Online Homeschooling in Idaho| High School of America

Welcome to Idaho Homeschooling Online, where we offer a comprehensive and flexible homeschooling program for students of all ages. Our mission is to provide a personalized education that allows each student to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

Our online program is designed to meet each student’s unique needs and interests, with a wide range of courses and resources available. Our curriculum is aligned with Idaho state standards and is taught by highly qualified teachers dedicated to helping students succeed.

We offer a variety of online courses, including core subjects such as math, science, English, and social studies, as well as electives in areas such as art, music, foreign language, and more. Our program is fully accredited by the Idaho State Department of Education, ensuring that our students receive a quality education that is recognized by colleges, universities, and employers.

Continue reading to learn more about Idaho homeschooling online in the following sections.

Homeschooling Laws in Idaho

In Idaho, the state does not monitor or regulate home school education. There is no sign-up or registration procedure required. Idaho homeschool laws don’t necessitate parents to submit a notice of intent. The law requires parents who have previously enrolled their children in a public school to withdraw them either in writing or in person officially.

In addition, Idaho doesn’t have a set curriculum that homeschoolers must follow; hence it is upon parents or guardians to choose a curriculum they wish to use in teaching their homeschooling students.

Homeschooling costs are the responsibility of parents. Also, parents are not legally obligated to furnish public school districts with homeschool information if asked.

Since Idaho requires children between 7 and 16 to go to public schools or get similar instruction at home, homeschooling students can’t graduate from the homeschool program prior to their 16th birthday.

Homeschoolers should also consider the following requirements:

Required Courses

There are state mandates courses in Idaho.

Grades 9-12

Electives (16 credits)
Health credit (1 credit)
Humanities (2 credits)
Language Arts (9 credits)
Math (6 credits)
Physical Education (1 credit)
Science credits (6 credits)
Social Studies (5 credits))
Complete a senior project (a written or oral presentation)

Age Requirements

The required schooling age in Idaho is between 7 and 16. Idaho law doesn’t dictate the assigned age of homeschoolers; hence parents can teach children at the “grade level” that best meets their capabilities.

Attendance Requirements

Idaho law doesn’t mandate the number of hours or days each year in which homeschooling students must get instruction. Parents can provide education for their desired hours and set a schedule that best serves the family’s and students’ needs.

Vaccination Requirements

Idaho law specifies that only public, private, or parochial school students are required to receive immunizations. Homeschooled students are not required to receive vaccinations.

Record Keeping

The Idaho homeschooling regulation doesn’t mandate record keeping. So, parents aren’t required to submit their children’s progress reports and work samples to any individual or state agency. However, parents or guardians need to keep some records to show that they meet the minimum instruction requirements under the law.

Your homeschool portfolio should include the following:

Extracurricular activities
Homeschool transcripts
List of documentaries, books, or other supplements
Samples of their work
Writing samples

Annual Assessment

Homeschooling law in Idaho doesn’t require students to participate in assessment tests. However, parents might opt to have their teens take standardized tests in order to measure their progress. Tests such as the SAT and ACT are required when applying to universities or colleges after high school.

Graduation Requirements

The homeschooling law in Idaho law doesn’t mandate homeschooling graduation requirements. The legal requirement to take the SAT so as to graduate doesn’t apply to homeschoolers.

Parents are responsible for planning their homeschooling learners’ high school courses, assessing their work, assigning grades, and writing their transcripts.

The diploma and transcript you write to certify that your student has completed your homeschool requirements are acceptable as graduation proof and legally binding.

Shifting to Public School from Homeschool

The Idaho State Department of Education doesn’t provide policy to school districts about the placement of learners. Parents who want to transfer their student to public school from homeschool must provide the student’s records and coursework.

It’s at the discretion of the district or the school to place the student in the right grade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Idaho Homeschooling Online

How does homeschooling work in Idaho?

Because Idaho doesn’t monitor or regulate homeschooling, parents have the right to choose the curriculum they like. Idaho doesn’t have a sign-up or registration procedure, and it doesn’t have a set homeschooling curriculum.

How do Idaho homeschool students get a diploma?

The state of Idaho doesn’t award high school diplomas to homeschooling students. Once homeschooling learners reach 18 years, they can do the GED test, and those who pass this exam can apply for a GED Certificate or an Idaho High School Equivalency Certificate.

Is Idaho a homeschool-friendly state?

Idaho is a homeschool-friendly state since it has a few requirements for parents and legal guardians.

Online Homeschooling Statistics in Idaho

According to the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), Idaho has one of the highest homeschool rates in the United States. In 2020, it was estimated that approximately 8.2% of school-aged children in Idaho were homeschooled. This was higher than the national average of approximately 3.3%.

There are many reasons why families in Idaho choose to homeschool, including religious beliefs, dissatisfaction with public school curricula or environment, and a desire for more flexibility in their child’s education.

It’s worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in homeschooling across the United States, including in Idaho.

How to Do it

If you are considering homeschooling your child in Idaho, there are several steps you can take to get started:

Know the legal requirements: Idaho law requires parents to provide their children with an education that is equivalent to what is provided in public schools. Parents can choose to homeschool their children by registering with their local school district, or by enrolling in an accredited online homeschooling program.
Choose a homeschooling program: There are many homeschooling programs available in Idaho, both online and offline. Consider your child’s learning style, interests, and goals when choosing a program. Research the program’s accreditation, curriculum, and teaching methods to ensure it meets your needs.
Create a homeschooling schedule: Homeschooling requires a structured schedule to ensure that your child is receiving an adequate education. Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for lessons, breaks, and extracurricular activities.
Purchase or gather curriculum materials: Depending on the homeschooling program you choose, you may need to purchase curriculum materials such as textbooks, workbooks, and educational software. Some programs provide these materials as part of their program.
Set up a learning space: Designate a specific area in your home for homeschooling, such as a desk or table. Make sure the space is free of distractions and has all the necessary supplies.
Join a homeschooling community: Joining a homeschooling community in Idaho can provide support, resources, and socialization opportunities for both you and your child. Look for local homeschooling groups or co-ops in your area.

Homeschooling in Idaho can be a rewarding experience for both you and your child. By following these steps, you can ensure that your child receives a quality education that meets their needs and prepares them for success.

Benefits of Homeschooling Online in Idaho

Homeschooling online in Idaho offers many benefits for students and their families. Here are some of the advantages of choosing an online homeschooling program in Idaho:

Flexibility: Online homeschooling allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This can be especially beneficial for students who need extra time to master certain subjects or have other commitments that make traditional schooling difficult.
Customization: Online homeschooling programs can be tailored to meet each student’s individual needs and interests. This allows for a personalized learning experience that can help students to thrive academically and personally.
Wide range of courses: Online homeschooling programs often offer a wider range of courses than traditional schools, including electives and advanced courses. This can help students to explore their interests and prepare for college or future careers.
High-quality instruction: Online homeschooling programs typically have highly qualified teachers who are experienced in teaching in an online environment. This can provide students with a high-quality education that is on par with traditional schooling.
Safety and comfort: Homeschooling online allows students to learn safely and comfortably without the distractions or potential safety concerns of a traditional school setting.
Affordable: Online homeschooling programs can be more affordable than traditional schooling, as they often do not require additional expenses such as transportation or school supplies.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in Idaho has seen a significant rise in popularity, particularly with the advent of online resources and tools.

Parents in Idaho are increasingly turning to online platforms to provide their children with a comprehensive education tailored to their individual needs. The flexibility and personalized learning options offered by online homeschooling have proven advantageous for many families.

It is important to note that Idaho homeschooling law requires parents to submit a written notification to the local school district and maintain a portfolio of student work. This legal framework ensures accountability and safeguards the quality of education provided through homeschooling in Idaho.