Homeschooling in Idaho
Idaho homeschool laws explained: no notification, no testing, no oversight. Plus the new $5,000 Parental Choice Tax Credit. Your complete 2026 Idaho guide.
At a Glance
Idaho homeschool law overview
- Compulsory Ages
- 7-16
- Notice Required
- None
- Teacher Qualifications
- None
- State Assessment
- None required
- Regulation Level
- Low (minimal)
- Financial Assistance
- $5,000 tax credit (2025-26)
Important Notice
Requirements
What you need to know to start homeschooling in Idaho
Legal Foundation: Idaho Code Section 33-202
Idaho's homeschool law is built on Idaho Code Section 33-202, which addresses compulsory education. This statute requires that children between ages 7 and 16 receive instruction, and it recognizes home education as a valid means of meeting this requirement. Idaho is classified as a "no notice, low regulation" state, making it one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the entire country.
Your child is considered "school age" if they are 7 years old by the time public school starts in your district and have not yet reached 16. This means Idaho has one of the narrowest compulsory attendance windows of any state.
Notification: Not Required
Idaho law does not require any notification to begin or continue homeschooling. You do not need to file a Notice of Intent, register with the state, or inform your local school district that you are homeschooling. There is no approval process and no permission required from any government agency.
However, if your child is currently enrolled in a public school, you should notify the school in person or in writing before withdrawing them. This is not a legal notification requirement for homeschooling itself, but rather a practical step to prevent truancy issues.
Required Subjects
Under Idaho Code Section 33-202, you must provide instruction in subjects commonly taught in public schools. These include:
- Language arts and communication
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social studies
Beyond these core areas, you have complete freedom to add any subjects you wish and to choose your own curriculum, teaching methods, and educational philosophy. You can use faith-based materials, secular programs, online courses, or any combination thereof.
Teacher Qualifications
Idaho imposes no education requirements on parents who homeschool. You do not need a teaching license, a college degree, or any specific credential. Any parent or legal guardian may instruct their children at home.
Schedule and Instructional Time
Idaho law does not require a minimum number of instructional days or hours. You are completely free to set your own schedule, school year-round, take breaks when your family needs them, and structure your days however you see fit.
Record Keeping
Idaho does not require you to maintain or submit any records to the state. There are no mandated attendance logs, portfolios, or progress reports. That said, keeping organized records is strongly recommended for your own purposes, especially for college applications and potential re-enrollment in public school.
Government Oversight
Neither the Idaho Department of Education nor your local school district has the authority to evaluate, approve, or oversee your homeschool in any way. As the parent or guardian, you assume sole responsibility for the funding, administration, and teaching in your homeschool. This level of autonomy is rare among states and is a major reason Idaho attracts homeschooling families.
Evaluations
Annual evaluation and assessment options
No State-Mandated Assessments
Idaho requires absolutely no standardized testing or formal evaluation for homeschooled students. There are no portfolio reviews, no annual assessments, and no reporting requirements of any kind.
This gives you complete freedom to evaluate your child's progress using whatever methods you find most meaningful, whether that is informal observation, project-based assessments, curriculum-embedded tests, or standardized tests you choose to administer on your own.
Optional Testing
While not required, many Idaho homeschool families find value in periodic standardized testing for benchmarking purposes. Popular options include:
- Iowa Assessments - widely used by homeschool families nationwide
- Stanford Achievement Test (SAT-10) - available through various homeschool testing services
- Classic Learning Test (CLT) - a newer alternative gaining popularity in homeschool circles
- PSAT, SAT, and ACT - essential for college-bound students
Idaho homeschool co-ops and support groups sometimes organize group testing sessions, making it convenient and affordable to test if you choose to do so.
College Preparation
For high schoolers planning to attend college, maintaining thorough records becomes especially important even though the state does not require them. Create detailed transcripts, keep course descriptions, and build a portfolio of your student's best work. Idaho's public universities and most private colleges accept homeschool applicants.
Financial Resources
Vouchers, scholarships, and tax credits
Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit (New for 2025-26)
This is a game-changer for Idaho homeschool families. Signed into law on February 27, 2025, the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit provides eligible families with a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 per student, and up to $7,500 for students with special needs, for educational expenses.
Key details of the program:
- Eligible students must be enrolled in a private or nonpublic school (homeschooling qualifies) and not enrolled full-time or part-time in a public school
- Eligible expenses include curriculum and textbooks for homeschooling, tutoring, and other qualified learning expenses
- Application period runs from January 15, 2026 through March 15, 2026
- The credit is refundable, meaning you receive the full amount even if it exceeds your tax liability
- Priority is given to families with a modified adjusted gross income less than 300% of the federal poverty level
Applications are submitted through the state's myschoolchoice.idaho.gov portal.
Empowering Parents Program (Discontinued)
The Empowering Parents grant program, which previously provided funding for educational expenses, has been eliminated by the State Legislature. New applications for the 2025-26 school year will not be accepted. However, if you received grants in previous years, you have three years from the date issued to spend remaining funds on the ClassWallet online marketplace.
Federal Tax Benefits
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, families can withdraw up to $20,000 per year (as of 2026) from 529 education savings accounts for qualified K-12 expenses, including homeschool materials. Additionally, the new federal Education Savings Account framework may provide up to $2,000 per student if Idaho opts in.
Additional Resources
- Idaho public libraries - free access to books, digital resources, and educational programming statewide
- Homeschool Idaho - the state's leading homeschool organization, offering community connections, curriculum fairs, and legal guidance
- National homeschool grants - organizations like the Home School Foundation provide need-based assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about homeschooling in Idaho