We're currently living in Arkansas but we will probably (well hopefully) be moving back to Iowa sometime in the next year and I was wondering if anyone had an personal experience with homeschool regulations in Iowa. How difficult it is? What is required? Stuff like that. Arkansas is a piece of cake. We file a notice of intent once a year along with a waiver agreeing not to hold the school responsible if our kids turn out stupid and agree to standardized test in 3 different upper grade levels. But I have no clue what Iowa requires or what to do when we move as far as notifying the new district. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks
Go to HSLDA. They'll give you accurate information. You click on your state, and they will tell you exactly what is required.
Hello again! I live in IL but am just a few miles from IA. We participate in an Iowa homeschooling group, too. I would definitely check out HSLDA, as Jackie recommended. Off the top of my head I can tell you that you have to have a "supervising teacher" who is supposed to oversee your curriculum and check in a certain number of times a year. The schools also have homeschool liasons who can be used to meet this requirement. I believe they have to submit to testing, but don't quote me on that. What I really know is that Iowa is alot harder than IL! We have to file nothing at all....no testing, either. If you are able to move to IL instead (not sure where in IA you were planning to go) it would be worth it to have the freedom afforded here.
I'll second Brooke's post about the freedom of hsing in IL vs. IA, and I live in Iowa. Jackie is right about HSLDA too. Each school district here is a little different and has their own way of interpreting the laws. Let us know your questions and we'll try to help. Tammy PS...Brooke, which hs group do you participate in here?
Thanks ladies. Yeah it is possible for us to move to Illinois instead. My family lives in Clinton so we could move to Fulton (right across the river) instead. Just hate the thought of having to have long distance to call my parents 5 miles away but if it means less hassle with the system then I'd gladly do it. Are any of you around the CLinton Fulton area? Was wondering about HS groups in that area. I know when we lived there before that I had met a few people but it was so long ago that I met them that I really don't remember their names or how to contact them.
Thanks for pointing me to the HSLDA. When we decided to hs we simply contacted the homeschool office in Little Rock to find out what we needed to do. I definetly should spend more time online doing research. After looking at the info I'm gonna have to agree that moving to Illinois would definetly be better than moving to Iowa. Either that or I should go back and finish up the last 2 semesters to get my teaching license.
I'm involved in CHEGRA--Christian Home Educators of the Great River Area. It is based in Southeast Iowa out of Burlington. I am also beginning work on developing a local group on my side of the river :shock: :lol: . The Quad Cities have alot of homeschooling stuff going on! We have a local homeschool newsletter and often list activities and group info for the Quad City area. I can e-mail you a newsletter if you would be interested. There will be more things in the newsletter once the "school year" starts for most people. Alot of the stuff listed is not part of the homeschooling group so much as it is museums and centers that have educational programs going on.
That would be great!!! I so can not wait to get back up to a real City!!! I went to school in Davenport so I'm used to a fairly decent size town with lots of activities to do and this place is just too small. Our email is moondancer7825@aol.com
Hmmm.....I can't find July's. I'll get August's in a few days. Let me know if you want a "back issue" or if you want the current one.
Hmmm.....I can't find July's. I'll get August's in a few days. Let me know if you want a "back issue" or if you want the current one.
