Homeschooling in Idaho: Requirements, Costs, and How to Start
Idaho requires no notification and no testing to homeschool.
Last reviewed by the HomeschoolOS Compliance Team
Always verify with Idaho's Department of Education before filing or submitting compliance documents — laws change, and edge cases can apply.
Key Takeaways
- Compulsory school attendance in Idaho applies to children ages 7 through 16.
- Idaho does not require any state notification or registration to begin homeschooling.
- Idaho does not require standardized testing for homeschool students.
- Idaho does not require a homeschool portfolio.
Idaho is, by statute, one of the easiest states in the country to homeschool in. There is no registration, no notification, no monitoring, and no required testing. The only standard is that you teach "subjects commonly and usually taught in the public schools of Idaho" — a phrase the courts and the state have interpreted broadly. There is no required curriculum, no minimum hours or days, and no teacher credential expectation. Compulsory attendance applies to ages 7–16. The state Department of Education does not regulate homeschool education at all; the statewide homeschool community largely self-organizes through CHOIS and regional co-ops. The practical upside is total parental control over what, when, and how you teach. The trade-off is the absence of a procedural safety net — no state-level evaluator to call when you have a question, no standard portfolio template, no testing infrastructure. Most Idaho families build their own structure with curriculum publishers, online tools, or co-ops, and find the autonomy worth the self-reliance.
At a Glance
Compulsory Ages
7–16
Regulation Level
No regulation
Notification
Not required
Testing
Not required
Portfolio
Not required
Is homeschooling legal in Idaho?
Yes — homeschooling is legal in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, including Idaho. Idaho is one of the most parent-controlled states for homeschooling, with no required state notification or registration to begin teaching your children at home.
Idaho Homeschool Requirements: Detailed Breakdown
Notification Required
No notification required
Testing Required
No testing required
Portfolio Required
No portfolio required
Required Subjects
Varies — see official source View Idaho DOE.
Details
No registration, notification, or monitoring required. Must teach subjects commonly and usually taught in Idaho public schools. No teacher qualifications required. State does not regulate homeschool education.
How much does it cost to homeschool in Idaho?
Most Idaho homeschool families spend roughly $500 to $2,500 per child per year. The exact figure depends on whether you build your own curriculum from low-cost or free resources (libraries, Khan Academy, open educational materials), use a packaged curriculum, or layer in tutoring, co-ops, and enrichment classes. Standardized testing fees, when required, typically run $30–$50 per test.
Idaho does not currently have a widely-known statewide homeschool scholarship or ESA program with universal eligibility. Check Idaho's school choice landscape annually — programs are expanding rapidly across the country.
Can homeschool students play public school sports in Idaho?
Public school sports access for homeschool students varies by district in Idaho, and the rules are typically set by the state high school athletic association rather than the legislature. Many districts allow participation under state equal-access laws or athletic association rules; others have restrictions tied to part-time enrollment or residency.
Contact your local school district's athletic director directly to confirm what your child can participate in this year, and consult HSLDA's Idaho page for the current statewide picture.
Homeschooling high school in Idaho: transcripts, diplomas, and college
In Idaho, homeschool families are responsible for issuing their own high school diploma and maintaining their own transcript. Colleges across the country routinely admit homeschool graduates — many state universities have published homeschool admission policies, and selective private colleges increasingly recruit homeschoolers actively.
Most Idaho homeschool teens strengthen their college applications by taking the SAT or ACT, completing dual-enrollment courses at a local community college, building a portfolio of meaningful projects, and securing strong recommendations from adult mentors outside the family. HomeschoolOS includes a transcript and GPA generator that pulls from the lessons, grades, and credit-hour data you log throughout the year.
How do I withdraw my child from public school to homeschool in Idaho?
Generate your Idahowithdrawal letter →
Free 90-second wizard. Letter, attendance log, and 30/60/90 checklist as PDFs. No account.
The standard procedure
- Submit a written withdrawal letter to your child's current school principal. Keep a copy and obtain confirmation of receipt.
- Idahodoes not require a state notice of intent. The withdrawal letter alone ends the public school's compulsory-attendance jurisdiction over your child.
- Begin tracking attendance, lessons, and any required portfolio work from day one — in Idaho, your records protect you against any later truancy or state-requirement question.
Idaho homeschool community and resources
The most useful Idaho homeschool resources for new families are typically a statewide convention or association, a local co-op for weekly community, and HSLDA for legal questions.
- Christian Homeschoolers of Idaho State (CHOIS) — Statewide network and convention for Idaho homeschoolers. Visit site
- HSLDA — Idaho — Legal-defense membership and current statutory analysis. Visit page
- Local co-ops and Facebook groups— Search “[your city] Idahohomeschool” on Facebook to find weekly co-ops, park days, and field-trip groups that match your child's age and your educational philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start homeschooling in Idaho?
Idaho does not require any notification or registration to begin homeschooling. You can start teaching your children at home at any time. Compulsory education applies to children ages 7 through 16.
Do I need to notify anyone to homeschool in Idaho?
No. Idaho does not require any notification or registration to homeschool.
Is testing required for homeschoolers in Idaho?
No. Idaho does not require standardized testing or assessments for homeschooled students.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Idaho?
Idaho does not mandate specific subjects for homeschool instruction.
What ages are covered by compulsory education in Idaho?
Children ages 7 through 16 are subject to compulsory education laws in Idaho.
How much does it cost to homeschool in Idaho?
Most homeschool families in Idaho spend roughly $500 to $2,500 per child per year on curriculum, supplies, testing fees, and enrichment. The exact figure depends on whether you build your own program from low-cost resources or use a packaged curriculum.
Can homeschool students play public school sports in Idaho?
Public school sports access for homeschool students varies by district in Idaho. Many districts allow participation under state equal-access laws or athletic association rules; others have restrictions. Contact your local district directly, and consult HSLDA's Idaho page for the current statewide picture.
Can homeschool students earn a diploma and go to college in Idaho?
Yes. Homeschool families in Idaho are responsible for issuing their own high school diploma and transcript. Colleges across the country routinely admit homeschool graduates; many Idaho families strengthen their applications with SAT or ACT scores, dual-enrollment courses at a local community college, and a portfolio of meaningful projects.
How do I withdraw my child from public school to homeschool in Idaho?
In Idaho, you can withdraw your child from public school by submitting a written withdrawal letter to the school principal. Idaho does not require state notification, but a clear written withdrawal protects you from truancy concerns and ends the public school's compulsory-attendance jurisdiction over your child.
Official Sources
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This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements with your state's department of education before relying on this data.