Independent Private Instruction (IPI)
Choice #1
Independent Private Instruction (IPI)
Details:
Independent Private Instruction (IPI) was added into the Iowa Code as a new homeschooling option in 2013 and then modified through Homeschool Iowa advocacy efforts in 2026.
IPI is defined as private instruction that:
• is not accredited,
• provides private or religious- based instruction as its primary purpose,
• provides students in all grade levels with instruction in mathematics, reading, language arts, science, and social studies, and
• can include students not related to the primary instructor, who is allowed to charge fees for the instruction of non-related students.
REQUIREMENTS
• No initial reporting
• Response to Public School Request for Information
School officials may request specific details about the IPI program, but the request must be in written form. If you receive a written request for information, you can use our IPI Response Form, available in the IPI Tool Kit below, to reply.
PUBLIC SCHOOL ACCESS AVAILABILITY
• No access to dual enrollment
Public school services, activities, classes, or Senior Year Plus options accessed through dual enrollment are not available.
MORE INFORMATION
• Access to concurrent enrollment courses
IPI students may access this one specific type of no-cost Senior Year Plus college course option, without dual enrollment
MORE INFORMATION
• Access available for driver education
Parents using any homeschool option in Iowa may access public school driver education or parent-taught driver education.
MORE INFORMATION
• Access to public school standardized testing.
Parents providing IPI may request public school standardized testing. (Contact us about private testing options, if interested.)
SCHOOL DAY ATTENDANCE AND SCHOOL SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
• No number of instructional days specified by law
• Five school subject requirements
Reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies must be provided.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
• Parents may homeschool students with special educational needs.
Under IPI, public school and/or AEA services are not available. Parents provide for their children’s special needs privately.
MORE INFORMATION
TOOLKIT FOR
INDEPENDENT PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
IPI Tools
If you receive a written request from your school district superintendent or the Department of Education director, you can use these optional forms to respond.
Note: If you're a Homeschool Iowa member, you can access a fillable (type-in) versions of all 3 of these forms by logging into the Member Portal and then going to the IPI section on our Iowa Homeschool Forms website page.
General Resources
DE Private Instruction Handbook
The Department of Education's guidance on private instruction, including Competent Private Instruction (CPI) and Independent Private Instruction (IPI).
Note: This is the newest version available, but it does contain some errors.
Homeschool Iowa Legal Summary
A brief overview in clear and simple terms, of the legal requirements and options for home educators in Iowa.
Homeschool IOWA How to Homeschool Guide
A complete guide with answers to all of the most common questions about how to homeschool in Iowa.
© Homeschool Iowa
