How to start homeschooling in Idaho
The legal steps, in order, checked against Idaho law.
Short answer: Idaho lets a parent or guardian instruct a child privately at home. The state has no registration, notice, testing, or reporting requirement for homeschool families. The law asks that the child be taught the subjects commonly taught in Idaho public schools.
Checked against Idaho Code 33-202 on Nov 8, 2026. Compulsory school ages: 7 to 16. This is what the law says, not legal advice.
Private instruction by or at the direction of a parent or guardian
Families who want to direct their child's education at home without enrolling in a school.
Steps
- If your child is enrolled in a public school, make sure the child is officially unenrolled from that school.
- Choose your own curriculum. The Idaho Content Standards are available for reference, and you decide which standards to teach.
- Teach the subjects commonly and usually taught in Idaho public schools.
- Keep your own records of attendance and completed work. The department recommends this, though the law does not require it.
| Notice to the state | No notice required |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Subjects commonly and usually taught in the public schools of Idaho. |
| Time | Not confirmed in our check. Ask the state education department. |
| Parent qualifications | None required by law |
| Testing or evaluation | None required by law |
| Records to keep | None required by law |
The law: Idaho Code 33-202 Idaho Department of Education, Homeschool FAQ
Leaving public school mid-year
The Idaho Department of Education says the first step is to make sure your child is officially unenrolled from any public school. It does not describe a specific form or deadline.
High school, transcripts and diplomas
The Idaho Department of Education says homeschooled children will not graduate with an official diploma from an accredited high school, that colleges may have added entry requirements for homeschoolers, and that a receiving public school decides grade placement if the child re-enrolls. Under Idaho Code 33-203, credits a dually enrolled student earns at an accredited postsecondary institution count toward state high school graduation requirements.
Public school sports and activities
Yes. Under Idaho Code 33-203, a home school student counts as a nonpublic student and may dually enroll in a public school and take part in its programs, including nonacademic activities. The student must meet the same eligibility and conduct standards as other students, show academic eligibility through a state board recognized test, portfolio, or a qualifying score on a nationally normed test, and live within the attendance boundaries of the school.
After the paperwork
Common questions
Do I have to tell the state I am homeschooling in Idaho?
Not under the private instruction by or at the direction of a parent or guardian route.
Is testing required for homeschoolers in Idaho?
No. Idaho law does not require testing under the private instruction by or at the direction of a parent or guardian route.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Idaho?
Subjects commonly and usually taught in the public schools of Idaho.
What ages must be schooled in Idaho?
Ages 7 to 16, per state law.
Sources
- Idaho Code 33-202
- Idaho Department of Education, Homeschool FAQ
- Idaho Code 33-203 (dual enrollment)
- Idaho Code 33-201 (school age)
- Homeschool, Idaho Department of Education
We read each source on Nov 8, 2026 and recheck every guide each quarter. Laws change. If something here no longer matches the state, write to us and we will fix it.