Options for Home Schooling in Iowa
Iowa families may consider private (homeschool) instruction as an option for providing their students with an education. This category includes multiple choices and allows parents to choose a pathway that is best suited to their educational philosophy and goals for their child or children and aligns with the instructional needs of their child(ren). Private instruction (homeschooling) means instruction using a plan and a course of study in a setting other than a public or organized accredited nonpublic school (Iowa Code 299A.1(2)“c”). This includes Independent Private Instruction (IPI) and Competent Private Instruction (CPI) options respectively.
Depending on the amount of support and interaction with the local school system desired, the family may begin to review options and narrow their focus on the path most closely aligned to their educational vision. This can include complete autonomy, meaning no interaction with the local school system, to a more involved partnership that can include support from a person with a current Iowa teaching license, dual enrollment for academics, activities or special education service as well as the access to a homeschool assistance program (HSAP), if offered, senior year plus programing, and a range of other support and engagement options.
If you have specific questions about homeschool law, you can contact the Homeschool Secretary Heather Kosikas (heather.kosikas@linnmar.k12.ia.us) or click the links below to learn more about homeschooling options in the state of Iowa:
The Home School Assistance Program (HSAP) is one of the legal options under Iowa law in which a family may homeschool. A school district that elects to provide a HSAP must provide an Iowa licensed teacher to supervise the enrolled families. The teacher must have sixteen (16) supervising contacts with the enrolled family throughout the school year. Eight (8) of the contacts must be face-to-face, with the remaining eight (8) contacts being a phone, e-mail or other contact. A HSAP may provide other optional services.