Is homeschooling legal in Idaho?
Yes, homeschooling is fully legal in Idaho. Idaho is one of the easiest states in the country to homeschool in. There's no form to file, no one to notify, and no testing, you can simply begin. Here's what the law actually says and how to start with confidence.
Idaho homeschool requirements at a glance
| Notice required | No, nothing to file, no one to notify. |
|---|---|
| Required subjects | Yes, "subjects commonly and usually taught" in Idaho public schools, but no list is mandated or checked. |
| Testing / assessment | No. |
| Recordkeeping | No (but wise for your own use). |
| Parent qualifications | None. |
Idaho homeschool law in detail
We link the governing law so you can read it yourself instead of taking our word for it. The governing law is Idaho Code 33-202.
Notice / letter of intent
None. You don't register, file, or ask permission. The Idaho SDE confirms "there is no registration or sign up procedure required." If your district asks for information, you aren't legally required to provide it.
Required subjects
Idaho Code 33-202 requires instruction in "subjects commonly and usually taught in the public schools." No official list and no monitoring; the commonly recommended areas are language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Required days or hours
None.
Recordkeeping
None required, and you report nothing to the state. A simple folder of work samples helps if you re-enroll, apply to college, or move.
Testing and assessment
None at any grade.
Withdrawing from public school
No statewide form. A short dated letter to the school stating you're withdrawing your child for private instruction at home is the common approach; keep a copy.
How to start homeschooling in Idaho
- If your child is currently enrolled, send a short written withdrawal letter to the school so they don't mark your child absent.
- Pick the subjects you'll cover, plan around reading and language arts, math, science, and social studies.
- Choose your curriculum or approach. Idaho doesn't approve or review what you use.
- Set a simple rhythm. No required days or hours, so build a routine that fits your family.
- Start teaching, and keep a casual folder of work samples and books used. Not required, but it makes life easier later.
File your notice
Good news: Idaho requires no notice or form to homeschool. No notice or form is required to homeschool in Idaho, and the Idaho State Department of Education states there is no registration or sign-up procedure.
Form links checked when we built this page.
Homeschool funding in Idaho
We're verifying Idaho's funding programs against official sources right now, dollar amounts and rules change yearly, and we'd rather be right than first. Check back soon.
Free Idaho Withdrawal Letter template
Fill-in-the-blank and ready to send. Free, no email required.
Download the free templateFind homeschool families near you in Idaho
Co-Op
- Adventure Friends · Idaho Falls / Rigby
Co-op centrally located in Idaho Falls, venturing to Rigby and surrounding areas. Focus on children ages 5-8 and siblings, social activities - see their Facebook page
- Arrow Co-op · Nampa
Offers flexible scheduling with options for academic or enrichment classes. Features a Mentor-Mom program and no mandatory teaching requirements
Visit website - Arrows Homeschool Co-op · Coeur d'Alene
Meets once a week to learn together and build relationships with other Christ followers
Visit website - Compass Family Cooperative · Idaho Falls
Inclusive homeschool community meeting once a week for parent/mentor-led classes
Visit website - Cornerstone Cooperative · Moscow
Christian co-op offering one-day-a-week family learning experiences
Visit website - Excelsior! Homeschool Co-op · Nampa
Provides a wide variety of classes from Kindergarten through graduation
Visit website - Faith, Hope & Love · Meridian
A Christ-centered community meeting weekly with classes for ages five and up, including nursery and preschool options
Visit website - Foundations Co-op · Meridian
Serves the Treasure Valley with a variety of classes from Kindergarten through graduation
Visit website - God's Strength Community · Idaho Falls
Trinitarian Christian homeschool group using the classical model of teaching
Visit website - High Five Friends & Fitness · Eastern Idaho
Provides a safe, fun environment for homeschooled kids in Eastern Idaho to make friends while being active. Starting Fall 2025, registration opens June 1st. Ages 5-15. Email Megan Camp at Highfivefriendsandfitness@gmail.com
- INCH (Inland Northwest Christian Homeschoolers) · Coeur d'Alene
Non-profit co-op and support group serving homeschoolers in Coeur d'Alene and surrounding areas
Visit website - Legacy Family School · Nampa
Parent-led co-op meeting Fridays, welcoming families of all ages
Visit website - Liberty Family Academy · Boise
Liberty-minded families offering classes for all ages, meeting Thursdays
Visit website - Mommy Kid Hikes · Eastern Idaho
Not exactly a homeschool co-op but a great place to find moms for physical activities - see their Facebook page
- Portneuf Homeschool Collective · Pocatello
Provide affordable, quality academic classes and support
Visit website - Revelations Co-op · Middleton
Non-denominational Christian group with core and enrichment classes for K-12
Visit website - St. Michael the Archangel Co-op · Coeur d'Alene
Dedicated to excellence in Catholic homeschool instruction through a co-op approach
Visit website - Twin Falls Co-op · Twin Falls
Group of homeschooling families meeting weekly for educational enrichment classes
Visit website - Venture Christian Co-op · Boise
Parent-led group meeting Fridays with classes from Pre-K through graduation
Visit website - Vita Co-op · Nampa
Focuses on community learning with weekly classes and occasional service projects and field trips
Visit website - WayMakers Public Homeschool Community Co-Op · Eastern Idaho
Operates as a full-time or field-trip type co-op, offering both memberships so any kind of homeschooler can join. Parent-led classes weekly
Visit website
Forest & Nature School
- EverWild Forest School · Boise
Nature-immersive education program offering classes for ages 0-13, including Tots & Trees, Forest School, and seasonal camps
Visit website - McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS) · McCall
Year-round learning center serving K-12 students with residential and outreach programs focused on ecosystem science
Visit website - Roots Forest School · McCall
Idaho's first forest preschool, providing nature-based early childhood education for ages 18 months to 5 years
Visit website - Urban Green Kids Farm School · Boise
A Montessori-inspired, nature-based childcare center serving ages 0-3, emphasizing holistic, play-based learning
Visit website - Wild Beginnings Nature School · Eagle, Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell
An all-outdoor nature-immersion program for children 6 months-10 years old. Programs include caregiver sessions, forest preschool and homeschool enrichment, plus full-day summer camps
Visit website
Waldorf School
- Nova High School · Sandpoint
Waldorf-inspired high school offering rigorous academics rooted in Anthroposophy, with an emphasis on arts and outdoor experiences
Visit website - Peace Valley Charter School · Boise
Tuition-free public charter school inspired by Waldorf education principles
Visit website - Sandpoint Waldorf School · Sandpoint
Private school providing education that inspires students to become confident, reverent, and well-rounded individuals
Visit website - Syringa Mountain School · Hailey
Tuition-free public charter school inspired by principles from Waldorf education and outdoor learning
Visit website - Wildflowers Waldorf Preschool · Boise
Bilingual, Waldorf-based in-home preschool for children 2-6 years old, focusing on free play, art, nature, and community
Visit website
Homeschooling in nearby states
Idaho homeschooling FAQ
Do I have to tell anyone I'm homeschooling in Idaho?
No. Idaho requires no notice of intent, registration, or approval from your district or the state. You can simply begin.
Do I need to be a certified teacher or have a degree?
No. Idaho requires no credential of any kind. Another family member or another person may also teach your children at your direction.
Does my child have to take standardized tests?
No. Idaho requires no testing or evaluation at any grade. Testing is completely optional.
What subjects am I required to teach?
Idaho Code 33-202 says to teach "subjects commonly and usually taught" in Idaho public schools. There's no official checklist, but planning around language arts, math, science, and social studies keeps you well within the law.
How many hours or days a year do I have to homeschool?
There is no minimum. Idaho sets no required days or hours, so you set your own schedule and pace.
At what age does my child have to be receiving instruction?
Idaho's compulsory attendance applies from age 7 (by the start of school in your district) until age 16.
Sources
This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change, always confirm current requirements with your state's official sources before relying on them.