Homeschooling in Iowa: the law and how to start

Yes. Iowa law calls homeschooling private instruction and sets out the options in Iowa Code chapter 299A. Since a major 2013 overhaul, Iowa has been one of the least regulated states for homeschooling. You can choose:

• Independent private instruction (IPI). No notice, testing or teacher qualifications. You must teach mathematics, reading and language arts, science and social studies. IPI can't charge tuition, isn't accredited, and may include no more than four unrelated students. IPI students can't dual enroll in the public school.
• Competent private instruction (CPI) by a licensed practitioner. A licensed teacher provides or supervises the instruction, and you file Form A with your district.
• Competent private instruction by a parent. You teach without a licensed teacher, for at least 148 days a year (at least 37 days each quarter). Reporting is optional, but filing Form A and an annual assessment is how you keep access to dual enrollment and district programs.

Many districts also run a Home School Assistance Program (HSAP), in which a licensed teacher from the district supports CPI families. Ask your district whether it offers one.

• Choose IPI or CPI. Think about whether you want public school classes, sports or special education services through dual enrollment — those require CPI with Form A.
• For CPI, file Form A (the Competent Private Instruction Report) with your resident school district. The usual deadline is September 1; if you start mid-year, district guidance says to file within 14 days of starting. Include proof of immunizations as the form requests.
• Withdraw from school. If your child is enrolled, tell the school in writing that you are withdrawing to private instruction (and which option), and keep a copy. Under IPI there is nothing else to file.
• Special education: if your child has an IEP, Iowa requires written approval from your Area Education Agency (AEA) special education director before you begin CPI. Contact your AEA first.

Under IPI, you must cover mathematics, reading and language arts, science and social studies. There are no minimum days or hours.

Under CPI, instruction must take place for at least 148 days in a school year, which you meet by teaching at least 37 days each quarter. The aim is adequate progress, and you choose the curriculum.

Iowa doesn't require you to submit lesson plans or a course outline unless you join a district program such as HSAP or dual enrollment.

• IPI: no testing or evaluation is required.
• CPI by a parent: the statute provides for an annual evaluation of adequate progress, but if you have chosen not to report, you don't submit it. If your child dual enrolls, you must provide an annual assessment to the district, typically by June 30.
• CPI by a licensed practitioner: the licensed teacher oversees progress.

Whatever option you choose, keep your own records — curriculum, attendance (for CPI), work samples and any test results. They will help if your child returns to school or applies to college.

Homeschooled students don't receive a public school diploma. You decide when your teen has completed high school and can issue your own diploma and transcript; keep course lists, credits and grades from grade 9 on.

CPI students who dual enroll with their district may be able to take part in Iowa's college-credit options for high school students through the district. Ask your district what is open to dual-enrolled homeschoolers.

Iowa's dual enrollment law lets CPI students who file Form A enroll in public school classes and take part in extracurricular activities, including sports, through their resident district (eligibility rules apply). IPI students cannot dual enroll.

Dual enrollment is also the route to special education services from the district and AEA. If your child needs special education, talk to your AEA before you start, because CPI for a child requiring special education needs the AEA director's approval.

Iowa's Students First education savings account (ESA) is universal for students attending an Iowa-accredited nonpublic school, but it does not fund homeschooling (IPI or CPI). For the 2026–27 school year the ESA is worth $8,148 per student; applications ran from April 16 to June 30, 2026.

Homeschool families may receive some support through a district Home School Assistance Program, which can include teacher support and access to materials. What is offered varies by district.