How to start homeschooling in Iowa
Everything Iowa asks of a homeschool family, in order, from the state’s own sources, checked October 1, 2026. Each step links to a free tool that does it, and there’s a checklist to print at the end.
Step 0: choose how you’ll homeschool
Iowa gives families 4 legal ways to homeschool. Each has its own steps below. Choose one to see its steps.
Independent private instruction: step by step
Make sure this option fits your family
Unaccredited, tuition-free instruction of no more than four unrelated students; no Form A, no assessment; reports only if requested.
Required school ages in Iowa: 6 to 16: a child who is 6 and under 16 by September 15 (Iowa Code §299.1A); younger children enrolled in school programs may also be covered. Teacher qualification for this option: No qualification required.
If your child is in school now, withdraw in writing
Send the school a dated withdrawal letter saying your child will be educated at home, and keep a copy. Iowa doesn’t require a separate notice under this option, so the letter is the school’s record that your child has left.
No notice to file
Iowa doesn’t require a notice or registration under this option.
No Form A. On request of the superintendent or Department of Education, must provide a report identifying the primary instructor, location, name of the responsible authority, and names of students.
Plan your school year: days and hours
Iowa doesn’t set a number of days or hours for this option.
No minimum days in the IPI definition (the 148-day rule applies to CPI).
Planning about 180 days, as schools do, gives the year a shape and makes a move to another state easier.
Cover the required subjects
Mathematics, reading and language arts, science, social studies.
Instruction in these subjects for students in all grade levels.
Testing or evaluation
Not required under this option.
No annual assessment; families may arrange one at their own expense (handbook).
Keep records anyway
Iowa doesn’t require records under this option.
Our suggestion: keep attendance, a reading log and a few work samples each year. A move to another state, a college, or a question from the district is much easier with them.
Start teaching
Put your books on a lesson schedule, and the planner spreads the lessons across your school days and moves them when a day is missed. Log attendance in a tap, and keep grades, a portfolio and a transcript as you go.
High school and graduation
Iowa DOE does not issue diplomas or keep completion records for homeschoolers; family may create a certificate of completion.
Official sources for this option
Competent private instruction by parent, without reporting: step by step
Make sure this option fits your family
Parent teaches at home for 148 days without filing Form A or submitting assessments; no dual enrollment.
Required school ages in Iowa: 6 to 16: a child who is 6 and under 16 by September 15 (Iowa Code §299.1A); younger children enrolled in school programs may also be covered. Teacher qualification for this option: Parent, guardian or legal custodian; no license required.
If your child is in school now, withdraw in writing
Send the school a dated withdrawal letter saying your child will be educated at home, and keep a copy. Iowa doesn’t require a separate notice under this option, so the letter is the school’s record that your child has left.
No notice to file
Iowa doesn’t require a notice or registration under this option.
§299A.3 says a parent providing CPI 'may meet' the reporting and evaluation requirements. Handbook: this pathway does not require filing Form A, submitting curriculum documentation, or proof of adequate annual progress.
Plan your school year: days and hours
Iowa sets a minimum.
148 days during a school year, at least 37 days each school quarter (§299A.1). Instruction provided on a daily basis; no hour count.
Cover the required subjects
Reading/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies.
Per the Iowa DOE handbook.
Testing or evaluation
Not required under this option.
Not required under the opt-out pathway (handbook). Note: §299A.4(1) states each child receiving CPI 'shall' be evaluated annually by May 31; the DOE treats this as applying only when the parent elects reporting.
Keep records anyway
Iowa doesn’t require records under this option.
Family keeps its own records; none submitted.
Our suggestion: keep attendance, a reading log and a few work samples each year. A move to another state, a college, or a question from the district is much easier with them.
Start teaching
Put your books on a lesson schedule, and the planner spreads the lessons across your school days and moves them when a day is missed. Log attendance in a tap, and keep grades, a portfolio and a transcript as you go.
High school and graduation
Iowa DOE does not issue diplomas; family may issue a certificate of completion. A district diploma is a resident-district decision.
Official sources for this option
Not confirmed on an official page: Apparent tension between §299A.4(1) ('shall be evaluated annually') and §299A.3 ('may meet'); recorded per the Iowa DOE handbook. Check these points with the state or your local school district before you rely on them; everything else above comes from the official sources listed.
Competent private instruction by parent, with reporting: step by step
Make sure this option fits your family
Parent files Form A and has the child assessed annually; required for dual enrollment in the public school.
Required school ages in Iowa: 6 to 16: a child who is 6 and under 16 by September 15 (Iowa Code §299.1A); younger children enrolled in school programs may also be covered. Teacher qualification for this option: Parent, guardian or legal custodian; no license required.
If your child is in school now, withdraw in writing
Send the school a dated withdrawal letter saying your child will be educated at home, and keep a copy. Iowa also asks for a notice under this option (the next step); file it by its deadline.
File your notice
Required.
When: By September 1 of the school year (handbook: by September 1 of the year seeking to dual enroll; within 14 days of withdrawal from an accredited school).
What it includes: Form A (in duplicate, on district forms) to the resident district: child's name and age, period of instruction, outline of course of study (subjects, lesson plans, time allocations), texts, instructor name and address. First-time CPI: immunization evidence and, for elementary students, blood lead test.
Iowa names its own form, affidavit or filing for this. Use that where it’s required; our letter can go with it as a cover letter or a record.
Plan your school year: days and hours
Iowa sets a minimum.
148 days, at least 37 per school quarter. Daily instruction; no hour count.
Cover the required subjects
Reading/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies.
Testing or evaluation
Required every year; see the details for grade 6.
Annual evaluation by May 31: a nationally recognized standardized achievement test from the DOE-approved list (e.g., ITBS Forms E/F, TerraNova 3, Stanford 10, ISASP), or a portfolio reviewed by a licensed Iowa practitioner. Results to the district and DOE by August 1. Adequate progress: above the 30th percentile nationally in reading, math and language arts (grade 6+ also science and social studies) and six months' progress or at/above grade level. Baseline evaluation at age 7 or when newly placed.
Keep the records the state asks for
Required.
Form A and evaluation results submitted; district keeps Form A five years.
Start teaching
Put your books on a lesson schedule, and the planner spreads the lessons across your school days and moves them when a day is missed. Log attendance in a tap, and keep grades, a portfolio and a transcript as you go.
High school and graduation
Iowa DOE does not issue diplomas; a diploma from the resident district is a local decision.
Official sources for this option
Competent private instruction by a licensed practitioner, incl. home school assistance program: step by step
Make sure this option fits your family
Instruction by (or supervised by) a person with an Iowa teaching license appropriate to the grades taught — a parent with a license, a hired teacher, or a district/accredited nonpublic home school assistance program (HSAP).
Required school ages in Iowa: 6 to 16: a child who is 6 and under 16 by September 15 (Iowa Code §299.1A); younger children enrolled in school programs may also be covered. Teacher qualification for this option: Valid Iowa license or certificate from the Board of Educational Examiners appropriate to the ages and grades taught.
If your child is in school now, withdraw in writing
Send the school a dated withdrawal letter saying your child will be educated at home, and keep a copy. Iowa also asks for a notice under this option (the next step); file it by its deadline.
File your notice
Required.
When: By September 1 (§299.4); HSAP by September 15.
What it includes: Form A to the resident district for CPI under §299A.2 that is not in an accredited school or HSAP. HSAP families: Form A by September 15 (handbook).
Iowa names its own form, affidavit or filing for this. Use that where it’s required; our letter can go with it as a cover letter or a record.
Plan your school year: days and hours
Iowa sets a minimum.
148 days, at least 37 per school quarter. Daily instruction; no hour count.
Cover the required subjects
Reading/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies.
Testing or evaluation
Not required under this option.
Handbook: annual assessment optional (may request one at no cost); an HSAP may require it as a condition of participation.
Keep the records the state asks for
Required.
Form A filed; instructor maintains records. HSAP supervising teacher contacts: four times each nine weeks or every 45 days of instruction, two in person.
Start teaching
Put your books on a lesson schedule, and the planner spreads the lessons across your school days and moves them when a day is missed. Log attendance in a tap, and keep grades, a portfolio and a transcript as you go.
High school and graduation
Iowa DOE does not issue diplomas; district diploma is a local decision.
Official sources for this option
Your Iowa checklist
Homeschool Corral · How to start homeschooling in Iowa · homeschoolcorral.com
- Read Iowa’s rules for “Independent private instruction”
- Withdraw from school in writing (if enrolled), and keep a copy
- Set the first and last day, school days and breaks
- Choose curriculum for each required subject
- Start a simple attendance log and reading log
- Make a first-week plan and start
- Read Iowa’s rules for “Competent private instruction by parent, without reporting”
- Withdraw from school in writing (if enrolled), and keep a copy
- Set the first and last day, school days and breaks (meeting the state minimum)
- Choose curriculum for each required subject
- Start a simple attendance log and reading log
- Make a first-week plan and start
- Read Iowa’s rules for “Competent private instruction by parent, with reporting”
- Withdraw from school in writing (if enrolled), and keep a copy
- File the notice (By September 1 of the school year (handbook: by September 1 of the year seeking to dual enroll; within 14 days of withdrawal from an accredited school))
- Set the first and last day, school days and breaks (meeting the state minimum)
- Choose curriculum for each required subject
- Note the testing or evaluation years and deadlines
- Start the required records from day one
- Make a first-week plan and start
- Read Iowa’s rules for “Competent private instruction by a licensed practitioner, incl. home school assistance program”
- Withdraw from school in writing (if enrolled), and keep a copy
- File the notice (By September 1 (§299.4); HSAP by September 15)
- Set the first and last day, school days and breaks (meeting the state minimum)
- Choose curriculum for each required subject
- Start the required records from day one
- Make a first-week plan and start
Questions Iowa parents ask
Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Iowa?
Independent private instruction: No. Iowa doesn’t require a notice or registration under this option.
Competent private instruction by parent, without reporting: No. Iowa doesn’t require a notice or registration under this option.
Competent private instruction by parent, with reporting: Yes. When: By September 1 of the school year (handbook: by September 1 of the year seeking to dual enroll; within 14 days of withdrawal from an accredited school). What to file: Form A (in duplicate, on district forms) to the resident district: child's name and age, period of instruction, outline of course of study (subjects, lesson plans, time allocations), texts, instructor name and address. First-time CPI: immunization evidence and, for elementary students, blood lead test.
Competent private instruction by a licensed practitioner, incl. home school assistance program: Yes. When: By September 1 (§299.4); HSAP by September 15. What to file: Form A to the resident district for CPI under §299A.2 that is not in an accredited school or HSAP. HSAP families: Form A by September 15 (handbook).
How many days or hours do homeschoolers need in Iowa?
Independent private instruction: No minimum days in the IPI definition (the 148-day rule applies to CPI).
Competent private instruction by parent, without reporting: 148 days during a school year, at least 37 days each school quarter (§299A.1). Instruction provided on a daily basis; no hour count.
Competent private instruction by parent, with reporting: 148 days, at least 37 per school quarter. Daily instruction; no hour count.
Competent private instruction by a licensed practitioner, incl. home school assistance program: 148 days, at least 37 per school quarter. Daily instruction; no hour count.
Do homeschoolers have to take tests in Iowa?
Independent private instruction: No annual assessment; families may arrange one at their own expense (handbook).
Competent private instruction by parent, without reporting: Not required under the opt-out pathway (handbook). Note: §299A.4(1) states each child receiving CPI 'shall' be evaluated annually by May 31; the DOE treats this as applying only when the parent elects reporting.
Competent private instruction by parent, with reporting: Yes, every year; see the details for grade 6. Annual evaluation by May 31: a nationally recognized standardized achievement test from the DOE-approved list (e.g., ITBS Forms E/F, TerraNova 3, Stanford 10, ISASP), or a portfolio reviewed by a licensed Iowa practitioner. Results to the district and DOE by August 1. Adequate progress: above the 30th percentile nationally in reading, math and language arts (grade 6+ also science and social studies) and six months' progress or at/above grade level. Baseline evaluation at age 7 or when newly placed.
Competent private instruction by a licensed practitioner, incl. home school assistance program: No. Handbook: annual assessment optional (may request one at no cost); an HSAP may require it as a condition of participation.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Iowa?
Independent private instruction: No qualification required.
Competent private instruction by parent, without reporting: Parent, guardian or legal custodian; no license required.
Competent private instruction by parent, with reporting: Parent, guardian or legal custodian; no license required.
Competent private instruction by a licensed practitioner, incl. home school assistance program: Valid Iowa license or certificate from the Board of Educational Examiners appropriate to the ages and grades taught.
What subjects are required in Iowa?
Independent private instruction: Mathematics, reading and language arts, science, social studies.
Competent private instruction by parent, without reporting: Reading/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies.
Competent private instruction by parent, with reporting: Reading/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies.
Competent private instruction by a licensed practitioner, incl. home school assistance program: Reading/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies.
What records do I need to keep in Iowa?
Independent private instruction: Iowa doesn’t require records. Keeping attendance, a reading log and work samples is still wise.
Competent private instruction by parent, without reporting: Iowa doesn’t require records. Keeping attendance, a reading log and work samples is still wise.
Competent private instruction by parent, with reporting: Form A and evaluation results submitted; district keeps Form A five years.
Competent private instruction by a licensed practitioner, incl. home school assistance program: Form A filed; instructor maintains records. HSAP supervising teacher contacts: four times each nine weeks or every 45 days of instruction, two in person.
Keep going
This is a plain-English summary of the state’s official sources, checked on the date shown. It is not legal advice, and laws change. Read the linked official pages, and check with the state or your local school district if anything is unclear.
Start homeschooling in another state: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming