Idaho Homeschool Laws & Requirements
Is Idaho homeschool friendly? Absolutely yes! Since the revisions made to Idaho’s compulsory school law in 2009, homeschoolers now enjoy greater liberties than before.
Aside from the greater freedom, Idaho homeschool laws allow home educated students to participate in selected public school courses or programs. Learn more about what the requirements are for homeschooling in Idaho!
- Idaho Homeschooling Laws
- Your Notice of Intent
- Homeschool Recordkeeping in Idaho
- Homeschool Graduation Requirements in Idaho
- Returning to Public School after Homeschooling
- Additional Resources Related to Homeschooling in Idaho
This information should by no means be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
Idaho Homeschooling Laws
Idaho home education laws don’t require parents to teach for a set amount of time per day or year. In fact, the only requirement is that parents provide instruction in subjects that are usually taught in school.
Parents don’t need to worry about having to meet certain qualifications to teach their child at home. And they don’t have to worry about keeping attendance records either.
The only time a parent is required to notify a school, is if the child previously attended said school. The parent then has to formally withdraw the child either by going to the school in person, or letting them know in writing that the child will be homeschooled.
Since Idaho requires children between 7 and 16 to attend formal schooling or receive a comparable education at home, homeschoolers cannot graduate from a homeschool program before their 16th birthday.
More information relating to home education rules for Idaho can be found at can be found at A2ZHomeschooling.com.
Your Notice of Intent
Idaho homeschool laws do not require parents to submit a notice of intent. For those who previously had a child enrolled in a public school, the law does require them to officially withdraw their child, either in person or in writing. Some schools may have a withdrawal form to be completed by the parent.
Homeschool Recordkeeping in Idaho
While Idaho homeschooling laws don’t require parents to keep records, doing so proves to be highly beneficial in the future. Especially for those interested in pursuing college, technical or trade schools among other situations. Below is a list of records you should include in your homeschool portfolio:
- Homeschool transcripts
- Extracurricular activities
- Samples of their work (including quizzes and tests)
- Writing samples
- List of books, documentaries or other supplements
Idaho Homeschool Graduation Requirements
Under Idaho’s homeschooling laws, parents are responsible for their child’s curriculum and can issue both transcripts and a high school diploma. Do remember that children under the age of 16 are not allowed to graduate from a homeschool program.
When designing their high school curriculum parents may consider checking with the college or university that their child may wish to attend. This way parents can ensure the coursework required for admissions, is incorporated in their curriculum.
| Public/Private School | Homeschool | |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho diploma requirements |
|
Parents determine when their student has fulfilled graduation requirements and can issue their own homeschool diploma; students of private/online schools may receive diplomas from those institutions. |
| Idaho high school testing requirements | Take the ACT or SAT exam by the end of 11th grade | Homeschool students are not subject to testing requirements for graduation. |
| Idaho high school transcripts | Contact your school district for information on how to obtain high school transcript | Homeschool parents may create their own student transcripts, and may include any information they deem pertinent to colleges, military, and/or future workplace organizations. |
| Idaho high school course credits |
|
Parents determine when their student has fulfilled graduation requirements; for the purpose of creating transcripts, some homeschool parents do assign credits to individual courses. |
| GED eligibility |
|
The same requirements for eligibility apply to homeschoolers as to public school students. |
Returning to Public School after Homeschooling
The Idaho State Department of Education does not provide policy to school districts regarding the placement of student. Parents who wish to transfer their child from homeschool to public school will need to provide the child’s coursework and records for review. It is up to the school or district to place transferred students in the appropriate grade.
Additional Resources Related to Homeschooling in Idaho
Have other questions about homeschooling in Idaho? You may find the following pages helpful.
- Homeschooling in Idaho
- Idaho Homeschooling Groups & Co-ops
- Idaho Homeschool Associations
- Homeschool Field Trips in Idaho
- Idaho Test Prep
Welcome to Homeschooling Guide
Download this FREE resource where experienced homeschoolers share their stories for how to begin homeschooling, understanding your child academically, planning your days, and much more.
