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Homeschooling in Iowa offers families both flexibility and responsibility. Iowa’s two primary legal statutes—Competent Private Instruction (CPI) and Independent Private Instruction (IPI)—create five distinct pathways for educating your child at home. Each option carries different requirements and freedoms, so understanding them will help you choose the best fit for your family.
This structured pathway involves filing a “Notice of Intent” (Form A) with your local district by September 1. Instruction must cover at least 148 days in mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts.
Annual Assessment: Choose one each year:
Note: This option allows high school students access to dual enrollment.
Under this option, a licensed teacher (which can be the parent, a hired teacher, or one provided through a district Homeschool Assistance Program) supervises instruction. You must still file Form A by September 1.
Key Benefit: Exempt from annual assessment requirements while still meeting the 148-day and subject mandates. Dual enrollment is available.
This is Iowa’s most private CPI pathway. No paperwork is filed, and there are no legal requirements for instructional days, subjects, or assessments. While not required, keeping personal records is recommended for future transcripts. Dual enrollment is not available.
IPI operates under different laws than CPI. No forms are filed, but instruction in mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts is required. You must keep certain records and provide them to the district upon request.
Students are officially enrolled in a state-accredited nonpublic school that provides at-home instruction, often through online academies. The school handles curriculum, teachers, transcripts, and diplomas. This is the only option eligible for Iowa’s Students First Education Savings Account (ESA) funds.
This chart makes it easy to compare Iowa’s five homeschooling options at a glance.
| Feature | CPI w/ Reporting & Assessment | CPI w/ Licensed Teacher | CPI w/o Reporting | Independent Private Instruction (IPI) | Enrolled in Accredited Nonpublic School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual State Filing | Yes (Form A) | Yes (Form A) | No | No | No (done by school) |
| Annual Assessment | Yes (choose 1 of 3) | No (exempt) | No | No | Yes (done by school) |
| Subject Mandates | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes (met by school) |
| Record-Keeping Duty | For portfolio option | Recommended for personal use | Recommended for personal use | Required (on request) | Done by school |
| Access to Dual Enrollment | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Eligible for ESA Funds | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Families cover most costs themselves. CPI and IPI do not qualify for state stipends or tax credits. ESA funds are available only for students enrolled in accredited nonpublic schools. To keep expenses low, families often:
If you’re new to homeschooling or want tips from veteran homeschoolers, check out these free resources:
Disclaimer:
All information is current as of August 2025. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for official guidance.
