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Idaho Homeschool Information

—Homeschool In Idaho—

Homeschooling in Idaho

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Find Out What the State Says About Home Education

Idaho School Choice

Click above for general information on the school choice.

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Idaho Department of Education

Click above for the state Education Information.

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Idaho Homeschool

Idaho Homeschooling Checklist

  • ✔️ Age Requirement

    • Begin homeschooling between ages 7–16.

  • ✔️ Notification

    • No registration or approval required.

    • If withdrawing from public school, send a withdrawal letter to avoid truancy concerns.

  • ✔️ Parent Qualifications

    • No teaching credentials needed.

  • ✔️ Curriculum

    • Teach core subjects typically taught in public schools:

      • Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies

    • You decide the methods and materials.

  • ✔️ Testing / Assessment

    • No testing or assessments required by the state.

    • Students may take the GED (age 18 or earlier with approval).

  • ✔️ Records

    • Not required, but strongly recommended to keep:

      • Attendance logs

      • Course descriptions

      • Samples of work

      • Grades/transcripts (for college/military)

  • ✔️ Graduation

    • Parents issue their own diplomas and create transcripts.

    • Idaho does not issue homeschool diplomas.

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    • ✔️ Dual Enrollment

      • Homeschoolers can dual enroll in public school for:

        • Individual classes

        • Sports and extracurricular activities

      • May require academic records or assessment

    • ✔️ Special Needs

      • Special education services not mandated for homeschoolers.

      • Some services may be available at parent’s expense or through local schools.

    Enrolling In A Private Accredited Online School Changes Things Somewhat

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    🏫 If You Enroll in a Private Accredited Online School in Idaho:

    ✅ You’re no longer considered a homeschooler under Idaho law.
    Instead, your child is considered a private school student, even if learning happens at home.

    ⚠️ Important Notes

    • Dual Enrollment Limitations: If your child is fully enrolled in a private online school, they may not qualify for dual enrollment in public school programs unless the online school allows part-time status.

    • Attendance Laws: You still must ensure your child receives education from age 7–16. A legitimate, accredited online school satisfies this requirement.

    • Online Charter Schools: If the online program is a public charter school, different rules apply—these are not considered private schools or homeschools.

    Idaho K-12 School Choice

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    5. Private School Tax Credit (HB 93)

    • Effective retroactive to January 1, 2025: Individuals receive tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations supporting private school tuition

    • Not a direct voucher, but provides financial support to families choosing private education.

    🧩 6. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) & Vouchers – Not Active Yet

    • Multiple bills (e.g., SB1144, SB1025, HB164) have been proposed to give families public funds for private or homeschooling expenses

    • However, none have passed so far: the Senate rejected one ESA proposal in February 2023

    Idaho School Choice Summary

    🏫 1. Traditional Public Schools (Open Enrollment)

    • Idaho allows inter- and intra-district open enrollment, meaning families can send children to public schools outside their zoned district without additional cost

    • This is ideal if you want specific programs or higher-performing schools within the public system.

    🚀 2. Charter Schools

    • Publicly funded, tuition-free schools authorized by districts, colleges, or the state charter commission

    • Over 50 brick-and-mortar charters and several virtual charters in Idaho; admissions typically by lottery when demand exceeds seats

    • These schools have flexibility in curriculum and focus (e.g., STEM, arts, career tech).

    🎯 3. Magnet Schools

    • Free public schools or programs with specialized themes (e.g., engineering, performing arts)

    • Approximately 20 magnet sites statewide.

    🏠 4. Homeschooling

    • Fully legal and minimally regulated in Idaho (ages 7–16), with no registration or testing required

    • Homeschoolers independently manage curriculum, records, diplomas, etc.

     

    Homeschool Resources for Idaho

    Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.

    In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.

    Homeschool Legal Defense Association

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    Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney.  Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice. The information provided was assisted in writing by AI.