Homeschooling in Idaho

Idaho has one of the strongest homeschool freedoms in the country. In 2009, Idaho's legislature expressly allowed home education under Idaho Code 33-202 and separated it from the attendance requirements of other schools. In 2015, Idaho passed a Parental Rights statute protecting the fundamental right of parents to direct the care, custody, control, and education of a minor child. ⚠️ NEW 2025: HB 93 created the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit — up to $5,000 per child ($7,500 for child with qualifying disability) for K-12 nonpublic education expenses. ⚠️ 2026 NOTE: Empowering Parents Grant program applications are now PERMANENTLY CLOSED. Compulsory ages 7-16.

Legal framework at a glance

Legal options: One pathway — Home Education under Idaho Code Section 33-202.

Notification: NO notification, NO registration, NO approval, NO permission required from any government agency..

Instructional time: No specific days/hours required..

Required subjects: Idaho law specifies subjects 'commonly and usually taught in the public schools': language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The law does not define specific topics or grade-level requirements..

Testing and evaluation: NO testing required — not at any grade level, not by any agency..

What Idaho families need to know

**NO NOTIFICATION REQUIRED**: under Idaho Code 33-202, parents do NOT need to file Notice of Intent, register, or notify any agency to begin homeschooling. There is no approval process and no permission required.

**Withdrawal from public school**: if your child is currently enrolled, notify the school in person or in writing before withdrawing. This is best practice (NOT a legal requirement) to prevent truancy concerns.

**Parental Rights Statute (2015)**: protects the fundamental right of parents to direct the care, custody, control, and education of a minor child. This is one of the strongest parental rights statutes in the country.

**Required subjects**: Idaho Code 33-202 states instruction shall be 'in subjects commonly and usually taught in the public schools.' This is interpreted to include language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The law does NOT define specific topics, sequence, or grade-level requirements for private homeschoolers.

**No oversight**: Neither the Idaho Department of Education NOR local school districts have authority to evaluate or approve anything about your homeschool.

**No teacher qualifications required**: any parent or legal guardian may instruct their children at home. No degree, license, or certification needed.

**No records required** by law. However, voluntary recordkeeping is recommended for: (a) transitions back to public school, (b) college applications, (c) sports eligibility (Idaho's sports access requires demonstrating 'satisfactory academic progress'), (d) tax credit documentation.

**Recommended records**: attendance log, curriculum documentation (subjects, materials, textbooks), work samples, reading log, photos of educational activities, test results (if voluntarily administered).

**HB 93 of 2025 — Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit**: provides up to $5,000 per child (or $7,500 per child with qualifying disability) for K-12 nonpublic education expenses including homeschool curriculum, tutoring, and approved educational expenses. NEW funding opportunity for Idaho homeschool families.

**Empowering Parents Grant**: applications are now PERMANENTLY CLOSED. Current recipients have 3 years until their grant expires. The HB 93 tax credit replaces this program going forward.

**NO state ESA, voucher, or registration program** beyond HB 93's tax credit.

**Online or virtual public/charter school students** are classified as PUBLIC school students under Idaho law — NOT homeschoolers — and are subject to all public school requirements. Families choosing public-school-extension programs are NOT private homeschoolers.

**Idaho Content Standards**: voluntary guideline for what students should know at each grade level. NOT legally required but useful as a roadmap.

**Religious freedom protection**: parents cannot be required to teach 'any concept, topic, or practice in conflict with [their] religious doctrines.'

**Sports access**: limited. Idaho has a sports access provision requiring 'satisfactory academic progress' but participation is at district discretion.

**Federal funding option**: under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, families can withdraw up to $20,000 per year (as of 2026) from 529 accounts for qualified K-12 expenses, including homeschool materials.

Compulsory attendance: ages 7-16 (child is 'school age' if 7 by start of public school in your district, until age 16).

Always verify current requirements with the Idaho State Department of Education before filing any official paperwork. State rules can change.

Diploma recognition

Idaho homeschool parents issue their own diplomas. The state does NOT issue accredited homeschool diplomas, transcripts, or graduation approvals. Idaho public colleges (Boise State, U of I, ISU) accept homeschool transcripts. Strong SAT/ACT scores significantly strengthen applications. Document courses thoroughly with credit hours, grades, and course descriptions. Many Idaho homeschool graduates pursue dual enrollment at community colleges to build documented academic credentials. The GED is available for graduates who need a state-recognized credential.

Getting started in Idaho

If you are new to homeschooling in Idaho, here is the practical sequence to follow:

1. Read the statute. Visit the Idaho State Department of Education website and read the current homeschool regulations in full. The summary on this page is a starting point, but the official statute is the final authority.
2. Choose your legal pathway. Idaho offers specific options described above. Choose the one that fits your family before you file anything.
3. Prepare your notification. Gather the information required for your notice or registration — child's name, date of birth, address, subjects, curriculum plans, and anything else your chosen pathway requires.
4. File before withdrawing. If your child is currently in public school, file your homeschool notification before you send the withdrawal letter to the school. See our withdrawal guide for the full process.
5. Set up your record-keeping system. Even in low-regulation states, keep attendance records, a list of curriculum used, and samples of your child's work. See our record-keeping guide for what to save and how.
6. Connect with a local homeschool organization. Idaho has active statewide homeschool organizations (listed below) and usually several local co-ops in each region. These are your best source of current, practical information.

Idaho homeschool organizations

The following organizations provide advocacy, support, and current information for Idaho homeschool families:

• Homeschool Idaho — Largest statewide homeschool organization with detailed legal guidance — homeschoolidaho.org
• Christian Homeschoolers of Idaho State (CHOIS) — Statewide Christian organization
• HSLDA Idaho — Legal defense and member support

Local homeschool co-ops often meet in libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state. A search for "Idaho homeschool co-op [your city]" typically surfaces groups meeting near you. The statewide organizations listed above maintain co-op directories.

Beyond the legal requirements

Meeting Idaho's legal requirements is only the foundation. The day-to-day work of homeschooling — choosing a curriculum, teaching multiple children at different levels, building a transcript — is the larger task. Once your legal compliance is in order, explore the rest of this site:

Homeschool360 • Idaho State Guide