Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Homeschooling

Frequently Asked Questions

This page provides answers to frequently-asked questions compiled from our voice mail system
and the numerous email and phone contacts made to our board members and local support groups. Click on any question below to view the answers provided.
Information on this page should not be considered legal advice.
Rather, it is our best attempt to answer questions
as we understand the law and rules governing home education in Iowa.

We strongly advise families experiencing difficulties with their school districts
to receive competent counsel from a licensed attorney experienced with home education in Iowa.

It is the individual responsibility of each homeschooling family to know the law and rules.
Copies of the Iowa Code and the Iowa Administrative Rules are available on our website.

If the answer to a question you are asking is not below, please submit your question to us.
We will attempt to get back to you promptly. Send your emails to NICHE.

Questions related to Legal Options

1. What are my legal options in satisfying the state's interest in my child's academic progress?
2. How do I find out what school district should receive my forms and information?

1. How do I complete and file the required Competent Private Instruction Report Form?

1. Am I required to dual enroll my child?
2. Is dual enrollment the same as enrollment in a Home School Assistance Program (HSAP)?
3. Under dual enrollment is the school district required to give me textbooks and teacher's editions?
4. Can my dual-enrolled student play sports or participate in extracurricular activities at the public school?
5. Can my dual-enrolled student take classes at the public school?
6. Can my dual enrolled student take college classes under the Post Secondary Enrollment Option?
7. How can I access dual enrollment for a child who younger or older than the compulsory school attendance age (6-16)?

1. What is a Home School Assistance Program [HSAP]?
2. Am I required to participate in a Home School Assistance Program [HSAP]?

1. What are the guidelines for testing my child?

2. Do I have to test my student if I have retained the services of a supervising teacher?
3. What are the tests approved by the Iowa Department of Education?
4. Can I use a test not listed on the Department of Education's list of approved tests?
5. Can I test my own child?
6. If I choose to procure testing privately, where can I purchase testing materials?
7. How can I find someone to test my child privately?
8. If I choose to have my child tested through the public school, does the school district have to provide testing in my home?
9. What if my child's test results do not meet the legal standards for academic progress?
10. Where do I send my end-of-year standardized test results?

1. How do I find a teacher to review my child's portfolio?
2. What must be in a portfolio?
3. Do I have to do a baseline test before using the portfolio option?
4. What are the legal deadlines imposed upon portfolio evaluation?
5. Where do I send my end-of-year portfolio evaluation results?

1. Can I use the final report from the accredited correspondence school in which my child is enrolled as evidence of progress for the school year?
2. Where do I send a copy of my child's end-of-year correspondence school report?

Questions related to Immunizations

1. Do I have to immunize my child if I home educator?
2. What are the required immunizations?
3. Do homeschooling families qualify to take the religious exemption?

1. What is the Post Secondary Enrollment Option [PSEO]?
2. How can a homeschooled student use PSEO to access no-cost college courses?
3. Which Post Secondary Institutions Are Potentially Eligible to Provide PSEO courses?

1. Can I homeschool my special needs child?
2. Can I refuse the special education services of the school district?

3. What resources are available to parents homeschooling a special needs child?

General Questions

1. What is the HSLDA discount number?
2. Must a district provide driver's education to a resident student who is open-enrolled to a neighboring district, but who wants the district of residence to provide driver's education?
3. Are home educated students exempt from blood lead testing and the new dental and vision exam requirements?

Serving Families Homeschooling in Iowa - Since 1992
Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators - Box 158, Dexter, IA, 50070 - (515) 830-1614 - (800) 723-0438 in Iowa

Homeschooliowa.org

The official site of the Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators - with information and resources for families homeschooling in Iowa

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