Children within a certain age range are required by state laws to attend school, which may include home school options as well as public, private, or religious institutions. Unlike truancy laws, which prohibit enrolled students from skipping school, these compulsory education laws are focused on making sure parents enroll their children in school. If parents either fail to enroll their children in school or fail to take steps to control their child's chronic truancy, they may face criminal charges if administrative efforts through the school are not successful. Parents have the right to home school their children, but many states have specific guidelines and requirements for doing so.
Idaho Compulsory Education Laws at a Glance
The state of Idaho requires children between seven and 16 to attend formal schooling or receive a comparable education at home. Unlike many other states, Idaho does not regulate or monitor home school education. In fact, no registration is required and parents are free to choose the curriculum they wish to use.
Learn more about compulsory education laws in Idaho, including exemptions, in the following chart.
| Code Section | 33-202, et seq. |
| Age at Which School Attendance is Required | Between 7 and 16 |
| Exceptions to Attendance Requirements | Child is otherwise comparably instructed; child's physical/mental/emotional condition does not permit attendance |
| Home School Provisions | Idaho does not regulate nor monitor homeschool education, but statute requires a "comparable" education:
|
| Penalties on Parents for Noncompliance | Proceedings brought under provisions of the Youth Rehabilitation Act |
Note: State laws are always subject to change at any time through the enactment of newly signed legislation, precedent-setting decisions from appellate courts, and other means. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you may also want to contact an Idaho education attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law
Idaho Compulsory Education Laws: Related Resources
