Guide to Homeschooling in Idaho

Resources

Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Idaho

The compulsory age that students must attend schooling or receive a home education is between seven and 16 years old. If your student was previously enrolled in public school, you would need to officially withdraw them from their current school. For more detailed information about legally homeschooling in Idaho, visit the Idaho State Department of Education and the Home School Legal Defense Association.

RECORD KEEPING

Idaho homeschool laws do not require parents to keep records of their students’ homeschool education. However, it is always a good idea to keep important things on file, especially if the student plans to pursue college, technical school, or trade school after high school. Records to include are homeschool transcripts, standardized test scores, extracurriculars, coursework samples, and materials.

Power Homeschool makes record keeping easy with the parent portal. Parents can access attendance records, transcripts, grades, and course materials all through an app.

HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS IN IDAHO

Homeschoolers in Idaho cannot participate in state testing, but many parents choose to have their students take national standardized tests to measure their progress. Certain tests like the ACT or SAT will be required to apply to colleges or universities after high school.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN IDAHO

The parent of a homeschool student is responsible for setting the graduation requirements and issuing a high school diploma to their student. Each student must be at least 16 years old before legally being allowed to graduate from their homeschool.

We recommend that parents set graduation requirements based on the student’s plan after high school. Beginning this discussion early on in the student’s education will ensure that they are meeting the requirements throughout high school. Different colleges and universities will have different admissions requirements for homeschool students, so research these beforehand.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in Idaho

At times throughout your student’s home education, you will likely have questions, need advice, or simply just want someone to talk to about the process.

Luckily, homeschoolers in Idaho have access to plenty of different types of groups and organizations, including homeschool associations, support groups, and cooperatives.

Homeschool associations are organizations that typically give legal advice, provide information and resources, and often sponsor homeschool events and conventions. In 2018, Idaho’s two homeschool associations, the Idaho Coalition of Home Educators (ICHE) and Christian Homeschoolers of Idaho State (CHOIS), combined to create Homeschool Idaho. In addition to various resources and events, the association hosts a homeschool graduation ceremony each May.

In addition to homeschool associations, Idaho home educators can join support groups and co-ops to enhance the homeschool experience. There are many different types of homeschool support groups, such as online forums or those that regularly meet in person. These groups are usually organized by the parents and allow them to share advice and homeschool experiences.

Like support groups, homeschool co-ops help enhance the homeschool process; however, they are more academic-focused. These volunteer-based groups provide homeschoolers with opportunities to learn in group settings and practice valuable skills, such as teamwork and communication. Some co-ops focus instruction on subjects or religious teachings, while others are general.

Whatever types of support group or co-op you are looking for, you are sure to find one that fits your family’s needs. Most of these groups have Facebook pages or websites, so you’ll be able to find what you are looking for with a simple search query. The following are just a few examples of the many different support groups and co-ops operating in Idaho:

• Boise Natural Parenting
• Secular Homeschoolers of the Treasure Valley
• Inland Northwest Christina Homeschoolers
• Port Cities Home Educators
• Homeschooling on the Palouse
• Potlatch Area Homeschoolers
• Revelations Homeschool Co-op
• FHL Homeschool Co-op

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

The following are just a few examples to give Idaho homeschoolers field trip ideas in their state.

• Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge in Bonners Ferry: Homeschoolers can explore many different animal and plant species on the 2,774-acre refuge. This is a great way to learn about natural habitats and conservation of wetlands, meadows, forests, and more.
• Bonner County History Museum in Sandpoint: Visitors can learn about the region’s history and culture dating back to the Ice Age Floods. Guided tours and custom scavenger hunts are also available.
• Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot: This unique museum provides information about potato history, the revolution of the potato industry, and the growing and harvesting process. Visitors can also view the largest potato crisp and learn trivia and potato facts.
• Yellowstone Bear Worlds in Rexburg: As a drive-thru wildlife park, you can get up close with the wildlife of North America, including deer, goats, bison, and bears. There is also a petting zoo, amusement rides, and a gift shop.
• Minnetonka Cave in St. Charles: Exploring the Minnetonka Cave in St. Charles Canyon will enhance any lesson about geology or geography. Guided tours are available along with fishing and hiking.
• Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Arco: These landforms developed throughout thousands of years with a series of major eruptions. Today, students can explore the unique landscape through field trips and lesson plans about the geographic formations.
• Lemhi County History Museum in Salmon: Homeschoolers can learn about Lemhi Country history dating back to the 1800s. The museum highlights the birthplace of Sacajawea, mining communities, immigration, and former Wild West hub of the region.
• Zoo Boise: Students can discover many different exotic and domestic animal species, including boas, sloths, bald eagles, red pandas, and much more! With children and family programs, special events, and youth groups, students of all ages have plenty of opportunities to learn, explore, and get involved.
• Boise Art Museum in Boise: Students can explore their artistic side by touring different styles of art from around the world. Classes, workshops, and camps are available for homeschoolers to create their own art and experiment with different mediums.
• Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park in Idaho Falls: Home to animal species from around the world, this zoo is a great field trip for students learning about wildlife, ecosystems, and habitats. With educational opportunities, family programs, and special events, the zoo offers fun for the whole family.
• Idaho Museum of Natural History in Pocatello: Located on Idaho State University’s campus, students can learn about natural history through various exhibits and special events. Field trips are available for groups as small as five students.