Higher regulationIA

Homeschool Requirements in Iowa

Complete compliance guide — updated May 2026

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At a Glance

Notification Required

Yes

Testing Required

Yes

Portfolio Required

Notification & Registration

Iowa parents must file a Competent Private Instruction (CPI) report with the local school district by September 1 each year. If the parent is not a licensed teacher, a licensed teacher must evaluate the child annually.

Required Subjects

Language ArtsMathematicsScienceSocial StudiesHealth

Key Steps to Get Started

1File a Competent Private Instruction (CPI) report with your local school district by September 1 each year
2If you are not a licensed teacher, arrange for a licensed teacher to assess your child annually
3Teach required subjects for 148 days per year
4Submit annual evaluation results to the school district

Official Resources

Iowa Department of Education →HSLDA Iowa Guide →

Iowa Compliance Checklist

Last verified May 24, 2026

0 of 4 done

File CPI report with local school district
Each year by September 1, submit a Competent Private Instruction (CPI) report to your local school district to notify them that you are homeschooling your child.
View official source (State DOE) →
Arrange annual evaluation by a licensed teacher
If you are not a licensed teacher yourself, you must find a licensed teacher to assess your child's progress at least once per year.
View official source (HSLDA) →
Teach all required subjects for 148 days
Provide instruction in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Health for a minimum of 148 days each school year.
View official source (State DOE) →
Submit annual evaluation results to school district
After your child's annual evaluation is completed, send the results to your local school district as required.
View official source (HSLDA) →

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