core Action Groups

    Iowans for Local Control

    Find Homeschool Curriculum

    We make it incredibly easy to find the right homeschool curriculum for your family. View our list of homeschool curriculum to get started.

    Iowa Homeschool Conventions and Seminars

    Help Homeschooling in IA

    Still haven't found what you need/looking for? We're here to help. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

    Sources
    Sources: State-by-state education laws, state-by-state education bylaws, Dept. Education, local homeschool groups, and the Homeschool Legal Defense Association.
    Legal Info Disclaimer
    The Homeschool Base state homeschool pages and all legal information posted should be used for informational purposes. These pages do not constitute the giving of legal advice in any form.

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