Homeschooling in Iowa
Tend Wonder makes it easy to start homeschooling in Iowa. This guide explains who can homeschool, how to give notice, what to plan and record, and how testing works. Tend Wonder then follows your child’s curiosity and helps you find hands-on ideas, books, resources and nearby experiences around Iowa. Document your learning together in a Learning Journey, and use Education Coverage to see how your child’s activities connect to learning areas in Iowa.
Requirements
How to start homeschooling in Iowa
Ages and exceptions
You may supervise CPI under Option 2 without a current Iowa teaching license.
Register or give notice
You must submit Form A to your school district of residence by September 1 for CPI Option 1 or CPI Option 2 with dual enrollment or voluntary reporting. Independent Private Instruction does not require Form A. For late filings after a move or withdrawal, the state handbook gives you 14 calendar days to submit the form as fully as possible and 30 calendar days to complete it.
You must provide an IPI report upon written request from the district superintendent or the director of the Department of Education.
Plan instruction
Your Competent Private Instruction under Option 1 must be provided or supervised by a licensed practitioner.
You must provide CPI for at least 148 days each school year with attendance for at least 37 days each school quarter.
You must teach mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies at every grade level under Independent Private Instruction.
Other requirements
You may educate your child at home instead of sending them to a traditional school.
You are subject to truancy prosecution if you do not comply with CPI or IPI laws.
Official resources
- Iowa Department of Education: homeschooling (competent and independent private instruction)
Iowa Department of Education
Sources checked November 4, 2026
General information, not legal advice. Requirements can change. Check the official resources for your family's circumstances.
Financial support
Homeschool funding in Iowa
Our check of official sources found no state funding, scholarship, education savings account or tax program that homeschooling families in Iowa can use.
Programs that don’t cover homeschooling
Your child must attend an accredited nonpublic school to qualify for a Students First ESA rather than remain homeschooled.
Official sources
Last checked November 4, 2026. Eligibility rules change, so confirm with the program before applying.
Your homeschool journey starts with their curiosity.
Discover activities, books, and nearby experiences around your child’s interests. Record their learning and see the learning areas they explore along the way.