Your state guide · 2026
Idaho homeschool laws
Last verified · View official sources
The short answer
Idaho requires children ages 7 to 16 to be taught the subjects usually taught in public schools, and private instruction by or under the direction of a parent meets that requirement.
Editorial category; see the guide.
Not specified in state law
See requirements for options and exceptions.
See the full guide for age exceptions.
Regulation level
N · NoneView regulation data
| State | Category |
|---|---|
| Idaho | None |
Your requirements
A practical checklist
“Not specified” means a single yes/no requirement is not explicit in the supplied information. Read each detail for options and exceptions.
Notice
Not requiredNo notice or registration is required. If the child is in public school, the state education department says to formally unenroll them first.
Subjects
RequiredSubjects commonly and usually taught in Idaho public schools (no specific list in the statute)
Hours / days
Not specifiedNot specified in state law for private instruction at home.
Testing / evaluation
Not specifiedNot specified in state law. The state education department says there is no state testing requirement; districts or charter schools may let homeschoolers take state tests if arranged in advance.
Teacher qualifications
Not specifiedNot specified in state law. The state education department says homeschooling parents do not need a teaching license.
Records / portfolio
Not specifiedNot specified in state law. The state education department recommends keeping your own attendance and work records.
Immunizations
Not specifiedNot specified in state law
At a glance
- No notice or registration
- Compulsory ages 7 to 16
- No state testing or reporting
- No teaching license needed
- Dual enrollment in public classes and activities
Requirements at a glance
Read the details for your chosen homeschooling option below.
Open the full requirements table
| Requirement | What to know |
|---|---|
| Compulsory school ages | 7–16 |
| Notice required | No |
| Filing deadline | Not specified in state law |
| Required subjects | Subjects commonly and usually taught in Idaho public schools (no specific list in the statute) |
| Instruction time | Not specified in state law for private instruction at home. |
| Parent qualifications | Not specified in state law. The state education department says homeschooling parents do not need a teaching license. |
| Tests & assessments | Not specified in state law. The state education department says there is no state testing requirement; districts or charter schools may let homeschoolers take state tests if arranged in advance. |
| Records to keep | Not specified in state law. The state education department recommends keeping your own attendance and work records. |
| Immunizations | Not specified in state law |
How to start homeschooling in Idaho
There is no registration, notice, reporting or state testing, and the state keeps no list of homeschool families. Parents choose the curriculum and do not need a teaching license. Homeschooled students may dual enroll in public school classes and activities, and to join nonacademic activities such as sports they must show grade-level proficiency on a recognized test or an average-or-better score on a nationally normed test.
Choose your homeschooling option
Private instruction by a parent. The child is privately taught by, or at the direction of, a parent or guardian in the subjects commonly taught in Idaho public schools.
Check the notice rules
No notice or registration is required. If the child is in public school, the state education department says to formally unenroll them first.
Check when and where to file
When: Not specified in state law
Where: Not specified in state law
View steps as a table
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose your homeschooling option | Private instruction by a parent. The child is privately taught by, or at the direction of, a parent or guardian in the subjects commonly taught in Idaho public schools. |
| 2. Check the notice rules | No notice or registration is required. If the child is in public school, the state education department says to formally unenroll them first. |
| 3. Check when and where to file | Not specified in state law Not specified in state law |
Subjects to teach
- Subjects commonly and usually taught in Idaho public schools (no specific list in the statute)
Sports & extracurricular activities
Under Idaho's dual enrollment law, homeschooled students may enroll in public school classes and programs. To join nonacademic activities such as athletics, the student must show grade-level proficiency on a state board recognized test, portfolio or other approved method, or score in the average range or higher on a nationally normed test, and must live in the school's attendance area. Proficiency counts for the current and next school year.
Official forms & law
Idaho Department of Education ↗
Forms & guidance
Statutes
Questions, answered.
What do I file to homeschool in Idaho?
No notice or registration is required. If the child is in public school, the state education department says to formally unenroll them first.
When do I file in Idaho?
Not specified in state law
What assessments are required in Idaho?
Not specified in state law. The state education department says there is no state testing requirement; districts or charter schools may let homeschoolers take state tests if arranged in advance.
Check the original
Sources and last checked
- Idaho Code § 33-202, School age, attendance compulsory ↗Idaho Legislature
- Idaho Code § 33-203, Dual enrollment ↗Idaho Legislature
- Home School ↗Idaho Department of Education
- Frequently Asked Questions about Homeschooling ↗Idaho Department of Education
Last verified .