Iowa Homeschool Letter of Intent

Iowa requires annual notice to begin homeschooling. Here’s a free template and exactly how to file it.

Notice: Annual notice
Goes to: Filed as the state CPI form (Form A)
Deadline: September 1 annually (for CPI option)

File a Competent Private Instruction (CPI) report annually with the local district by September 1. Independent Private Instruction (IPI) option has no requirements.

Iowa uses the state CPI form (Form A), not a letter

You don’t write a freeform letter in Iowa. You file the state CPI form (Form A) instead. Get the current form from the Iowa Department of Education (or see HSLDA’s Iowa page for a walkthrough). The template below still shows the information you’ll be asked for, so it’s worth reading before you start.

Letter template

Copy this, fill in the bracketed parts, and send it to accompany your filing where a cover letter helps. Keep a copy and proof of delivery (certified mail or an emailed PDF with a read receipt).

[Today’s date]

[Recipient name or office]
[Street address]
[City, state, ZIP]

RE: Notice of intent to provide home instruction

To whom it may concern:

In accordance with Iowa’s home education law, I am writing to
notify you of my intent to provide home instruction for the child(ren)
listed below for the 2026–2027 school year.

    Student name: ____________________
    Date of birth: ____________________
    Grade level: ____________________

Instruction will be provided at our residence and will include the
subjects required under Iowa law. I will maintain any records the
law requires and make them available as provided by statute.

Please direct any correspondence to me at the address below.

Sincerely,

[Parent/guardian name]
[Address]
[Phone / email]

What to include

Your name, address, and signature, and the date
Each student’s name, date of birth, and grade level
A clear statement of intent to provide home instruction under Iowa law
The school year it covers (you’ll re-file this each year)

Some districts publish their own preferred form; using it is usually the path of least resistance. Never include more personal information than the statute requires.

Never think about this letter again

Homeschool Wizard pre-fills your Iowa paperwork with your student’s real details, keeps it next to the attendance records that back it up, and regenerates it every school year, alongside compliance tracking, portfolio PDFs, and transcripts.

Download on the App Store

Full requirements: Homeschooling in Iowa.

Not legal advice. This data is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Homeschool laws change frequently. Always verify requirements with your state's Department of Education or a qualified homeschool legal organization before making compliance decisions. Requirements shown were last verified 2026-09.