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Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Idaho

What happens to your child's special education services when you homeschool in Idaho, and how to reach the services that remain available.

What happens to your child's services

When you withdraw your child to homeschool in Idaho, the IEP ends, and because Idaho does not treat a homeschool as a private school, IDEA equitable services do not apply. If you dually enroll your child in a public school, the district must provide appropriate special education services in the public school setting. The district must also offer to evaluate a homeschooled child who may need special education, with your written consent.

Primary source: Idaho Code 33-203; Idaho Special Education Manual (2025) Chapter 10 (IDAPA 08.02.03.004); 34 CFR 300.111, 300.130

How to access services while homeschooling

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Dual enrollment

You may enroll your homeschooled child in any public school, including a public charter school, for dual enrollment. Upon dual enrollment, the district must provide appropriate services to a student who is eligible for special education and otherwise qualified to participate in its programs. Services are provided only in the public school setting.

How to request: Dually enroll your child at the public school.

Idaho Code 33-203; Idaho Special Education Manual (2025) Ch. 10, Sec. 3

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Child Find

Your district must locate, identify and evaluate students with disabilities residing in the district, including homeschooled students, and must offer to evaluate a homeschool student who may need special education. The evaluation happens only with your written consent. If your child is found eligible, the district must develop an IEP offering FAPE for use if you enroll, unless you make clear you will keep homeschooling.

How to request: Request an evaluation from your local school district.

Idaho Special Education Manual (2025) Ch. 10, Sec. 2; 34 CFR 300.111

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Equitable services

Not available to homeschool students. Idaho does not consider a homeschool student a private school student, so IDEA equitable services for private school children do not apply. Dual enrollment is the route to district special education services.

Before you withdraw

  1. 1

    Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.

  2. 2

    Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional.

  3. 3

    Idaho does not require a notice to homeschool on the Privately Instructed by Parent or Guardian pathway.

  4. 4

    Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need them if you re-enroll.

Special education help

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Common questions

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Idaho?
When you withdraw your child to homeschool in Idaho, the IEP ends, and because Idaho does not treat a homeschool as a private school, IDEA equitable services do not apply. If you dually enroll your child in a public school, the district must provide appropriate special education services in the public school setting. The district must also offer to evaluate a homeschooled child who may need special education, with your written consent.
Can my child still get special education help from the school if we homeschool in Idaho?
Dual enrollment: You may enroll your homeschooled child in any public school, including a public charter school, for dual enrollment. Upon dual enrollment, the district must provide appropriate services to a student who is eligible for special education and otherwise qualified to participate in its programs. Services are provided only in the public school setting. Child Find: Your district must locate, identify and evaluate students with disabilities residing in the district, including homeschooled students, and must offer to evaluate a homeschool student who may need special education. The evaluation happens only with your written consent. If your child is found eligible, the district must develop an IEP offering FAPE for use if you enroll, unless you make clear you will keep homeschooling.

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Requirements sourced from Idaho Code 33-202. Last reviewed October 2026