How to Start Homeschooling in Idaho

Yes. Homeschooling is completely legal in Idaho. The legal protections for homeschool families are among the strongest in the nation.

Idaho does not have a dedicated homeschool statute. Instead, Idaho Code 33-202 establishes compulsory education but exempts children who are "otherwise comparably instructed." The Idaho Constitution, Article IX, Section 1, establishes the legislature's duty to maintain public schools but does not prohibit home education. The Idaho Attorney General has interpreted this framework as protecting the right of parents to educate their children at home.

Here is what that means day to day: no government entity reviews what you teach, how you teach it, or whether your child is progressing. The Idaho SDE has no oversight role over homeschoolers. There is no state-level database of homeschooled students. If you are teaching your children at home, the state considers that your business.

Idaho's compulsory education ages are 7 through 16, established by Idaho Code 33-202. A child must be 7 by the first day of school to be subject to compulsory attendance. Once your child turns 16, the requirement ends.

There is no mandatory kindergarten in Idaho. If your child is 5 or 6, you have no legal obligation to provide formal instruction yet. This gives you time to explore different approaches and find what fits your family before anything is required.

Idaho Code 33-201 defines "school age" more broadly for public school eligibility purposes, but compulsory attendance under 33-202 applies only to ages 7 through 16. That is a narrower range than many states.

This is genuinely one of the easiest states to start homeschooling. Here is your step-by-step:

Step 1: Decide to homeschool. You are not asking for permission. There is no application, no approval process, and no waiting period. You do not notify anyone. Your decision is effective immediately.

Step 2: Withdraw your child from school (if currently enrolled). If your child is in public school, send a written withdrawal letter to the school principal or attendance office. Include four things: (1) your name and contact information, (2) your child's name, date of birth, and last grade attended, (3) the date of withdrawal, and (4) this sentence: "My child will be otherwise comparably instructed as provided under Idaho Code 33-202." Send it by certified mail or email with read receipt so you have proof it was received. Keep a copy for your files. Some districts have their own withdrawal forms — ask the front office.

If your child has never been enrolled in school, skip this step entirely. A family that has never enrolled a child in public school and is homeschooling from the start is unlikely to ever encounter any government inquiry.

Step 3: Choose your approach. Idaho law says instruction should cover subjects "commonly and usually taught in the public schools." No specific subject list exists. There is no curriculum approval process and no state-approved list. Pick whatever works — commercial, religious, secular, self-designed, or a mix. You have complete freedom.

Step 4: Start teaching. That is it. No forms to file. No office to contact. You are ready.

Keep records from day one — even though you do not have to. Idaho has no recordkeeping mandates, but skipping records is a mistake you might not feel for years. Keep these four things from the start: (1) a transcript listing courses and grades by year, (2) course descriptions for each subject, (3) samples of your child's best work, and (4) any standardized test scores if you choose to test. You will need these for college applications, scholarship applications, military enlistment, re-enrollment in public school, or moving to a state with stricter requirements. Start early and update yearly.

Your child can take public school classes. Idaho Code 33-203 explicitly allows homeschooled students to attend public school programs and classes part-time. This includes individual courses. Call your local school's main office and ask: "My child is homeschooled. What part-time enrollment options are available under Idaho Code 33-203?" Dual enrollment at community colleges is also available for high school students.

Your child can play school sports and join clubs. Idaho Code 33-203 allows participation in interscholastic activities — including sports and clubs. Your child must meet the same eligibility requirements as full-time students. The Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA) governs athletic eligibility. Call your school's athletic director and ask about the sign-up process for homeschool students.

You issue the diploma. Idaho has no state homeschool diploma. Parents create and issue their own. Parent-issued diplomas are recognized. Idaho's public universities — including the University of Idaho, Boise State University, and Idaho State University — accept homeschool applicants with parent-prepared transcripts and test scores. Start building the transcript early in high school so you are not scrambling at application time.

The Empowering Parents grant program was repealed. Idaho's Empowering Parents program, which provided grants for educational expenses, was repealed by SB 1142 in 2025. No ESA or school choice program is currently available for Idaho homeschool families.

Virtual charter schools are not homeschooling. Idaho has several virtual public charter schools, including Idaho Virtual Academy (IDVA) and INSPIRE Connections Academy. Students in those programs are public school students — subject to state standards, testing, and teacher oversight. If you want full autonomy, independent homeschooling under Idaho Code 33-202 is the path. Enrolling in a virtual charter is a fundamentally different choice.

Special education services are available through dual enrollment. If your child has special needs, contact your local school district and request dual enrollment under Idaho Code 33-203. Through dual enrollment, your child can receive speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other services. Your district is also required to evaluate your child under federal Child Find requirements if you suspect a disability. Call the district's special education department to start the process.

Connect with other Idaho homeschoolers. Christian Homeschoolers of Idaho State (CHOIS) at chois.org is one of the established homeschool organizations in the state. Local co-ops and support groups across Idaho offer curriculum swaps, group classes, field trips, and community. You do not have to do this alone.