Homeschooling in Iowa
Iowa
Explore Homeschooling helps you take an overview look at homeschooling requirements and guidelines in Iowa. Homeschooling in Iowa is a bit like walking through a corn maze with multiple exit routes that occasionally intersect, leading to the same destination, but have strict requirements for each route. The U.S. is the leading producer of corn in the world, producing over 15.1 billion bushels each year. Iowa lays claim to being the leading producer of corn within the U.S., contributing 2.7 billion bushels of corn each year as a state. Students with an interest in agriculture or simply a taste for popcorn will be thrilled to homeschool here!
Snapshot of Requirements
Complexity
Iowa offers five ways in which you can legally homeschool, with varying requirements and guidelines. Homeschooling in this state will require detailed research to be sure you are in compliance. Iowa ranks as a more challenging state to homeschool in.Teaching
Parents are not required to hold a teaching certificate in Iowa, however, some of the homeschool options will require supervision or instruction by a certified teacher. Parents will need to provide at least 148 days of instruction and educate in the following subjects: math, reading and language arts, science, and social studies. Other homeschool options have more detailed instruction requirements.
Testing
Most of Iowa's homeschool options do not require standardized testing or assessments. Your local school district, however, may make inquiries regarding your student's educational progress. Two Iowa homeschool options do require regular assessments.Registration
Two of Iowa's homeschool options do not require notice of intent; the remaining three options do require annual notice of intent.Grade Level
Homeschooling is allowed in all grades. Iowa requires children between the ages of 6 and 16 to be schooled.Reporting
Iowa has no reporting required in some homeschool options while some reporting is required in others. Iowa also requires immunization records or exemptions for most homeschool options.
Advice For Homeschooling In Iowa
With five different options for homeschool, you have the freedom to choose the structure best suited for your family’s needs. Be sure to have a full understanding of each option’s legal obligations before starting your homeschool program. While record keeping is not mandatory for every homeschooling option, good records will benefit your child in many future endeavors. Continuing their education, entering the military, or passing a background check for employment will all require some level of proof of education. Prepare well for this by being diligent to track attendance and keep record of curriculum utilized, test results, and any other documents showing your child has received a solid education.
QUICK FACTS
Over 40,000 students homeschool in the Hawkeye State of Iowa!
Iowa has an array of co-ops and tutorials for the homeschoolers!
Iowa parents have had the right to homeschool since 1991.
Explore Homeschooling Community Kindness Ideas
Looking for field trip ideas? Follow the link below to explore how to use field trips as a platform for acts of kindness in your community.
FOCUS THIS MONTH
History Museums
Do you ever wonder if your field trips are effective? With this download, you'll learn how to plan a history field trip, what to take along with you, and how to follow up on the trip with activities to reinforce learning. We've also included activity worksheets to use while on the field trip to help you make the most of your hands-on history exploration!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Nature Study
How do you handle nature studies when nature isn't your thing? You find help! This download defines and describes nature studies, provides a list of materials you need, offers practical ideas for implementing a nature study, and includes a book list for reinforcement. We've even included worksheets to guide you each step of the way.
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Aquariums & Zoos
Zoos and aquariums are always fun to visit. But, with a little extra time and energy investment, you can turn your visit into an academically enriching activity! In this download, you'll find tips for planning your trip well, activities to complete during your visit, follow-up activities discussion guides, and a list of books to reinforce what your students have learned.
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Libraries
Did you know that you can turn something as simple as a trip to the library into a delightful field trip? In this download, you'll learn how to lay the groundwork for a fun trip, discover all of the exciting ways to enjoy a library visit, and find age-appropriate follow-up activities.
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Historical Sites
Historical sites bring history to life in amazing ways. With so many options available, it might feel overwhelming to try to plan a trip. This month's download is here to help! Find tips for planning, carrying out, and following up on a historical site visit—then get ready to enjoy!
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Outdoor Family Fun
A summer break from formal curriculum is a healthy and good thing. But, you can still keep your child learning, even during the break! In this e-book, you'll find tips for ways to combine summer learning and summer fun.
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Art Museums
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Art Museum Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next art museum field trip. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Community Kindness
Have you heard of the Random Acts of Kindness movement (RAK)? That's what this month's field trip focus is all about!
In this Community Kindness Activity Guide, you'll find suggestions for showing kindness to people in your community. You'll also discover volunteer options for every stage of learning. Download your e-book today, and start planning your RAK fun!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
My Town
How much do you know about your town? Notebooking can be a great way to process through learning about your city or town! In this My Town Activity E-Book, you'll find suggestions for completing notebooking activities to help you learn about both the geography and history of your community, town, or city. When you complete all of the research, you can add a cover and use a binder or folder to create a lasting version of your exploration!
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Indoor Field Trips & Factories
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Factory Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next indoor field trip, with a special focus on factories of all kinds. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Holiday Crafts & Recipes
No matter what the holiday, there are always fun ways to celebrate through crafts and cooking! In this Holiday Crafts & Recipes Activity E-Book, you'll find a wealth of craft options for all ages, as well as recipes you can whip up together. Use the results of your creativity to decorate your home, brighten the day of a friend, or even show appreciation to the people who serve your town or community!
FOCUS THIS MONTH
Science Museum
Do you ever wonder if the things you and your students experience on a field trip really stick? Sometimes the simple act of asking targeted questions, turning the field trip into a game, or encouraging your students to take notes can make all the difference. In this Science Museum Activity E-Book, you'll find tips, activity suggestions, and printables to help you make the most of your next science museum field trip. Download your e-book today, and start planning your trip with confidence!