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Enlightium Academy is a private Christian school that is accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Enlightium has served homeschool, online, and co-op school students in K-12 since 2003. As K-12 education policies are different in each state, it is a parental responsibility to check on their state’s homeschool requirements and fulfill them as applicable. To assist parents with this process, Enlightium provides basic information about each state’s requirements. Parents are also encouraged to review their state’s requirements at hslda.org/legal and/or the Idaho State Board of Education, as educational policies are subject to change over time.
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and Washington D.C. With this freedom comes a responsibility to understand and fulfill legal requirements. This can be worrisome, but you’re not alone in this endeavor. Enlightium Academy is here to help!
Please note that the resources below serve as a starting point for your family; it is important that you research Idaho homeschooling requirements.
Homeschooling Options
Idaho families who enroll with Enlightium are legally considered homeschoolers. Idaho does not regulate or monitor homeschool education; it is directed by the parent/guardian.
Idaho’s Homeschooling Requirements at a Glance
Age Requirement
Ages six and younger:
Students are not required to attend school but can enroll in primary school at Enlightium Academy to have a head start and be ready for Kindergarten.
Ages seven to 16:
They must attend school during that academic year beginning in the fall; this includes homeschooling with Enlightium Academy. Students must continue their education at a school of their parent’s choice until they turn 16.
Keep in mind that Idaho does not have a graduation exception. That means that if your student graduates high school at the age of 15, they are still required to attend school until they are 16.
State Educational Funds
Idaho’s Parental Choice Tax Credit takes effect starting in the 2025 tax year. This program offers parents up to $5,000 for eligible educational expenses, including tuition and fees at online private schools like Enlightium Academy. Please click here for more information.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only; Enlightium Academy is unable to provide tax advice. Please consult with your tax professional to ensure any deductions or credits taken are done in accordance with your state laws and determine which year basis you should use for your state return. You must verify the validity of these statements to be certain they are applicable to you. Idaho may offer assistance with purchasing school supplies. We recommend that you do research within your school district if interested.
Instructor Qualifications
The Idaho State Board of Education does not require homeschool students to have teachers with specific credentials or qualifications.
As a part of Enlightium Academy’s dual accreditation, Enlightium teachers are state and/or ACSI-certified. A number of our faculty members have Master's and Doctorate degrees in their fields.
Students in the Book-Based Program (grades PreK-9) use textbook Christian curricula from AOP or BJU Press, while students in the Online Program use the Ignitia digital Christian curriculum (grades 3-12) or Enlightium’s custom online curriculum (available to select grade levels). Students in the Sapphire Live program (grades 1-12) use a collection of the best-vetted curriculum options by our curriculum department. Each curriculum includes Bible, English, math, science, social studies, and elective courses. Click here to learn about the curriculum used at Enlightium Academy and to find the curriculum option that works best for your family.
Required Subjects
The Idaho State Board of Education expects that students be taught subjects that are typically taught in public schools.
After you enroll/re-enroll and before your student starts courses at Enlightium Academy, your student’s counselor will send you an email with a recommended course schedule consisting of core courses and, if applicable, courses that fulfill Enlightium’s graduation requirements. Your student can also select from Enlightium’s elective courses.
Standardized Assessment
The Idaho State Board of Education does not require a standardized test for homeschooled students. However, Enlightium Academy requires students to take an annual assessment to keep track of how students are progressing. Enlightium provides the following options per grade level:
Grades PreK-8: IXL diagnostic assessments or Iowa Complete Annual Assessment. We recommend the IXL diagnostic assessment, as it provides more flexibility in scheduling and does not have an additional fee.
Grades 9-12: Guidance for college-preparatory assessments such as the PSAT, SAT and/or ACT
Keep a Portfolio
Enlightium recommends that families keep a digital record every year you are enrolled at Enlightium Academy, which should include:
Attendance - Enlightium provides your family with progress reports via email. You can screenshot the details in these emails to show attendance.
Curriculum information and samples - Enlightium provides its families with both curriculum overviews by grade level and samples by course.
Academic plans - Enlightium Academy counselors provide academic plans during the admission process for each of our four divisions of grades: primary school (PreK-2), elementary school (3-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12).
Grades - Enlightium provides report cards for all students at the end of each quarter. Transcripts are available upon request.
Test scores - This can include occasional screenshots of test scores and/or standardized assessment scores.
Academic Awards - Enlightium provides qualifying students with certificates for Honor Roll, Scholar’s List, Dean’s List, Outstanding Improvement, and the Presidential Award.
Social/Competition Achievements - Enlightium holds social events and competitions throughout the school year, such as art competitions and involvement in the Student Council.
Enlightium Parents App with Group for Idaho Families
Enlightium Academy has an app and desktop platform for families of currently enrolled students. Within this app is a group just for families living in Idaho to inform and support each other in fulfilling their state’s homeschooling requirements. Your family will be provided a link to download the app after enrolling.
Ready to Enroll at Enlightium Academy?
If you have any questions:
Call (866) 488-4818 option 2
Ready to enroll? Click here to start the enrollment process, and select the “Enroll Now” button.
Since 2003, Enlightium faculty and staff have served partner schools, hybrid, online, and homeschool K-12 students. With parental support, excellent instruction, and a personalized approach to learning, Enlightium equips students with the academic, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional skills they need to succeed in life. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288, or visit EnlightiumSchool.com.
We review state requirements and regulations annually; however, each state may update its guidelines more frequently. If you have additional questions, please contact your state board of education.
Sources reviewed in May 2025: