Last updated: January 2026 · Approx. 6 minute read
Homeschool Laws in Iowa (2026)
Iowa offers Independent Private Instruction (no oversight) and Competent Private Instruction (with reporting). Most families choose the independent option.
Quick facts at a glance
Notification & registration
Independent Private Instruction (IPI) requires no notification. Competent Private Instruction (CPI) requires annual filing of Form A.
Required subjects in Iowa
Iowa requires homeschool families to cover the following subject areas:
- Reading
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
Hours & days of instruction
148 days per year for CPI
Evaluations & testing
Annual assessment required for CPI: standardized test or portfolio evaluation by a licensed teacher.
Recordkeeping requirements
CPI families maintain attendance and assessment records. IPI families need not.
Legal homeschool options in Iowa
How to start homeschooling in Iowa
- Decide between IPI (no oversight) and CPI (with reporting).
- If using CPI, file Form A by September 1 with your local school district.
- Submit a withdrawal letter to your child's public school if applicable.
- Plan curriculum covering required subjects.
- For CPI, complete the annual assessment by June 30.
Notes & nuances
Most Iowa families now use IPI, which became available in 2013 and requires no state contact.
Frequently asked questions
What is Independent Private Instruction in Iowa?
A homeschool option requiring no state notification, registration, or assessment. Limited to four unrelated children.
When is Iowa Form A due?
By September 1 for the Competent Private Instruction option.
Do Iowa homeschoolers have to test?
Only families using the CPI option must complete an annual assessment.
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