Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Iowa - a state that offers four compliance options with varying levels of freedom. The popular IPI option requires just 148 days of instruction and no testing. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Iowa offers four compliance options for homeschool families, with varying levels of oversight. The most popular choice is Independent Private Instruction (IPI), which provides maximum freedom with no testing, no teacher qualifications, and no records submission.
All options require 148 days of instruction per year - fewer than most states. Iowa also stands out by guaranteeing homeschoolers access to public school extracurricular activities, including sports, under Iowa Code § 299A.8.
The regulatory framework is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 299A, with the IPI option added later to provide a no-oversight pathway for families who prefer complete autonomy.
Most Iowa families choose Option 1 (IPI) for maximum freedom. Under IPI, you file two simple forms with your local school district and provide 148 days of instruction. No testing, no teacher requirements, and no records to submit. Iowa also requires only 148 days - fewer than the 180 days most states require.
Iowa provides four distinct compliance options. Your level of oversight depends entirely on which option you choose.
| Option | Name | Testing | Teacher Qual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | Independent Private Instruction (IPI) | None | None |
| Option 2 | CPI - Reporting | Annual assessment | None |
| Option 3 | CPI - Non-Reporting | None | Licensed teacher supervisor |
| Option 4 | Private School | Per school | Per school |
The freedom option. No testing, no teacher requirements, no records submitted. Just two notification forms and 148 days of instruction. This is what most Iowa homeschoolers choose.
Moderate oversight. Requires an annual assessment (standardized test, portfolio review by a licensed teacher, or other approved method). No teacher qualifications needed.
Must be supervised by a licensed teacher, but that teacher does not need to teach directly - they provide general supervision. Can be a friend or relative with a teaching license. No testing required.
Choose IPI (Option 1) if you want maximum freedom with minimal paperwork. Choose Option 2 if you want annual testing feedback. Choose Option 3 if you know a licensed teacher willing to supervise. Option 4 is mainly for larger groups or co-ops.
Here is the process for the most popular option (IPI).
Submit your intent to provide Independent Private Instruction to your local school district. Include basic information: child's name, birthdate, grade, parent information, and statement of intent.
Submit your curriculum certification to the same local school district. Include subjects to be taught, brief description of approach, and certification that instruction is occurring.
Provide 148 days of instruction covering the required subjects. Keep records for your own reference (recommended but not submitted).
File both forms within 14 days of beginning instruction.
The September 1 and October 1 deadlines are firm. Missing them can create complications with your school district. Set reminders well in advance. If you are starting mid-year, you have 14 days from the start of instruction to file.
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Under the IPI option, Iowa requires two notification forms submitted to your local school district each year.
| Form | Deadline | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Form A (CPI-1) | September 1 | Intent to provide IPI, child info, parent info |
| Form B (CPI-2) | October 1 | Curriculum outline, subjects, certification |
| Mid-year start | Within 14 days | Both forms filed together |
These forms go to your local school district (not the state). Contact your district for their specific forms, as some districts have their own versions.
Iowa requires instruction in specific subjects, though parents have complete freedom in choosing materials, methods, and approach.
Additional subjects may be taught at the parent's discretion. There is no curriculum approval process - you choose whatever materials and methods work for your family.
For college-bound students, covering additional subjects like foreign language, fine arts, and physical education will strengthen their transcript. Iowa public universities (University of Iowa, Iowa State, UNI) all accept homeschool graduates with parent-created transcripts and ACT scores.
Iowa requires 148 days of instruction per year - fewer than the 180 days most states require. This is approximately 30 weeks of instruction.
Hours per day are not specified, giving families flexible scheduling. There is no requirement to follow the public school calendar.
Even though Iowa does not require you to submit attendance records, keeping a simple calendar or log of your school days helps you track your progress toward 148 days and provides documentation if ever needed.
Assessment requirements depend on which option you choose.
| Option | Assessment Required? |
|---|---|
| IPI (Option 1) | NO assessment required |
| CPI-Reporting (Option 2) | YES - annual assessment (standardized test, portfolio review, or other) |
| CPI-Non-Reporting (Option 3) | NO assessment required |
Under the IPI option, you are the sole judge of your child's educational progress. No testing, no portfolio reviews, and no progress reports are required.
Under the IPI option, the only records you are required to submit are the two annual notification forms (Form A and Form B).
Use Blue Folder to track your 148 days, manage your notification deadlines, and organize your records all in one place. Try it free →
Iowa is one of the best states for homeschool sports access. Under Iowa Code § 299A.8, homeschool students may participate in extracurricular activities at their resident district school, including athletics.
Iowa's dual enrollment program provides free college credit courses to homeschoolers through community colleges and universities. This is a significant financial benefit for high school students.
Evaluations are available through your local district. Access to services is limited for homeschoolers, and full services generally require enrollment in public school.
Senior Year Plus is an excellent opportunity for Iowa homeschoolers. Your student can take college courses for free, building both a strong transcript and a head start on their degree. Check current eligibility requirements with your local community college.
Iowa's system is straightforward once you understand the options, but new families frequently make these mistakes.
The September 1 and October 1 deadlines are the most important dates for Iowa homeschool families. Set calendar reminders in August to ensure you file on time. Late filing may trigger truancy concerns from your local district.
Most families choose IPI (Option 1) for maximum freedom - no testing, no teacher requirements, and minimal paperwork.
Form A (intent, due September 1) and Form B (curriculum outline, due October 1). Both go to your local school district.
Yes. Iowa law (Code § 299A.8) provides access to extracurricular activities. Contact your local school about specific requirements.
File as soon as possible. If starting mid-year, file within 14 days of beginning instruction.
Yes. Iowa requires fewer instructional days than most states, which require 180.
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Track Iowa ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the Iowa Department of Education or consult a qualified attorney. For more information, see the Iowa Department of Education and Homeschool Iowa. Last updated February 2026.