We use cookies for performance, analytics and marketing. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies. For more information, view our Cookie Notice and Privacy Policy.
Homeschooling in Idaho: Guidance for Getting Started
This guide to homeschooling in Idaho has everything you need to get started. It includes an overview of state requirements, a list of top field trips, information on how to connect with other homeschoolers in The Gem State, and much more.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not written as legal advice. Check with your local school board and official Idaho laws before making decisions about educating your children.
Is it easy to homeschool in Idaho?
Idaho is one of the least restrictive states in the nation for homeschooling. According to the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) Idaho is a low-regulation, “green” state. This means that the law is extremely flexible in terms of statutes and requirements. In fact, there is only one, easy option for homeschooling in Idaho. While other states often have multiple homeschool categories and cumbersome processes, Idaho homeschooling is as straightforward as it gets.
Dianna H., a Sonlighter in Pocotello, ID agrees.
Homeschooling in Idaho is a dream come true. We moved here from another state and we love how much freedom we have to make the choices we think best for our kids’ education. There is a large homeschooling community here and that makes it good for the kids too.”
Dianna isn’t alone. Many homeschool families are making the choice to homeschool in Idaho, and take advantage of this flexibility. The US Census Bureau reports that Idaho homeschooling is on the rise, with a 28% increase in recent years.
What are the Homeschooling Requirements In Idaho?
Because Idaho is a low-regulation state, homeschool statutes require very little of parents, giving you the freedom and flexibility to educate your children the way you feel is best.
Idaho law does not require parents to file any notice of intent to homeschool. This means that you are entitled to make the decision to homeschool your child without notifying your local school district or any other government agency. (If you are removing your child from public school enrollment, you may consider notifying the school of your decision in order to avoid any issues of truancy.)
Idaho homeschooling statutes require that parents teach children subjects that are commonly and usually taught in the public schools of Idaho. This is the only requirement under Idaho Law.
How many days are required for homeschool in Idaho?
There are no minimum days or hour requirements for homeschooling in Idaho. You are not required to maintain any attendance records and are free to homeschool any day of the week and any time of the day.
How Long Does Homeschooling in Idaho Take?
While it is not required by law in Idaho, it is a good idea to maintain some records in your homeschool. Keeping records of learning allows you to see exactly how much you and your children are accomplishing. It also gives you a sense, overtime, of the progress your children are making. Lastly, should your fitness as a homeschool parent ever be called into question, it helps to have some records to reflect your commitment to your child’s education.
Again, while this is totally optional in Idaho, we suggest keeping records of the following:
- The days you completed learning activities
- A summary of what you learned
- a list of curriculum and any other resources
- field trip recaps
- extra-curricular activities and co-ops
- samples of your child’s work
Using the Sonlight planner can help you easily organize this information. It includes pages for the most common records that homeschoolers keep.
Do parents need qualifications to homeschool?
There are no certifications or qualifications required to teach your own children in the state of Idaho. As a parent, you are allowed under Idaho homeschool statutes to homeschool your children regardless of your own education level.
Can I homeschool someone else's child in Idaho?
Parents may choose anyone they see fit to homeschool their children. This includes other family members as well as non-related persons. As a parent, you have the freedom to choose who will educate your child.
Is unschooling legal in Idaho?
Unschooling is legal in Idaho, as it is in all 50 states. Unschooling is a method homeschooling families choose to create a completely child-directed education. Because you are not bound in Idaho by any one approach to homeschooling, you may choose to unschool.
What are the homeschool subject requirements in Idaho?
The only real requirement for homeschoolers in Idaho is the subjects you teach. Idaho Code §33-202 requires parents to ensure that their homeschooled children receive instruction in the subjects commonly taught in public schools.
For most families, this generally includes the following subjects for all ages:
- Language arts
- Math
- Social Studies
- Science
How you choose to teach these subjects is up to you.
Do you have to have a curriculum when homeschooling in Idaho?
While there is no curriculum requirement for homeschooling in Idaho, many parents find an all in one curriculum to be an excellent option for providing daily structure and support.
Sonlight offers an easy and comprehensive All Subjects Package that goes well beyond meeting Idaho State subject requirements. Plus, your children will be exposed to quality educational materials that inspire a love of learning.
You may also be wondering about online homeschooling options. While digital resources may play a role in a child’s education, we feel strongly that there is simply no substitute for real books. Learn more about the extraordinary advantages of taking a literature-based approach with Sonlight here.
Do homeschoolers have to take standardized tests in Idaho?
Standardized testing is not required for homeschoolers in Idaho. Homeschoolers are allowed to participate in standardized testing through their local school district if preferred, but are not required to do so.
Getting Starting with Homeschooling in Idaho
It can feel a bit overwhelming as you get started as a homeschooler, no matter where you live. If you are just beginning your homeschool journey, you’ll love our Homeschool 101 Getting Started Guide. It has everything you need to practically tackle your first year of homeschooling.
If you are making the transition from public school to homeschooling, these videos can help:
What do I need to homeschool my child in Idaho?
While the legal requirements to homeschool are minimal, the reality is that homeschooling does require you to find the best approach to educating your child. This goes beyond your curriculum choice. Homeschooling allows you to design a homelife dedicated to learning.
We recommend that you designate an area in your home for all of your homeschool books and supplies. This does not mean that you need an entire room devoted to learning! In fact, many families find that the dining room table, backyard, or living room couch are where most of the learning happens. A designated space allows you to easily keep track of all your learning resources.
At what age is school mandatory in Idaho?
Idaho law requires children ages 7-16 to be in school. This also applies to homeschool. While some states allow for a graduation exception to compulsory school age, Idaho does not. This means that even if your child graduates from your high school homeschool program before their sixteenth birthday, they are still subject to compulsory school until they turn 16.
Can you skip kindergarten in Idaho?
School attendance is not required in Idaho prior to age 7. This means that you may skip kindergarten. However, many families find some sort of early learning to be valuable and fun for younger children in the family. We recommend taking a gentle approach to early learning in the preschool and kindergarten years.
If you are considering homeschooling prior to first grade, take a look at Sonlight’s three early years programs:
How long can you homeschool a child in Idaho?
One of the beautiful things about homeschooling is the flexibility you have to choose what is right for your children as they grow and develop. Some families choose to homeschool all the way through K-12. Others may only homeschool for a year or two, and then opt to return to a traditional classroom. In Idaho, you have the flexibility to homeschool for as little or as long as you feel is appropriate for your child.
Must-see Idaho Field Trips for Homeschoolers
Homeschooling in Idaho provides ample opportunity to explore and learn outside your home as well. Idaho boasts a number of wonderful field trip opportunities for learning and fun.
Here are just a few of the many options for field trips in Idaho:
- Discovery Center Of Idaho
- Idaho Botanical Garden
- Tribal Museum
- Idaho State Historical Museum
- Boise Art Museum
- Idaho Potato Museum
- Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
- Ponderosa State Park
- Idaho Museum Of Natural History
- Yellowstone National Park
- The Peregrine Fund
- Old Idaho Penitentiary
A great way to keep track of your field trips is with our free printable field trip log. It’s an excerpt from the Sonlight homeschool planner and is a great way to document your homeschool on the go.
Financial Considerations for Homeschooling in Idaho
The reality is that homeschooling in any state can cost as much or as little as you like. In general, it costs between $500 to $2500 a year, on average, to homeschool one child. This may seem like a wide range, but there are many factors to evaluate when it comes to the dollars and cents of homeschooling.
How much does it cost to homeschool in Idaho?
Does Idaho pay for homeschooling?
How can I homeschool in Idaho for free?
Partnering with Schools in Idaho
Idaho is an incredibly versatile state in allowing homeschooled children access to public school opportunities. Students may enroll part time in classes offered at their local school. They may participate in extracurricular activities through the public school, including sports. Special education services are also available to homeschooling families.
Christian Homeschooling in Idaho
Many parents make the decision to homeschool for the opportunity to include a Christian worldview in their homeschool education. This typically includes the following:
- The Bible as a part of the curriculum
- Christian biographies as a part of literature
- Prayer for missionaries
- Educational discussions through the lens of faith
Sonlight homeschool curriculum already has each of these Christian components. Sonlight is the original and the standard for Christian literature-based homeschool curriculum.
If you are a Christian homeschooler in Idaho, the Homeschool Idaho website is a resource dedicated to supporting homeschooling families in the state. They offer support and resources for homeschoolers, including legal support, homeschool conventions, events, and even a curriculum swap!
Finding Homeschool Community in Idaho
Ask any homeschooler further along in their homeschooling journey, and they will tell you how important it is to find a homeschool community. A local community provides social opportunities for your kids, a learning co-op and even homeschool parent mentors. The value of the increased support and encouragement that comes from connecting with other homeschoolers should not be underestimated.
Homeschool Idaho has an annual convention that brings homeschoolers together from around the state. Many Idaho parents find this to be an excellent opportunity to find and connect with other local homeschoolers.
Sonlight can also help you connect with other Idaho homeschoolers. Our Sonlight Connections Page will help you find an in-person homeschool group in Idaho. Also, consider joining our Sonlight Facebook group to help connect with other families homeschooling in Idaho.
Homeschooling High School in Idaho
The requirements for homeschooling high school in Idaho are the same as any other grade level. Even in the high school years, you have the freedom to choose how you educate your child, and ultimately, what will be required in order to graduate from your homeschool.
Because the only requirement for homeschooling in Idaho is that you teach the same basic subjects as the public school system, many parents find it helpful to consider state graduation requirements as they create a plan for high school learning.
A Typical High School Course Of Study in Idaho
Public school graduation requirements in Idaho include the following:
- Language Arts - 4 years
- Mathematics - 3 years
- Science - 3 years
- Social Studies - 3 years
- Government/Economics - 1 year
- Humanities - 1 year
- Electives - 4 years
- Communication - 1 semester
- Health - 1 semester
You choose your high school course of study in Idaho. It may look similar to the public school graduation requirements listed above, or not. As a homeschooler in Idaho, you determine what best meets your high schooler’s learning needs and graduation requirements.
If you are looking for a dynamic and engaging program for your high schooler, Sonlight has a variety of high school options that more than meet the state requirements for high school education and graduation.
High School Transcripts
Another consideration for parents homeschooling high schoolers in Idaho is transcripts. If your child is considering any type of post-secondary education, you will need to prepare a high school transcript for their records.
The good news is, Sonlight has everything you need to create an excellent high school transcript for your graduate.
REQUEST A FREE CATALOG
Find your ideal homeschool curriculum in the pages of Sonlight's free catalog. Browse Sonlight's award-winning literature-based curriculum and academically excellent products in all subjects—for all grades.
