Iowa homeschool requirements
Iowa offers several routes; the most common no-oversight option is Independent Private Instruction (IPI), which requires no notice or reporting, while other options add district reporting and assessment.
Program
United States — Iowa · Iowa Independent Private Instruction / Private Instruction
What the Iowa process looks like
1.Establish the program
Choose an instruction option
Independent Private Instruction (IPI) and 'private instruction by a non-licensed person' require no notice or reporting. The Competent Private Instruction (CPI) with-supervision/reporting routes require filing a form with the district. Most families use the no-notice IPI route.
Withdraw from prior school (if applicable)
Withdraw the child from any current school.
2.During the year
Provide instruction and keep records
Provide instruction in required subject areas. Under IPI there is no reporting; under a reporting/CPI option, keep the records that option requires.
3.End of year
Assess only if using a reporting option
The no-notice routes require no assessment. If you chose a CPI reporting option, complete the required annual assessment (standardized test or portfolio evaluation).
Sources · Last reviewed 2026-07
Take the Iowa checklist with you
The same phases and tasks as a one-page PDF you can print, plus the app that tracks them for you.