For those of you who have been following the state laws, anxiously awaiting your state to come up, I promise I’m working on them! I have taken a detour recently to discuss homeschooling vs. public education. Perhaps you’ve seen the latest education and homeschooling blogs? Anyhow, for those of you who are waiting, we are back to working on our states in alphabetical order. If there’s something you’d specifically like to see. . .just ask?
This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system.
Iowa state allows two options for home schooling families. The first is for the family to establish a home school. The second option is to establish a home school that is supervised by a licensed teacher. (It should be noted that if one of the parents is a certified teacher, the parent can be the supervising teacher for the home school.)
Compulsory Age: Children who are 6 years old by September 15 must begin school. Children who are 16 on or after September 15 are also under the compulsory attendance law for the rest of the school year.
Attendance: Attendance for home schooled students is the same as it is for public school: 148 days, and at least 37 days per quarter.
Subjects Required: There are no specific subjects required, however, parents who choose to establish their own home school without the supervision of a teacher, must have their children tested with a standardized test.
Qualifications: Parents are not required to be certified, however a teacher supervising a home school program must have a teaching license.
Recordkeeping: There are no records daily records required. (Testing or portfolios may be required.
Testing: Parents who operate their own home school must have their child tested or put together a portfolio of the child’s work by May 1. The test results or the portfolio must be submitted by June 30.
If the home school program is supervised by a teacher, the family must meet with the supervising teacher twice per quarter. However, there is no testing required.
Homeschooling Resources:
HSLDA
State Wide Support Groups
The Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators