How to homeschool in Iowa

Options for homeschooling

: 3

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: Yes

ESA Option

: Yes

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Iowa homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling in Iowa provides families with the flexibility to tailor education to their children's needs, but it's important to understand the state's regulations.

Iowa's compulsory school age applies to children between 6 and 16 years old and the state recognizes several legal homeschooling options. Parents planning to homeschool must follow the appropriate procedures depending on the homeschooling option they choose.

Competent Private Instruction (CPI): Parents can homeschool by providing CPI, which may or may not include oversight from a licensed teacher.
Independent Private Instruction (IPI): A more flexible option that doesn’t require notifying the state, but has restrictions, such as no more than four unrelated students.
Private Instruction Exemption: Families with children not enrolled in public or accredited nonpublic schools must ensure their children are receiving private instruction.

Additionally, all homeschooled students in Iowa must receive instruction in the following areas:

Math
Science
Language Arts
Social Studies

Visit the Iowa Department of Education's homeschool page for detailed information.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Iowa

Time4Learning is a flexible and popular choice for homeschoolers in Iowa. Its comprehensive, online program helps families meet state requirements with engaging lessons and easy record-keeping tools. Here's how to get started:

Research Iowa homeschooling laws. Understand Iowa homeschooling regulations and determine which option best fits your family's needs. Time4Learning’s curriculum aligns with Iowa's required subject areas, simplifying compliance with state laws.
Submit required paperwork. File the necessary forms, such as the Competent Private Instruction (CPI) form, if applicable.
Choose a curriculum. Select a curriculum that fits your child's learning style and covers Iowa's required subjects. Time4Learning offers an all-in-one online program with engaging lessons in math, science, language arts, and social studies, designed to meet state standards.
Set a homeschool schedule Create a daily or weekly plan that accommodates your family’s lifestyle while achieving educational goals.Time4Learning offers the Activity Planner tool, designed to seamlessly fit into your schedule and simplify your planning process.
Track progress and keep records. Maintain a portfolio or track your child’s educational progress to meet legal requirements. Time4Learning simplifies this process with automated recordkeeping, making it easy to stay organized and build portfolios.

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Iowa's high school graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschooling in Iowa allows parents to decide when their students meet high school graduation requirements. Some steps you can take to ensure your child is prepared for graduation include:

Tracking coursework: Maintain detailed records of completed courses and credits. Time4Learning’s high school curriculum provides easy-to-use tracking tools.
Creating a transcript: Use these records to create a professional transcript that demonstrates your student's academic achievements.

Issuing a diploma: Parents can issue a homeschool diploma when graduation requirements have been met. Time4learning parents can award their highschooler a personalized diploma using the diploma template in the Parent Dashboard.

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Standardized test requirements for Iowa homeschoolers

Homeschooled students in Iowa may or may not be required to take standardized tests, depending on their chosen method of instruction:

CPI with supervision: Requires annual assessment, which can include a standardized test such as the Iowa Basic Skills Test. Parents may also submit a portfolio review or have their child evaluated by a licensed teacher.
IPI: This option does not require testing, although some parents may choose to administer tests to gauge academic progress.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Iowa

Homeschooling provides Iowa students with distinctive opportunities to excel in college admissions. With a flexible curriculum and tailored learning experiences, homeschoolers can demonstrate qualities like self-motivation, independence, and strong critical thinking skills. By thoughtfully preparing and showcasing your academic achievements and unique educational journey, you can confidently pave the way for college success. Many colleges and universities typically look for:

Transcripts: Include a record of all completed coursework, credits, and grades. As a Time4Learning member, you can download a transcript template directly from our parent portal.
ACT/SAT Scores: Submit standardized test scores if required by the college.
Letters of Recommendation: Ask mentors, teachers, or coaches for personalized recommendations.
Course Descriptions: Provide details of advanced courses or unique learning experiences if needed.
Portfolios: Showcase your unique learning experience and well-roundedness. As a Time4Learning member, you can download and print weekly reports to build and structure your portfolio.

For Iowa-specific scholarships or financial aid programs, visit the Iowa College Aid website.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Iowa

Under Iowa’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program, families may qualify to use funds for educational expenses, including homeschooling-related costs. While ESA funds may not cover all homeschool expenses, they can help with certain eligible costs, such as curriculum fees, technology, or required materials.

For up-to-date information and application details, visit the Iowa Department of Education ESA page.