The state of Idaho gives parents options when it comes to their children's education. The government does not require students to attend an institution for schooling and allows parents or legal guardians to serve as instructors without formal certification. Idaho is very homeschool-friendly, with very few requirements for parents. There are, however, certain regulations that every parent must follow if they plan to homeschool their students.
Regulations in Idaho
Parents may withdraw their children from the public school system at any time in Idaho without providing further insight into how they plan to educate their kids. The state does not require parents to check in with the progress of their children. However, the state does require proper logs that prove children between the ages of 7 and 16 are receiving schooling.
There is no registration process for homeschool students and their parents. It may, however, be a good idea to have a documentation system in place so that there are no issues with the state’s truancy laws.
Generally, the state of Idaho requires students between the first and twelfth grades to have anywhere from 810 to 990 education hours. The breakdown of hours is as follows:
- Kindergarten: 450 Hours
- 1st-3rd Grades: 810 Hours
- 4th-8th Grades: 900 Hours
- 6th-12th Grades: 990 Hours
Homeschools are considered alternative sources of education and, thus, the state only requires 900 hours for children who would be in grades six through twelve. Such a requirement is a 90-hour reduction from the standard 990-hour requirement for public school students in grades six through twelve.
The State Board of Education requires students to take courses in language arts, science, math, and social science, so homeschoolers should be sure to do coursework in those subjects.
Dual enrollment is an option, too—students can take classes or do extra-curricular activities at a public school while also being homeschooled.
Parental Responsibilities
Parents are solely responsible for the cost of their children’s education when they choose to homeschool. Many parents take advantage of the flexibility afforded to them by using different free options for education, like courses offered online and books from the library. Hiring a tutor is only reserved for instances where the student does not understand the subject at hand, and the parent has exhausted all means of explanation. Other parents may hire teachers or tutors for one on one assistance, or to do the bulk of the teaching.
FIND A Free Online School
You do not have to spend money to have worthwhile homeschooling experience in Idaho. Your kids can have an excellent education at home for a reasonable price, thanks to Idaho Connects Online (ICON). This platform is the ideal choice for parents of homeschool students who want their children to receive the best education possible. Students can enroll full time, or supplement homeschool curriculum with online courses.
