IOWA HOMESCHOOL LAW

Compulsory School Age: 6 - 16 (by September 15)

Iowa state law offers two legal homeschooling options: 1) operate a homeschool or 2) operate a homeschool under the supervision of a licensed teacher.  Under both of these options homeschooling is considered "competent private instruction." 

1. The first legal homeschooling option offered under Iowa statute is to operate a homeschool.  Parents/guardians must complete and file a yearly report known as the "Competent Private Instruction Report Form."  Two copies must be filed with the local school district no later than September 15 or within 14 days of removal from public school.  Iowa law mandates 148 days of attendance per year (37 days each quarter).  Parents have two options for testing/evaluation: 1) provide results from an accepted standardized test or 2) submit a portfolio of the child's work and curriculum.  Either method must be completed by May 1 and submitted to the local school district for review no later than June 30 of each year.  There are no requirements regarding subjects, parent/teacher qualifications, or records.

2. The second option is to operate a homeschool under the supervision of a licensed teacher.  Parents/guardians must complete and file a yearly report known as the "Competent Private Instruction Report Form."  Two copies must be filed with the local school district no later September 15 or within 14 days of removal from public school.  Iowa law mandates 148 days of attendance per year (37 days each quarter).  The parent is not required to have any minimal qualifications but the supervising teacher must be licensed.  The child is exempt from testing, but must meet with the supervising teacher twice per quarter (one meeting may be by telephone).  There are no required subjects to be taught or records to maintain.

Find a homeschool group in Iowa.

View these websites for more information about Iowa homeschool laws:

• Home School Legal Defense Association

• National Home Education Network

• Iowa Education Code for Homeschooling

• Iowa Department of Education

• Iowa Home Education Legal Summary

• Iowa Legislature General Assembly - Annual Achievement Evaluation Requirements and Procedures

Please note: This is a brief summary of Iowa homeschool law and is presented for informative purposes only and not as legal advice.