When it comes to homeschooling in the United States, the rules and requirements vary from state to state. Some states require letters of intent, standardized test scores, and specific documentation, while others, like Idaho, have almost zero requirements.
Depending on how familiar you are with home education (or education in general), this news can feel like a double-edged sword; lack of requirements allows for almost total freedom when it comes to choosing how and where you educate, but it also means there is no real starting block for beginning your homeschool journey. We’ve compiled a quick guide to getting started on homeschooling in Idaho that includes all necessary information, from what is actually required to examples of curriculum.
Getting Started
There are really only two things required to homeschool in Idaho:
- Teach the subjects commonly taught in Idaho public schools (language arts, math, science, social studies, etc.)
- Children between the ages of 7 and 16 must attend formal schooling or receive a comparable education at home – homeschoolers cannot graduate from a homeschool program before the age of 16
There are no specific qualifications that parents or caregivers must possess in order to teach their child at home, nor do Idaho home education laws require parents to teach for a set amount of time per day or year, and they don’t have to worry about keeping attendance records either.
Intent To Homeschool
In some states a letter of intent to homeschool is required, in Idaho it is only a requirement if your child has previously been enrolled in a school setting. This withdrawal can be done in person or in writing and oftentimes the school will have a withdrawal form available for families.
Record Keeping
While there are no specific laws regarding record keeping, doing so proves to be extremely beneficial in the future, especially for those interested in pursuing college, trade schools, or even when applying for a job. The state will not ask for this information to be provided, but it’s always a great idea to have them on hand, for any of the cases mentioned:
- Homeschool transcripts
- Extracurricular activities
- Samples of work (includes quizzes and tests)
- Writing samples
- List of materials: books, curriculum, supplies, projects, etc.
Part of this record keeping should include both transcripts and diplomas, as Idaho does not have a state diploma. Parents should contact the school district in which they reside for more information on graduation requirements, qualifications, and the specific subjects being taught. It’s also suggested that students reach out to prospective colleges or universities, if applicable, to see what their application and acceptance requirements are.
Homeschooling in Idaho (With Dailies)
With some states, the list of requirements can feel overwhelming, whereas in other states like Idaho, the lack of requirements can feel both overwhelming and underwhelming. Luckily, programs like Dailies are here to help! We are your trusted, expert, educational success partner, meeting your family right where you are on your homeschool journey. Whether you are selecting one of our curriculum offerings or simply asking about homeschooling in general, our team is ready to support you in any way we can.
