Homeschooling in Iowa
Choose your path: Complete independence or public school partnership.
Iowa offers rigorous flexibility through two main pathways: **Competent Private Instruction (CPI)** and **Independent Private Instruction (IPI)**. Families can choose between state interaction (with benefits like dual enrollment) or complete independence.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
5
required
Notification
No
none
Key Requirements at a Glance
- IPI requires no reporting but limits access to services.
- CPI requires filing Form A annually by September 1.
- Dual enrollment is available for CPI students.
- Instruction must last for 148 days per year.
Legal Framework
Iowa Code Chapter 299A governs private instruction.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Iowa
The Waldorf Map lists 1 school and 1 kindergarten in Iowa, 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.
- Kinderhaus Decorah, Decorah
- Singing Cedars, Fairfield
Required Subjects
Must instruct in these branches.
Mathematics
Reading
Language Arts
Science
Social Studies
Filing Requirements
**IPI (this option) requires NO notification**. For sports/dual enrollment access, use CPI option instead (Form A by Sept 1). 148 days instruction required. ESA funds (~$7,600) available for CPI students with additional testing requirements.
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
None required.
How to Get Started
- 1
Start Teaching
Begin instruction in core branches.
- •Ensure you cover Math, Reading, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
Immediately
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓No paperwork
- ✓No testing
- ✓Total privacy
Cons
- •No access to dual enrollment
- •No special education services
Help with the cost in Iowa
| Program | Amount | Who qualifies | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students First Education Savings Account (ESA)ESAIowa's universal ESA became fully available in 2025. Homeschool families can now access state funds while remaining under IPI or CPI. | $7,600 per student (2024-2025) | All Iowa students, with priority given to students from families below 300% of the federal poverty level. | esasforiowa.org |
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
Access is guaranteed *only* for CPI students (Dual Enrolled). IPI students generally cannot play.
Questions about homeschooling in Iowa
Can I switch between CPI and IPI?
Yes. Families often switch based on whether they need dual enrollment for a specific year (e.g., for high school sports).
What is HSAP?
Homeschool Assistance Program. It is a program offered by some public school districts that provides a supervising teacher and enrichment classes for homeschoolers. It requires CPI enrollment.
Do I have to test if I choose IPI?
No. IPI does not require standardized testing.
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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 Iowa records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Iowa tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · IA homeschool law guide