Homeschooling in Idaho? Start with the requirements below.

Idaho's compulsory attendance law, Idaho Code 33-202, covers children from age 7 (at the start of school in your district) until age 16. Kindergarten is available in public schools for 5-year-olds (Idaho Code 33-201), but it is not part of the compulsory age range.

The Idaho Department of Education does not regulate or monitor homeschool education. In its homeschool FAQ, it says there is no list, no monitoring, and no check-ins from the state level, and that it does not maintain records for homeschooling families. You choose your curriculum. The Department points families to the Idaho Content Standards as a reference and says you can decide which standards to teach.

Idaho Code 33-202 does not set a specific number of hours or days for home instruction. The statute does refer to "a period in each year equal to that in which the public schools are in session," and it is not settled whether that phrase applies to private instruction at home. If this matters for your plans, confirm with the Idaho Department of Education.

If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, the Department's FAQ says the first step is to make sure your child is officially unenrolled.

Idaho Code 33-203, the dual enrollment law, lets homeschooled students enroll in courses and programs at their local public school. Dually enrolled students follow the same rules and standards as full-time students, and when classes are full, full-time students get priority.

Keep your own records. Idaho does not require you to file anything, but the Department of Education recommends that homeschooling families keep their own records of attendance, work completion, and similar items.

Public school classes and activities. Under Idaho Code 33-203, homeschooled students may dually enroll in public school courses and programs. The Department's FAQ says this includes extracurricular activities. Contact your school or district about enrollment and policies.

State tests are optional. Your child may be able to take state tests at a local district or charter school, but schools are not required to accommodate homeschool students. Arrangements must be made before the testing period begins.

Special needs. Ask your district about special education services available to a dually enrolled student, and about a Child Find evaluation if you suspect a disability.

Diplomas and college. The Department's FAQ notes that homeschooled students do not graduate with an official diploma from an accredited high school, and that colleges and universities may have additional entry requirements for homeschoolers. Keeping a transcript and course records as you go will help.

Returning to public school. If your child re-enrolls, the receiving school decides grade placement, for example through testing, a review of homeschool records, or provisional placement.