Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Iowa

Here is exactly what Iowa requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Required
Instructional days
148 hrs/year
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Required

Iowa homeschool requirements

  • Notification: File a Competent Private Instruction (CPI) report with your local school district by September 1. Provides a curriculum overview.
  • Required subjects: Cover Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, Fine Arts, PE.
  • Teacher requirement: Parent must hold a valid Iowa teaching license OR use licensed supervising teacher (who visits at least quarterly)
  • Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
  • Testing / evaluation: Annual assessment required if not using a licensed supervising teacher. Results filed with district.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification and complete the required assessment.

Getting started in Iowa

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, Fine Arts, PE.
  4. Plan for the required annual assessment or evaluation.
  5. Check your eligibility for Education Savings Account (Students First Act), and start keeping receipts for anything you buy for school.
  6. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Iowa

Iowa homeschool families may be eligible for Education Savings Account (Students First Act). Programs like this reimburse or directly fund approved purchases - curriculum, tutoring, testing, and often therapies - against categories the program sets, and every claim has to be documented with receipts. Application windows and award amounts change year to year, so check the official program page before you plan around them.

  • Education Savings Account (Students First Act) - Administered by Iowa Department of Education. Typically covers private school tuition & required fees, curriculum & instructional materials, tutoring services, educational technology, testing & assessment, extracurricular activities. Every claim needs a receipt, and some categories need approval before you buy. Official information: https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/iowa-esa

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Iowa?
File a Competent Private Instruction (CPI) report with your local school district by September 1. Provides a curriculum overview.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
Parent must hold a valid Iowa teaching license OR use licensed supervising teacher (who visits at least quarterly)
Is standardized testing required?
Annual assessment required if not using a licensed supervising teacher. Results filed with district.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa runs Education Savings Account (Students First Act). Eligibility, award amounts, and application windows are set by the program and change year to year, so confirm the current rules on the official page before you rely on them.
What subjects must I teach in Iowa?
Iowa requires you to cover Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, Fine Arts, PE. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does Iowa require?
Iowa expects about 148 hours of instruction a year. Logging lessons as you go is far easier than reconstructing the total later.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Iowa instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

Start free →

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Iowa department of education or county superintendent.