How to homeschool in Idaho

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: No

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: No

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Idaho homeschooling laws and options

Idaho offers flexibility when it comes to homeschooling. Parents in Idaho have one main legal option for homeschooling under the state’s compulsory education law. This allows you to educate your child at home, provided they receive instruction in the required subjects.

Compulsory education in Idaho requires children between the ages of 7 and 17 to attend school. However, homeschooling families have the freedom to decide how to meet state educational requirements.

Idaho law requires homeschoolers to teach core subjects, including mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies.

Unlike some states, Idaho does not require families to register with the state or submit curricula for approval. However, it’s important to document your child’s progress to create a record of their education.

For more details, check out the Idaho State Department of Education's website.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Idaho

Homeschooling in Idaho gives families the flexibility to design personalized learning experiences with minimal state oversight. Here’s how to get started:

Understand Idaho homeschooling laws. Idaho does not require parents to submit notice or reports, but it’s important to ensure your child receives instruction in core subjects like math, language arts, science, and social studies.
Withdraw from public or private school (suggested). Although Idaho does not require formal notification for homeschooling, it's a good idea to notify the school to avoid any confusion or truancy issues.
Choose a method and curriculum. Explore different teaching styles and curricula to find the best fit for your child. Many families in Idaho love Time4Learning for its flexibility and comprehensive subject coverage.
Create a learning plan. Develop a schedule and plan lessons to stay on track with your child’s educational goals. The Activity Planner in Time4Learning is a great resource for organizing your homeschool schedule.
Keep records. While Idaho does not require homeschoolers to submit records, maintaining work samples, attendance logs, and progress reports is good practice. Time4Learning’s automated grading and recordkeeping tools can help you stay organized.
Connect with homeschool communities. Join local or online homeschooling groups for advice, resources, and social activities to enhance your experience! Homeschool co-ops and support networks are a great way to build connections and share ideas.

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Idaho's high school graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschooling families in Idaho are responsible for setting their own graduation requirements. There are no statewide guidelines for homeschoolers regarding credit hours or specific courses for high school graduation.

Once a student completes their home education, parents can issue a homeschool diploma. For additional formality, you can also create detailed transcripts to demonstrate the coursework completed.

Some parents choose to align their curriculum with Idaho's public school graduation requirements, which include:

4 credits of English
3 credits of math
2 credits of science
1 credit of health

For more guidance, consult the Idaho State Department of Education Graduation Requirements.

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Idaho’s standardized test requirements for homeschoolers

Idaho law does not require homeschoolers to participate in standardized testing. While testing is optional, many families choose to administer standardized tests to track progress and prepare for college admissions.

Testing options include national exams like the SAT, ACT, or PSAT, which can be scheduled at local testing centers.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Idaho

Homeschoolers in Idaho have successfully applied and gained admission to colleges across the country. The key to a smooth application process is organization and preparation.

Here’s how to stand out as a homeschool applicant:

Build an impressive transcript by documenting courses, grades, and extracurricular activities.
Submit standardized test scores, such as SAT or ACT results.
Include a portfolio showcasing achievements, community service, or unique learning experiences.
Write a compelling personal statement highlighting your homeschooling experience and self-directed learning.

Time4Learning offers a variety of parent tools and resources to streamline this process. These include lesson planning tools, detailed progress reports, and support for creating transcripts to ensure a well-documented and organized educational experience.

Many Idaho colleges and universities welcome homeschool applicants, so don’t hesitate to reach out to individual admissions offices for guidance.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Idaho

Currently, Idaho does not offer an education savings account (ESA) program for families, including those who homeschool. While ESAs are proposed or active in several states, Idaho does not have a statewide ESA program in place at this time. Families interested in funding options for homeschooling should stay updated on legislative developments or alternative funding programs, which can be tracked through resources like EdChoice.org. For additional homeschooling support, exploring local or state homeschooling organizations remains a helpful option.