Homeschooling in Idaho
Maximum freedom with no state registration required.
Idaho is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country, with no requirement to register with the state or local school district. Parents have complete authority over their child's education.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
4
required
Notification
No
none
Key Requirements at a Glance
- No notice of intent is required.
- No standardized testing is mandated.
- You must teach subjects 'commonly taught' in public schools.
- Strong Dual Enrollment law allows access to public school classes and sports.
Legal Framework
Idaho Code § 33-202 governs compulsory attendance and allows for instruction 'comparable' to public schools.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Idaho
The Waldorf Map lists 5 schools and 1 kindergarten in Idaho, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Sandpoint Waldorf School, Sandpoint
- Peace Valley Charter School, Boise
- Rooted Meadows School, Rigby
- Syringa Mountain School, Hailey
Required Subjects
Subjects commonly taught in public schools.
Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Filing Requirements
**No notification required**. Idaho is one of the most homeschool-friendly states. If withdrawing from public school, submit a formal withdrawal letter to prevent truancy confusion. Advanced Opportunities funding ($4,125) available for dual credit. **Sports access**: Yes, but typically requires dual enrollment in at least one public school course. Immunization NOT monitored for homeschoolers.
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
None required.
How to Get Started
- 1
Withdraw from School
If your child attends public school, you must formally withdraw them.
- •Write a letter to the principal stating you are withdrawing your child to homeschool.
- •Ask for a copy of your child's cumulative file (transcripts/records).
Tip: Do not just stop sending your child without a letter, or they may be marked truant.Immediately upon stopping attendance
- 2
Begin Teaching
Start your educational program.
- •Select curriculum.
- •Begin instruction.
Immediately
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Zero paperwork to start
- ✓Complete curriculum freedom
- ✓Access to public school sports/classes
Cons
- •Lack of structure can be challenging for new homeschoolers
- •No state diploma (parent issued)
- •Full financial responsibility
Help with the cost in Idaho
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced OpportunitiesGrantHomeschoolers can access this through their local public school district. Contact your district for enrollment details. | $4,125 per student (grades 7-12) | Idaho students grades 7-12, including homeschoolers. | sde.idaho.gov/student-engagement-safety-coordination/advanced-opportunities |
Amounts as this guide lists them, last reviewed 2025-12-17. The official site has this year's figure.
Homeschool Funding by US State in 2026: ESAs, Tax Credits, and Charter Programs
Sports & Activities
Idaho law allows dual-enrolled homeschool students to participate in non-academic activities like sports and band. Dual enrollment typically required.
Questions about homeschooling in Idaho
Do I really not have to register?
Correct. Idaho has no registration requirement for homeschoolers.
Can my child play sports at the public school?
Yes. Idaho law allows dual-enrolled homeschool students to participate in non-academic activities like sports and band.
Is there an hourly requirement?
There is no set number of hours in the statute for homeschoolers, unlike public schools which have hour requirements. You must simply provide an education 'comparable' to what is provided in public schools.
Get Idaho’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Idaho page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for news when our Idaho page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your Idaho records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Idaho tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · ID homeschool law guide