Homeschooling in Idaho: A Boise Parent’s Guide to Getting Started

Published: November 3, 2026

By Cara Gilligan, Prep Academy Tutors of Boise · Reviewed by [certified teacher name, credential]

You’ve made the call: your child is going to learn at home this year. Maybe school wasn’t working, maybe you want more time together, or maybe you have a teen who wants to start college courses early. Whatever the reason, the next question in most Boise, Meridian and Eagle homes is the same one: what do we actually do on Monday morning?

What does Idaho require to homeschool?

Less than most states. The Idaho Department of Education puts it plainly: homeschooling is education directed by the parent or guardian, and Idaho does not regulate or monitor it. There is no sign-up procedure, no set homeschool curriculum, and all costs are the family’s.

What the law does say is in Idaho Code 33-202: a child aged 7 to 16 must be instructed in “subjects commonly and usually taught in the public schools of the state of Idaho,” for a period equal to the public school year. Teaching by, or at the direction of, a parent counts.

That freedom is the appeal, and also the catch. Nobody will tell you if a subject has slipped, so the structure has to come from you.

You’ve decided to homeschool. What should you do first?

1. Write down why. One or two sentences: more reading support, a faster pace in math, flexibility for sport or work. You’ll come back to this every time you choose materials.
2. Check where your child is now. A short reading and math check tells you where to start, which often isn’t the grade on the last report card. Our post on understanding your child’s reading level explains what the levels mean.
3. Choose English and math first. 
4. Sketch a weekly rhythm. Decide which mornings are for core subjects and which afternoons are for projects, outings and activities.
5. Start a records folder on day one. A binder or shared drive folder for each school year. You’ll be glad of it in Grade 11.
6. Tell your child’s current school in writing if they’re enrolled, so attendance records close cleanly.

Too many resources: where do you start?

Having too many options is a good problem, but it’s still a problem. Parents tell our Boise team the same thing: they bought three math programs in the first month and finished none of them.

A simple rule helps: one core program per foundation subject, chosen for your child, then add extras only after the first six weeks go well.

• Reading and writing. A structured phonics and spelling program for younger children (our post on the science of reading explains why systematic phonics matters), and a literature-and-writing program for older students.
• Math. One sequential program that builds skills in order. Avoid switching mid-year unless your child is truly stuck.
• Science and social studies. These can be lighter at first: topic units, library books and local field trips while you build the routine.
• Electives. Add one at a time, ideally tied to an interest your child already has.

How do you keep your child on track?

Strong English and math foundations carry every other subject. A child who reads fluently can learn science from a book; a child who is shaky on fractions will struggle in chemistry later. So these two get the most attention and the most checking.

Check progress every 6 to 8 weeks. Pick a few concrete markers: words read correctly per minute, the math facts your child can recall without counting, a writing sample compared with one from the start of term. For math ideas, see techniques to master basic math facts.

Teach the skills behind the subjects. Organization, planning and time management (often called executive function) matter even more at home, where there’s no bell to say what comes next. Give older students a weekly planner they fill in themselves, break big projects into dated steps, and review the week together on Fridays. Our guide to executive functioning skills for all ages has ideas by age.

Watch for the warning signs. If the same subject causes a fight every day, change the material or get outside help rather than pushing harder.

How does a certified teacher help a homeschool family?

For many parents the hardest part of homeschooling isn’t the content. It’s wearing the teacher hat and the parent hat in the same kitchen, all day. A certified teacher or subject expert takes one of those hats for a few hours a week.

• Curriculum planning. Mapping out the year so it covers what Idaho expects and what your child needs, using your materials or building new ones. See why personalized learning plans make a difference.
• Teaching one or two subjects. Often early reading for younger children, or algebra, chemistry and essay writing for teens.
• Assessment. An outside view of progress, with notes you can keep in your records.
• Support for different learners. A plan that works for a child with ADHD or dyslexia, or one who needs time for other support during the week.

We started using a certified teacher with Prep Academy Tutors of Boise for my 7-year-old twin boys. I was concerned about their progress in reading and math. Also having 3 other small children, being mom and teacher was becoming a bit too much at times! My boys love their teacher Courtney and are so excited to learn with her. They’ve made great progress and are building strong literacy foundations. It has been a win-win for everyone!

A Boise parent of 7-year-old twins

What records will your teen need for college or a career?

As a homeschool parent, you issue your child’s diploma. Colleges and employers may ask for the evidence behind it, so keep these records from Grade 9, or earlier if you can.

Record	What to include	When to start
Transcript	Courses, credits and grades by year, in a clean, professional format	Grade 9
Course descriptions	One paragraph per course: materials used, topics covered, how you assessed	As each course starts
Samples of major work	A research paper, lab report or project from each core subject	Every year
Activities and experience	Volunteer hours, clubs, sports and jobs, with dates and a contact	Any time
SAT or ACT scores	If your teen is heading to college (which test to choose)	Grade 10 to 11
Dual credit transcripts	College courses through CWI, Boise State or another college	When your teen is ready

What Boise State asks for. Boise State reviews homeschool applicants holistically. It asks for a homeschool transcript, official ACT or SAT scores if the applicant is under 21, a 500 to 650 word personal statement and two letters of recommendation. Idaho residents applying for fall should have everything in by the February 15 priority deadline to be considered for scholarships. Our post on writing the college essay helps with the personal statement.

Dual credit is the strongest record of all. College courses taken in high school show readiness better than any parent-made transcript. The Idaho Department of Education says homeschool students can get reduced dual credit tuition of $75 per credit at many Idaho colleges, whether or not they attend a school. Homeschool students in grades 7 to 12 who also attend an Idaho public school (attendance rules range from one course to full time, depending on the school) are eligible for up to $4,625 in Advanced Opportunities funds. Check current options with CWI’s dual credit office or Boise State before you register.

What can homeschooling make room for?

The biggest advantage of homeschooling is time. A school day includes a lot of waiting; at home, focused lessons often take less of the day, which leaves room for what matters to your family.

• A pace that fits. Move faster where your child is strong and slow down where they’re not, without waiting for a class.
• Other support. Therapy or behavioral intervention appointments can fit into the week without missed lessons.
• Learning outside. Nature-based learning in the foothills or along the Boise River Greenbelt counts as science, writing and PE.
• Clubs, sport and the arts. Under Idaho Code 33-203, homeschooled students can dual enroll in public school classes and programs. To join nonacademic activities such as sports, they need to show grade-level academic proficiency and live within that school’s attendance boundary.
• A trade, skill or job. Older teens can build work experience or certifications that go straight onto their records.

Connection makes it work. Students do best when they’re connected: to a parent who isn’t stretched too thin, to other kids, and to at least one other adult who knows how they learn. Co-ops, library programs, a public school class through dual enrollment and a regular tutor all count. Build at least one into your week from the start.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register to homeschool in Idaho?

No. The Idaho Department of Education says there is no registration or sign-up procedure for homeschooling, and the state does not regulate or monitor homeschool education. What Idaho law does require is that children aged 7 to 16 are taught the subjects commonly taught in Idaho public schools, for a period equal to the public school year. If your child is enrolled in a school now, let the school know in writing that you are withdrawing.

What subjects do I have to teach my homeschooled child in Idaho?

Idaho has no set homeschool curriculum. The law asks for instruction in the subjects commonly and usually taught in Idaho public schools, which in practice means English language arts, math, science and social studies, with room for health, the arts and electives. You choose the materials, the order and the pace. Most families start with reading, writing and math, then build out the rest.

Can my homeschooled child take a class or play sports at a Boise or West Ada school?

Yes. Under Idaho Code 33-203, home-schooled students can dual enroll in public school courses and programs. To join nonacademic activities such as sports, a student must show grade-level academic proficiency (a qualifying test score counts) and live within that school’s attendance boundary. Each district sets its own enrollment steps, so contact the Boise School District or West Ada School District before the term you want to start.

Can homeschooled teens earn college credit in high school in Idaho?

Yes. The Idaho Department of Education says homeschool students can get reduced dual credit tuition of $75 per credit at many Idaho colleges, whether or not they attend a school. Students in grades 7 to 12 who also attend an Idaho public school, even for a single course where the school allows it, are eligible for up to $4,625 in Advanced Opportunities funds. Confirm current rates with CWI or Boise State before registering.

Will Boise State accept a homeschooled student?

Yes. Boise State reviews homeschool applicants holistically. It asks for a homeschool transcript, official ACT or SAT scores if the student is under 21, a 500 to 650 word personal statement and two letters of recommendation. Idaho residents applying for fall should send everything by the February 15 priority deadline to be considered for scholarships. Keeping a transcript and course descriptions from Grade 9 makes this much easier.

How do I know if my homeschooled child is on grade level?

Idaho does not monitor homeschool progress, so checking is up to you. A simple approach is a reading and math check at the start of the year and again at midyear, using a standardized test you order or an assessment by a certified teacher. For teens heading to college, SAT or ACT practice tests from Grade 10 add a useful benchmark.

Can a tutor teach part or all of my child’s homeschool program?

Yes. Some families want a teacher for one subject, such as early reading or high school math; others want help planning and teaching the whole year. Our Boise team can work with the curriculum you already use or build one around your child, in your home or online, and sends lesson notes after every session so you always know what was covered.

Related reading

• Keeping Students Focused with Homeschooling
• The Importance of Personalized Learning Plans
• Help for Students Who Procrastinate

This is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool rules and dual credit funding can change; check the current Idaho Code and Idaho Department of Education guidance before making decisions.