Iowa parents commonly choose homeschooling (or private instruction) to achieve educational freedom, instill their religious values, or address concerns about their child's school environment — or academic instruction. The Supreme Court codified these convictions in the 1920s, ruling that parents have a legal right to educate their children in alignment with their personal, religious, and philosophical principles.
When government agents attempt to interfere with their plans, and parents are faced with any number of hurdles, it can be extremely frustrating. Partnering with a knowledgeable student defense attorney can help ensure that your child receives the education they require — and in the environment you believe is best for them.
Our dedicated Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm understands your legal options for homeschooling in Iowa. We are here to support you in navigating the complexities of the state's homeschool laws — and defending your family's rights. Contact us today at 888-535-3686 or fill out a contact form.
What is the Homeschool Law in Iowa?
In the state of Iowa, there are five options available for legal homeschooling, including Independent Private Instruction (IPI) and four forms of Competent Private Instruction (CPI). The answer to the following question can help inform which homeschool option is right for your family: Do you want to report to or receive services from the local public school? IPI and CPI with no reporting are well-suited for families who are not interested in initial reporting and do not need the support of public school services.
According to the Department of Education, the compulsory attendance age in Iowa is defined by the following criteria:
- Six and younger than 16 years old by September 15,
- Five by September 15 and is enrolled in a school district unless the parent, guardian, or custodian submits written notice to the district that they intend to remove the child from the district or
- Four by September 15 and is enrolled in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program unless the parent, guardian, or custodian submits written notice to the district implementing the program that they intend to remove the child from the program (Iowa Code § 299.1A(1)-(3))
Common Challenges that Homeschooling Parents Face in Iowa
State Testing Requirements
During a child's academic journey, they must undergo standardized assessments. The main objective of state testing is to provide valuable insights into student's learning progress, the subjects they are mastering, and the effectiveness of the state's educational system.
Additionally, these tests offer parents a glimpse into their child's strengths, weaknesses, test-taking skills, and academic development.
Even if parents opt for homeschooling and take their children out of traditional classroom settings, many states mandate that these students still participate in state testing — including Iowa.
The full list of states that enforce this requirement is as follows:
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Although the testing requirements for homeschooling students vary across these states, the common reason for students to undergo testing is to ensure they are receiving a quality education beyond the traditional classroom environment. Testing requirements in Iowa are tied to the homeschool option that the family selected (i.e., IPI or any of the 4 CPI options).
Vaccine Requirements
If you opt for CPI with Reporting and Teacher Supervision or CPI with Reporting and Annual Assessment, you must provide proof of immunizations unless there is a medical or religious exemption. Court rulings in Iowa have affirmed the rights of individuals who wish to be exempt from immunizations due to their own religious beliefs. These rulings state that a state cannot refuse an exemption solely because the individual is not affiliated with an official religious group.
In the case of a medical or religious justification for not immunizing your children, you must submit the Iowa Department of Public Health Certificate of Immunization Exemption Form along with your initial CPI Form. Finally, If you are using CPI with No Reporting or IPI, there is no need to submit immunization records.
The Iowa Code section that regulates childhood immunizations mandates that children attending accredited schools or receiving competent private instruction must have the following vaccines:
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
- Tetanus
- Poliomyelitis
- Rubeola
- Rubella
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis type B
- Meningococcal (A, C, W, Y) for students in 7th–12th grades
Additionally, blood lead testing, dental screenings, and vision examinations are not required for homeschooled children between the ages of 6 and 16, as well as for children under Competent Private Instruction (CPI) and Independent Private Instruction (IPI).
The various forms that home educators in Iowa are required to submit as they relate to immunizations can be found on the Iowa Department of Health's website.
Enrolling in Public School After Homeschooling
Every school district establishes its own criteria for readmission to their schools. As this decision is made at the local level rather than by the state of Iowa, the criteria can differ. It's important to inquire with your school district authorities regarding the policies for re-enrollment if you are contemplating this course of action in the future.
Upon transitioning from homeschooling to public school, parents may encounter challenges if the school district questions the educational level of their children. To avoid potential setbacks in your child's academic journey, it's crucial to advocate effectively on their behalf.
The Educational Law Team at Lento Law Firm will assist you in understanding your state's re-entry requirements and help you prepare a strong case to ensure your child is appropriately placed and supported.
Abuse Allegations
A significant number of individuals in the United States exploit the homeschooling system as a means to conceal child abuse and neglect. In fact, when two homeschooled teenagers, Natalie Finn and Sabrina Ray, died in the care of their adoptive parents, the Iowa legislature's Government Oversight Committees held a joint hearing on child welfare in home education.
Rachel Coleman, executive director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE), a national nonprofit organization founded by homeschool graduates that advocates for homeschooled children, responded with, “We are pleased to see the Iowa legislature investigating what can be done to prevent future such tragedies.”
The Education Law Team at Lento Law Firm has assisted numerous homeschooling families that have been falsely accused of abuse. They are well aware of the challenges that come with homeschooling and are committed to diligently preparing your family to defend themselves.
Homeschooling a child with special needs
A growing number of parents are realizing that homeschooling can be a great option for meeting their children's special education needs. In order to access public school or Iowa's Area Education Agency (AEA) services for your child with special education requirements, it's necessary to enroll your child in the public school system while also utilizing a Competent Private Instruction (CPI) legal option that involves submitting a CPI form.
Once enrolled, homeschooling parents of children with special needs may experience difficulties with school district officials. If you are teaching a child with special needs at home, it's important to adhere to Iowa's homeschooling regulations.
About 90% of the funding for special education programs in public schools comes from the state rather than the federal government. While the federal government does not allocate its Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds to homeschoolers in states with specific homeschooling laws, the states have the authority to distribute their 90% of funding as they see fit.
Following the passage of SF 496, as of July 1, 2023, a parent of a child with special needs is no longer required to obtain approval from the special education director of the area education agency in order to homeschool their child under any circumstances. What's more, children have the option to enroll in public school and receive special education services simultaneously.
Homeschooling High School Students
Various standardized assessments are linked to the conclusion of the high school period. These assessments consist of the GED, PSAT, SAT, ACT, COMPASS, ASSET, and ACCUPLACER. If you are homeschooling a high school student, it's essential to understand the significance of these exams and determine if your child should participate in them.
The State of Iowa and resident public school districts do not provide certification for homeschool diplomas or transcripts, and as a result, they do not establish graduation requirements for students educated at home.
Parents who enroll their homeschooled students in dual enrollment programs should not anticipate that their local school districts will acknowledge coursework completed outside of the public school system or other accredited institutions.
Nevertheless, it's worth noting that colleges and employers are increasingly acknowledging the value of home education and are open to accepting homeschooled students.
Supporting Your Family's Right to Homeschool
Homeschooling families in Iowa often face numerous challenges and legal issues. It can be overwhelming to realize that your homeschooling efforts are being unfairly attacked or that you have been a victim of legal oversight.
The Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm offers three important steps families should take to protect their rights to homeschool.
- Identify the Problem: Whether the problem is related to the number of school days your child attended, the adequacy of your homeschooling setup, or access to public school resources, it's essential that you identify the specific challenges you are facing. If you are unsure about what you are dealing with, the Lento Law Firm can assist you in pinpointing the exact problem and finding a solution.
- Know Your Rights: While you need to ensure that your education meets the legal standards, you still have significant autonomy in your homeschooling approach. If you encounter any challenges or demands that go beyond the requirements, the Lento Law Firm is ready to provide legal support and guidance.
- Document Everything: When seeking assistance from the Lento Law Firm, it's paramount that you have thorough documentation of your interactions with public officials, school administrators, and regulatory groups. By documenting everything, you can protect your rights and ensure that your child's education is not compromised.
Our experienced education lawyers understand the laws governing homeschooling in Iowa. Should you require information regarding your homeschooling rights or come across issues with authorities, our lawyers can offer guidance and legal support.
We're dedicated to securing the rights and benefits your child is entitled to under state law while also ensuring full compliance with all state regulations. Reach out today to learn more about how we can support you in upholding your homeschooling rights.
To schedule a confidential consultation today, contact our Student Discipline Team at 888-535-3686 or fill out a contact form.
