Homeschooling in Des Moines, Iowa Guide

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Homeschooling in Des Moines, Iowa Guide

Families may choose to educate their children at home instead of sending them to a public or private school which is called homeschooling. A Washington Post analysis labeled homeschooling the fastest-growing method of education. There are many reasons families choose to homeschool. There are different Iowa requirements, a variety of styles and curriculums as well as many ways that homeschool families can connect.

We have broken down this Homeschooling Guide in Des Moines, Iowa into THREE sections.

1. Des Moines Metro Homeschool Programs
2. Helpful Resources
3. 5 Steps to Begin Home Schooling in Iowa

Learn more about how to get started with this method of education and the current programming available in our Homeschooling in Des Moines, Iowa Guide. As always, we are open to feedback on any other additions you would like to add to this guide.

Des Moines Metro Homeschool Programs

Applause Series at the Civic Center

Cost: $1

Age: Preschool through high school

The Des Moines Civic Center Applause Series delivers 50 matinee live performances per year for students. The idea is to turn the theater into a classroom and provide students with exposure to new cultures and ideas. Resource materials for each show are provided to teachers to connect ideas to other academic learning. Shows are open to public, private, and home-school groups.

Blank Park Zoo: Ruby’s Readers Book Club and Early Childhood Classes

Cost: Regular admission or free with zoo membership

Age: 1-7 years old 

Other classes are for students in grades 9-12 and high school graduates. Learn more here.

Inclusion: Sensory bags are available for check out, an adjustable height changing table is located in the GoGo Plaza restroom and there are designated Quiet Zones.

Early Childhood:

While Blank does not have specific homeschool programming, they host Ruby Reader’s Book Club on the 2^nd Monday of the month at 11:00 AM. Listen to a story, complete a craft, and meet a special ambassador animal. This is for ages 2-7.

Blank Zoo also holds early childhood classes from ages 1-7 during the day separated by class and age group. Classes include Zoo Tunes and Polliwogs for ages 1-2.5, Zoo Tots and Zoo Tots Cooking for ages 2-4, and Zoo Juniors and Zoo Chefs for ages 5-7.

High School and high school graduates:

Cost: $30

Students in grades 9-12 and high school graduates who are interested in working at a zoo can job shadow a variety of positions such as the accounting team, animal care, veterinary team, and facilities team. This program runs October-April for three hours from 9 AM to 12 PM.

Educator Workshops:

Cost: $65

Educators can attend a variety of workshops with activities aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and the Iowa Core for Science.

The Brenton Arboretum

Cost: Varies by program and with membership

Explore the trails, play in the natural play area, and enjoy the beautiful trees and shrubs. The Breton Arboretum offers classes, field trips, and resources for homeschool families.

Kids Nature Club:

Cost: $1 per child with membership or $5 per child non-membership

Nature Club meets on the 1^st and third Thursdays of the month and registration is required. Nature Club Tots (ages 2-6) meets from 10:30-11:30 AM. Nature Club Kids (ages 7 and up) meets from 9:00-10:00 AM.

Homeschool Fieldtrips:

Cost: Free

Homeschool families can attend three school field trips per year. Registration is required.

Resources:

Check out their resources for homeschool families for nature activities, lesson plans, and nature organizations here.

Des Moines Community Playhouse

Friday Funday

Cost: $6 per person

Show times: 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM

Interactive Theater Shows for Children Ages 4-6! Great for preschools, child care centers, kindergarten classes, and families. Join the Clubhouse at the Playhouse Gang each month as they dramatize a favorite story using their imaginations and the costume pieces and props they find in their Magic Trunk. A new story is presented each month, October through May. Children learn the Clubhouse pledge and secret handshake and listen for the word of the day.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens

Story Sprouts

Cost: Included with membership or general admission

Ages: 2-5

Enjoy the beautiful gardens and then attend Story Sprouts with story time and activities related to nature and plants. This class is held on Fridays from 10:30-11:00 AM but check their calendar for updates.

Check out their Activities and Resources page to download their scavenger hunt and other activities while visiting the gardens.

Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch

Open Fall September through October; Summer May through the end of August.

Homeschool families can enjoy farmyard fun during the day in the Fall or Summer including a play area, view animals, slides, pedal tractors, mud kitchen, and more. Homeschool groups with 15 or more people can pay a discounted rate of $12 per person during regular hours with a reservation.

Jester Park Nature Center

Cost: Free

Grades: K-5

Join us for a season of learning at the Jester Park Nature Center. This program series will be delivered in a flexible format that is specially designed for homeschooled students. These programs will immerse children and parents in the natural world and drive us to learn, discover, and appreciate our environment! Registration is required. Check their calendar for current dates.

Living History Farms

Variety of homeschool programs available.

Living History Farms has many options for homeschooled families. Check out their offerings:

School Field Trips:

Field trips are available for groups of 12 or more on Tuesday-Friday in May, September, and October with a reservation. These curriculum-connected scheduled tours are based on both national and state standards in social studies and other curriculum areas. They provide rural life experiences.

Exploration Program:

Provided November through April, these hands-on tours provide students with a unique learning experience about the history of farming and rural life in Iowa. They are 2-3 hours in length and require 3 adults, 1 admitted free of charge with advanced reservations required.

Homeschool Days

Homeschool Days are free for members. Enjoy visiting historic areas, hands-on activities, and more.

Local Libraries

Your local library offers tons of events and activities throughout the day including STEM programs, story times, hands-on learning, crafts, and much more. Check the website for your local library’s current events or pick up a paper copy inside. Some activities require registration and others are drop-in.

Science Center of Iowa

Inclusion: They offer sensory-friendly hours and you can check out sensory-friendly backpacks.

Explore the Science Center of Iowa during the day or attend a homeschool workshop in February. Check their calendar for other events and camps.

SCI homeschool programming supports the Iowa Core and National Science Standards and is accurate, relevant, and fun! Your Science Center of Iowa experience will reflect the quality of our fully accredited institution, endorsed by AAM and ASTC.

With hands-on workshops for students and parents, the Homeschool Science Series is a unique opportunity for homeschoolers to enhance their curriculum through STEM programming led by SCI staff. Workshops also provide an opportunity for homeschoolers to share ideas and expand their network of like-minded learners.

Workshops are held for students, ages 4-14 years old, from 11:00 AM to noon on Thursdays in February.

Valley Community Center

Variety of programs

Valley Community Center offers a variety of programming. Currently, they offer Homeschool Youth Pickleball on Friday afternoons. Other classes may include art classes for kids, open gym, obstacle courses, and more. Check out their calendar for current scheduled activities.

YMCA

Des Moines Metro YMCA offers a variety of programming for youth. The Waukee and Walnut Creek YMCA’s have youth programs for children ages 1-12. Check their calendar for current offerings. These may include art classes, nature classes, and cooking classes.

Helpful Resources

Homeschool Iowa: This is the most comprehensive resource we found for homeschooling in Iowa. This is a religious-based group.

Homeschool Iowa Conference: This annual conference is designed to assist you with your homeschooling journey. In 2024 the conference will be on June 14-15 at the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex.

Iowa Department of Education: Homeschool resources for Iowans.

SPED Homeschool: Resource for families that have diverse learners.

5 Steps to Begin Home Schooling in Iowa

Step 1: Decide if Homeschooling is Right for your Family.

There are many reasons that families choose to homeschool. The top reasons include:

1. Concern about safety and peer pressure in the school environment.
2. Religious reasons
3. Concern about academics and families may want to take control of what the child is learning. They believe their child may learn better in a one on one or small group environments. They can also teach directly to their child’s preferred learning style such as if they are an auditory learner or learn best with hands-on projects.
4. Flexible schedules with learning allow the family to plan more activities outside of the home such as going to museums or participating in community service for learning. This can also help reduce stress and encourage learning in topics the child is interested in.
5. Support children with special needs or those who are neurodivergent by providing specialized instruction. Children with sensory and more movement needs may also do better at home where they can stretch and move around during learning instead of sitting at a desk. Depending on the homeschooling option, families can still receive therapy services from their local school district.

Step 2: Understand Iowa Homeschooling Requirements

There are 5 legal options for homeschooling in Iowa that parents/caregivers can choose according to the level of service they want from the public schools and oversight with programming.

1. Independent Private Instruction (IPI): This is the option for families that want little to no services from the public schools. They do not have to provide initial reporting (no form is required to be submitted to the public school to state the family is homeschooling) except if the school district or Iowa Department of Education sends a written request.
2. The teaching of main subjects such as reading, math, language arts, science, and social sciences are required by law but no licensed teacher visits are required and dual enrollment is not an option. 
3. Home school educators can teach up to 4 unrelated students but can’t receive payment for teaching.
4. There is no minimal number of instructional days.
5. AEA services are not provided so parents would need to access private therapy if needed.

2. Competent Private Instruction (CPI) with No Reporting: This is the second option for families that want little to no services from public schools. 

• There are no specific subjects required and no reporting requirements.
• Dual enrollment is not an option.
• There is no minimal number of instructional days.
• AEA services are not provided so parents would need to access private therapy if needed.

3. Competent Private Instruction (CPI) with Reporting and Annual Assessment: This is one of three options for families that want optional services from the public schools and will report annual assessments to the schools.

• Must complete a CPI Report Form A with the school stating the child will be homeschooled.
• Must provide annual assessments.
• There is no minimal number of instructional days.
• Dual enrollment is optional for public school services such as classes and activities.
• AEA services can be provided for children with special needs.
• No licensed teacher visits are required.

4. Competent Private Instruction (CPI) with Reporting and Supervision by Your Selected Teacher: This is the second option for families that want optional services from the public schools and want to have access to an Iowa-licensed teacher.

• Must complete a CPI Report Form A with the school stating the child will be homeschooled.
• No annual assessments are required.
• 148 school instruction days are required.
• Dual enrollment is optional for public school services such as classes and activities.
• AEA services can be provided for children with special needs.
• Licensed teacher visits are required 2x per quarter.

5. Competent Private Instruction (CPI) with Reporting and Supervision by an Home School Assistance Program (HSAP) Teacher: This is the last option for families that want optional services from the public schools and want to be enrolled in the HSAP.

• Must complete a CPI Report Form A with the school stating the child will be homeschooled.
• The school district can request further reporting.
• 148 school instruction days are required.
• Dual enrollment is optional for public school services such as classes and activities.
• AEA services can be provided for children with special needs.
• The HSAP teacher will meet with the parent and student at least 4 times every 45 days of instruction.

Step 3: Determine Your Teaching Style

There are many ways homeschool educators can teach their children from traditional school at home to unschooling. Determine the teaching style that would work best for your family so that you can then pick the best curriculum. Popular teaching styles include:

1. Traditional: This style is for those who would like to have a similar atmosphere to school but at home. There is often a traditional desk or classroom set up with a comprehensive full curriculum. The schedule is similar to a regular school day and students often use textbooks and online resources.
2. Online: Students may be enrolled in public school but take classes online or through Skype or another platform with a live teacher. It can also be used for certain classes.
3. Classical: This level of education is language-based vs using hands-on projects or online resources. It incorporates Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric and is used by some in combination with Christian teachings.
4. Unit: Instead of changing subject to subject, unit studies pick one unit and then relate all other learning to this unit incorporating math, language arts, science, and other studies into the theme.
5. Individualized Learning: Several methods can be used such as Montessori methods which focus on the child’s independence with hands-on and self-directed learning. Charlotte Mason’s method focuses on nature study and daily routines. Waldorf’s method emphasizes artistic expression with hands-on learning.
6. Unschooling: This is a less structured approach that lets the child direct their learning with help from their parents/caregivers. They may not take specific classes or they may take classes that they are interested in. The purpose is to build the child’s enthusiasm for learning and discovering.
7. Relaxed: This method may use fewer schedules and guidelines and may not teach every subject every day. Different styles may be combined, determined by how your child learns best and the best setup for the family.

Step 4: Choose a Homeschool Curriculum

Decide on the type of curriculum (educational materials) to use depending on the content, your child’s learning style, price and your desired homeschooling approach. Curriculums may be all online, individualized from different providers or pre-packed which cover all subject areas.

Step 5: Connect with other Homeschooling Families

1. Join a co-op or local homeschool Facebook group: There are many Facebook groups on social media for families to connect. These groups are only for homeschooling families. Examples include:

• Homeschool Iowa Discussion Group
• Iowa Homeschool Families
• Wild Seekers Learning Collective of Central Iowa: Nature-based child-led homeschool group
• Ankeny Homeschoolers
• Homeschool Play Group of Central Iowa
• CIRCLE- Des Moines: Secular, inclusive co-op
• Des Moines Area Homeschool Play Group