Iowa Homeschooling

More and more parents in Iowa are joining the millions of homeschooling families in the United States who have chosen to provide a home education for their children. Here you'll find everything you need to successfully home educate your children at home, including information on homeschooling methods, support groups, local and state events, online resources, and much, much more.

What's Popular
Iowa School Districts
A listing of all the school districts in Iowa.
Iowa Inclusive Homeschoolers
This is a friendly, casual email loop for all who homeschool, or are interested in homeschooling, in the state of Iowa.
Unschooling in the Midwest
This group is for unschoolers in the midwest to offer support to other life learning families and to organize activities.
Iowahomeschool
This is a mailing list for people who home school or are thinking of homeschooling in Iowa, kids and parents alike. Here you can exchange ideas, support each other, and share resources and information.
Homeschool Iowa Kids
Penpal and discussion group for homeschooled kids in Iowa.
Iowa Department of Education
This is the official website of the Iowa Department of Education.
Report of Portfolio Assessment Results Form
This optional form is offered to make the portfolio evaluator's job much easier. It provides an efficient tool to assure that all of the required information is included in the portfolio evaluation results report.
Wellspring Christian Resources
10465 Hickman Rd Des Moines, IA 50322 Phone: 515-251-4008 Browse through homeschooling materials, curricula, supplies, and books. You'll also find Christian materials, books, and music.
299A.1 Private instruction.
The parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child of compulsory attendance age who places the child under private instruction shall provide, unless otherwise exempted, competent private instruction in accordance with this chapter. A parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child of compulsory attendance age who places the child under private instruction which is not competent private instruction, or otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of this chapter, is subject to the provisions ...
Certificate of Immunization Exemption
This document must be filed with your CPI form if you intend to use the exemption for immunizations. Those using IPI or CPI Option 2 with Opt-Out do not need to file immunization records.
Competent Private Instruction Report
The Competent Private Instruction Report is also published annually by the Department of Education. All homeschooling parents in Iowa using the Competent Private Instruction (CPI) Option 1 or Competent Private Instruction (CPI) Option 2 with Opt-In must file a Competent Private Instruction Report for every child of compulsory school attendance age (6-16) -- if your chid is age six or older on September 15 and younger than 16 on September 15.
The Iowa Legislature
This website includes links to the Senate and House sections, legislators' contacts, pending legislation, and more.
Storybook Hill Children's Zoo
Storybook Hill Children’s Zoo was established in 1976, in partnership with the Optimists Clubs of Dubuque, as an effort to increase the knowledge and understanding of common animals among the people of Dubuque. The zoo is a replica of an American farm from the 1940’s, and contains a wide variety of animals that a person visiting this time period might see on an actual farm.
299.2 Exceptions.
Section 299.1 shall not apply to any child: 1. Who has completed the requirements for graduation in an accredited school or has obtained a high school equivalency diploma under chapter 259A. 2. Who is excused for sufficient reason by any court of record or judge. 3. While attending religious services or receiving religious instructions. 4. Who is attending a private college preparatory school accredited or probationally accredited under section 256.11, subsection 13. 5. ...
Iowa Compliance: Step-by-Step
A short summary of the different ways to comply with the laws.
Featured Resources

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this site.

Better Late Than Early: A New Approach to Your Child's Education
In this book, Raymond and Dorothy Moore look at the research behind learning styles for children. The message of slowing down and responding to your child's readiness is a welcome contrast to the common practice of pushing young children through the ...
Understanding Waldorf Education : Teaching from the Inside Out
Written by a teacher with more than 25 years of experience, this book offers a jargon-free view of Waldorf schools with their philosophy of the importance of a three-dimensional education. Through learning experiences that involve all of the senses, ...
How to Drive: Real World Instruction and Advice from Hollywood's Top Driver
Want your child to be the best--and safest--driver possible? This book is for you! Ben Collins is a professional driver and is a former Top Gear Stig driver. He offers strategies for increasing control and safety and to encourage fun and efficie...
Educational Travel on a Shoestring : Frugal Family Fun and Learning Away from Home
Educational Travel on a Shoestring shows parents how they can help their children learn–and have a blast–while traveling. From researching destinations to sharing activities that both teach and entertain, this priceless guide offers pract...
Learning Adventures
Each book in the Learning Adventures series covers skills and concepts for grades 4-8, with a history-based approach. Each contains a year's worth of lesson plans in a daily format. All subjects except math are covered.
Quote of the Day

There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.

John Adams