Homeschool testing in Iowa

At a glance

Testing required

No

When

optional (only if family opts into reported/evaluated CPI)

Results

Kept in your records

Score floor

Only if opted in: >30th percentile nationally normed = adequate progress (§299A.6(4)); dept-approved closed list applies (ITBS E/F 2017 norms, TerraNova 3 C/D, SAT10, ISASP; waiver for others).

What the law says

“§299A.3: a parent… MAY meet all of the following requirements [report + annual evaluation]. Independent private instruction (§299A.1(2)(b)) requires no assessment of any kind.”

— Iowa Code ch. 299A (§§ 299A.1, .3, .4, .6)

Alternatives to testing

Independent private instruction or unreported CPI — no assessment.

Worth knowing

Mandatory testing eliminated 2013 (HF 215 changed “shall” to “may”). Effectively not a compliance market; the closed list binds only opt-in families.