Iowa Homeschool Notice of Intent

Legal Foundation: Iowa Code Chapter 299A

Iowa's homeschool framework is built on Iowa Code Chapter 299A, which governs "Private Instruction." What makes Iowa unique is that it offers multiple homeschooling pathways with different levels of regulation. This flexibility means you can choose the option that best fits your family's needs and comfort level.

Compulsory attendance in Iowa applies to children ages 6 through 16. The age cutoff date is September 15 of each school year. Importantly, Iowa does not use the term "homeschooling" in its statutes. Instead, your home education falls under the umbrella of "private instruction."

Option 1: Competent Private Instruction (CPI) - Licensed Supervision

Under CPI Option 1, instruction is provided or supervised by a licensed teacher. This may include:

• Enrollment in your school district's Homeschool Assistance Program (HSAP), if offered
• Instruction by a privately retained licensed teacher at your own expense
• Instruction by a parent who holds a current Iowa teaching license

Students under CPI Option 1 must receive instruction for at least 148 days during the school year (at least 37 days per quarter). The licensed teacher must provide instruction or supervision in the required subjects.

Option 2: Competent Private Instruction (CPI) - Parent-Directed

Under CPI Option 2, instruction is supervised by a parent, guardian, or custodian without a current Iowa teaching license. This option requires 148 days of instruction and students must make adequate progress, but there are no parent qualification, subject, or bookkeeping requirements. Notification and assessment are optional under this pathway.

Option 3: Independent Private Instruction (IPI)

The IPI option, established by law in 2013 under Iowa Code Section 299A.1(2)(b), is the least regulated pathway. Key features:

• No notification required
• No teacher qualifications required
• No minimum instructional time requirements
• No bookkeeping or assessment requirements
• You must provide instruction in math, reading and language arts, science, and social studies

The critical trade-off with IPI: students cannot access dual enrollment or public school extracurricular activities.

Required Subjects

Subject requirements vary by option, but for IPI (the most common choice for independent homeschoolers), you must cover:

• Mathematics
• Reading and language arts
• Science
• Social studies

CPI Option 1, with licensed supervision, follows the standard subjects as directed by the supervising teacher.

Understanding the Key Difference: Dual Enrollment Access

This is the most important factor when choosing your homeschool option in Iowa. CPI students can dual enroll in their local public school to take individual classes and participate in extracurricular activities, including athletics. IPI students cannot. If sports, band, or specific public school classes matter to your family, CPI is the way to go.