Taking the plunge into homeschooling can feel intimidating. From lesson plans to curriculum choices to compliance with state laws, it can feel like there is a lot to coordinate. However, understanding state homeschool requirements brings families one step closer to enjoying the freedom that homeschooling affords. Iowa compulsory attendance laws require children to be in school from ages 6 through 16. (Some exceptions apply). Iowa has five options for families wishing to homeschool.
Iowa Homeschool Mandates for the Five Options
1. Homeschooling through Independent Private Instruction (IPI)
To homeschool through an IPI, parents must:
- Teach the required subjects of math, reading, language arts, science, and social studies.
- Be willing to provide the department of education with information on the instructor, person in charge of the homeschool, and students, if requested.
- Understand their students are eligible for some public school programs, but not all.
2. Homeschooling through Private Instruction (PI)
To homeschool through PI, parents must:
- Operate their homeschool in a nonpublic school setting.
- Teach 148 days per year and 37 days per quarter.
- Understand their students are eligible for some public school programs, but not all.
3. Homeschooling under a supervising teacher
To homeschool under a supervising teacher, parents must:
- File Form A annually by September 1 or within 14 days of beginning homeschooling. (If a partially completed form is submitted within 14 days, a finished form is due within 30 days.)
- Hire a qualified teacher to supervise the educational program, according to guidelines.
- Understand their students are eligible for some public school programs.
4. Homeschooling with an annual assessment
To homeschool with an annual assessment, parents must:
- File Form A annually by September 1 or within 14 days of beginning homeschooling. (If a partially completed form is submitted within 14 days, a finished form is due within 30 days.)
- Submit annual student assessments, according to guidelines.
- Understand their students are eligible for some public school programs.
5. Homeschooling through a Home School Assistance Program (HSAP)
To homeschool through an HSAP, parents must:
- File a Form A annually by September 1 or within 14 days of beginning homeschooling. (If a partially completed form is submitted within 14 days, a finished form is due within 30 days.)
- Meet any additional HSAP requirements.
- Understand their students are eligible for some public school programs.
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in Iowa
If your children attend a public or private school, you will need to withdraw them to homeschool. Contact your school to learn which forms or procedures they require. In many cases, you will be able to withdraw your children by sending a letter of withdrawal to the school.
Special Education Provisions
Parents of special needs students do not necessarily need to seek approval from the local school district to homeschool their children. Depending on the homeschooling option the family utilizes, homeschool students may be eligible for special services.
Record Keeping
It is critical to follow the recordkeeping guidelines set forth for each of the five homeschool options in Iowa. Regardless of which option a family uses, it is wise to maintain a file for each student containing:
- School district correspondence
- Attendance records
- Documentation of the curriculum used and subjects covered
- Samples of student work
- Any standardized test scores or evaluations
- Immunization records
With a clear understanding of Iowa homeschool laws and the wide availability of resources, homeschooling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. LightSail’s comprehensive language arts platform provides children with the tools to grow reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. At the same time, LightSail’s built-in assessments and progress-tracking capabilities give parents peace of mind about meeting the homeschool requirements of Iowa.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. State laws are constantly changing. Consult an attorney or call your state’s Department of Education for any questions regarding the legalities of homeschooling.
