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.

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