Iowa Homeschool High School Guide

Parent-issued diploma recognized as meeting compulsory attendance requirements. No state homeschool diploma.

Parent-created. No state template.

Iowa public universities accept homeschool applicants.

Program

Dual enrollment through public school district (Iowa Code 299A.8)

Eligibility

Same eligibility requirements as regularly enrolled students; cannot be denied solely because of homeschool status

How to enroll

Contact local school district

Cost

Free (public school courses)

Iowa Code Section 299A.8

What's covered

Sports and Other activities

Eligibility

Same conduct and eligibility standards as regularly enrolled students

Iowa Code Section 299A.8

Iowa offers 4 different ways to homeschool. High school options like dual enrollment and sports access may vary by pathway.

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  CPI Option 1: Licensed Teacher Supervision : You file CPI Form A with your local school district and teach at home under the supervision of a licensed Iowa teacher. The teacher evaluates your child's progress annually instead of a standardized test. You must provide 148 days of instruction in required subjects. Good for families who prefer a professional evaluation over standardized testing.
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  CPI Option 2: Standardized Testing : You file CPI Form A with your local school district and teach at home with no instructor qualifications required. Your child takes an annual standardized test and must score at or above the 30th percentile in each subject. You must provide 148 days of instruction in required subjects. The most common CPI option for Iowa homeschoolers.
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  Accredited Nonpublic School Enrollment : Your child enrolls in an Iowa-accredited nonpublic school that may offer home-based instruction. This is NOT homeschooling — the student is a school student under the school's authority. The accredited school provides oversight, sets curriculum, and handles assessment and reporting. This is the only pathway eligible for Iowa's ESA program. Best for families who want structured school support and ESA funding.
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  Option 4: Independent Private Instruction (IPI) : You teach at home with almost no oversight and no reporting obligations. No notification required, no standardized testing, no teacher evaluation, no progress reports, and no instructor qualifications required. No minimum instructional days. The only obligation is to respond to a written request from the superintendent with identifying information. The least regulated option in Iowa.

Our wizard helps you choose the right one. Compare all pathways for Iowa