Homeschooling in Iowa: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Iowa calls homeschooling "Private Instruction" and provides five distinct legal pathways with varying levels of oversight. This flexibility is both Iowa's strength and its complexity—you can choose zero-reporting independence or full access to public school resources, but you can't have both.

The fundamental trade-off: Independent Private Instruction (IPI) offers maximum freedom with no reporting requirements, but your children cannot participate in public school sports, classes, or extracurriculars. Competent Private Instruction (CPI) with reporting requires annual paperwork and assessments, but opens doors to dual enrollment and public school activities. Understanding these options—and their implications—is essential before you begin.

Iowa Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Your Five Homeschool Options in Iowa

Iowa's Private Instruction law provides multiple pathways with different requirements and benefits. Here's what you need to know about each:

Option 1: Independent Private Instruction (IPI) — Maximum freedom. No notification, no reporting, no assessments. You must teach reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies. The catch: no access to public school dual enrollment, sports, or extracurriculars. Best for families who want complete independence and don't need public school resources.

Option 2: CPI with Opt-Out (No Reporting) — Similar freedom to IPI, with subtle legal differences. No notification or assessment requirements. Uses a "plan and course of study" rather than specific subjects. Also excludes you from dual enrollment and public school access.

Option 3: CPI with Reporting and Assessment — The most common choice for families wanting public school access. File Form A by September 1, provide 148 instructional days, submit annual assessments. In exchange: full access to dual enrollment, sports, and extracurricular activities.

Option 4: CPI with Parent-Selected Teacher Supervision — Same as Option 3, plus oversight from a licensed Iowa teacher you select. The teacher contacts your student twice per 45-day period (once face-to-face). More oversight, but may provide valuable guidance for some families.

Option 5: Home School Assistance Program (HSAP) — Public school district assigns a licensed teacher to support your homeschool. Districts receive partial funding for HSAP students. Programs vary significantly by district, and not all districts offer HSAPs.

Comparing Your Options

How to Start Homeschooling in Iowa

Assessment Requirements (CPI with Reporting)

If you choose CPI with reporting (Options 3-5), annual assessments become part of your homeschool year. Here's how they work:

When Required: Assessments begin the year your child turns 7. Conduct the assessment by May 31 and submit results to your school district by August 1.

Subjects Tested: - Grades K-4: Reading, language arts, mathematics - Grades 5+: Add science and social studies

Three Assessment Options:

1. Report Card — From an accredited school (if your student takes classes elsewhere). A passing grade demonstrates adequate progress.

2. Portfolio Review — A licensed teacher evaluates work samples and writes a narrative assessment. The evaluator must hold an appropriate Iowa teaching license for your child's grade level. Many families network to find "friendly" evaluators experienced with homeschoolers.

3. Standardized Testing — Choose from state-approved tests like the Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test, or others. A test administrator with a bachelor's degree administers the test.

Adequate Progress Standard: Scores must be above the 30th percentile nationally in ALL tested areas, PLUS show either 6 months of progress from the previous year OR be at/above grade level for age.

If Progress Is Inadequate: You may submit an alternate assessment. If still insufficient, your student must enroll in an accredited school unless the Iowa DOE approves a remediation plan (up to 1 year).

Dual Enrollment: Access to Public School Resources

One of Iowa's significant benefits for CPI families is dual enrollment—the ability to access public school classes, sports, and activities while homeschooling.

What Dual Enrollment Offers: - Take individual academic classes at your local public school - Participate in sports and athletics - Access extracurricular activities - Use school facilities and resources

Eligibility: Only available to CPI students who file Form A. IPI students cannot dual-enroll.

Key Deadlines: - September 15: Deadline to request dual enrollment for the school year

Enrollment Limits: Your homeschool student can take up to 3/4 of a full-time course load at public school while maintaining homeschool status. Beyond that, they're considered a public school student.

Fees: Schools cannot charge comprehensive enrollment fees to dual-enrolled students. They may charge activity fees for specific extracurriculars.

Sports Participation Note: Student athletes face mandatory waiting periods before participating in sports if they transfer between districts. Check IHSAA (Iowa High School Athletic Association) rules for specific eligibility requirements.

Home School Assistance Program (HSAP)

The Home School Assistance Program represents Iowa's most structured homeschool option. Through HSAP, your local school district assigns a licensed teacher to support your homeschool.

What HSAP Provides: - Access to a licensed teacher for guidance and support - Some districts provide curriculum materials - Connection to school district resources - Typically includes assessment administration

How It Works: Districts receive approximately 30% of per-pupil funding for HSAP students. Programs vary significantly—some offer substantial support while others provide minimal services. Contact your district to understand what their specific HSAP includes.

Important Considerations: - Not all districts offer HSAP programs - Quality and services differ dramatically by district - You lose some autonomy compared to independent options - Best for families who want more structure and support

Before enrolling, ask your district detailed questions about their specific HSAP offerings, expectations, and support services.

Understanding Iowa's ESA Program

Iowa's Students First Education Savings Account provides $7,988 per student for the 2025-2026 school year. However, there's a critical limitation homeschool families must understand:

The ESA does NOT cover homeschooling.

Iowa's ESA is exclusively for students enrolled full-time at accredited private schools. You must attend classes for at least 75% of a full-time schedule at a qualifying private school to use ESA funds.

What This Means for Homeschoolers: - Traditional homeschooling expenses are not eligible - You cannot use ESA for curriculum, tutoring, or educational materials - Enrolling in ESA means leaving homeschool status

Alternative for Iowa Homeschoolers: Iowa offers a tax credit worth 25% of expenditures (maximum $500 per student) for tuition, textbooks, and qualifying educational expenses. This provides modest financial support without requiring private school enrollment.

Essential Records for CPI Reporting

High School and College Preparation

Parent-Issued Diplomas: Iowa homeschool parents issue their own diplomas. There's no state-provided homeschool diploma. Document high school coursework thoroughly through transcripts listing courses, grades, and credits.

College Admission: Iowa colleges, including the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, welcome homeschool applicants. Both institutions have experience evaluating homeschool transcripts and understand parent-issued diplomas.

Key elements for college applications: - Comprehensive transcript documenting courses and grades - SAT or ACT scores - Letters of recommendation - Documentation of extracurricular activities - Course descriptions for unique or advanced courses

Senior Year Plus Program: Iowa's dual enrollment program allows high school students to take college courses. Homeschool students in CPI reporting options can participate, earning both high school and college credit. This strengthens college applications by demonstrating readiness for college-level work.

Special Needs Homeschooling

Iowa provides options for families homeschooling children with special needs, though there are important limitations to understand.

IEP and Special Education: Homeschool students don't automatically receive public school special education services. However, families who dual-enroll can potentially access services while maintaining homeschool status for most instruction.

SF 496 Protections: Recent legislation provides certain protections for homeschool families of special needs children, clarifying rights and procedures.

Evaluation Requirements: If a homeschooled student previously received special education services and those services ceased, a new initial evaluation is required to restart services.

Resources: - Iowa IDEA Information website provides guidance on special education law - Local districts can provide information about available services - Homeschool Iowa offers special needs resources and community connections

For many families, homeschooling provides the flexibility to customize education for children with learning differences in ways public school IEPs cannot match.

The Bottom Line

Iowa's five homeschool options give families genuine choice—from complete independence to structured public school support. The key is understanding the trade-offs before you commit.

If maximum freedom matters most and you don't need public school sports or activities, IPI offers that with no reporting requirements. If you want dual enrollment access, sports participation, or the security of formal assessments, CPI with reporting provides that structure.

Your first step: decide which pathway fits your family's needs. Then, if choosing a reporting option, prepare to file Form A by September 1 for the upcoming school year.