Starting a Private School in Idaho
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Our team has curated the best resources and information available about starting a private school in Idaho. Enjoy!
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See what else you need to know about starting a private school. From your curriculum to your marketing, and everything in-between.
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Idaho State Regulations
General Regulations
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Accreditation is optional in the state of Idaho and there are no processes for registration or licensing.
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The Idaho Department of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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Idaho does not differentiate between private and home-schooled students, grouping them all as “non-public.”
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Idaho.
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The Idaho DOE has no published requirements for school insurance — consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
Idaho does not provide funding for private education.
Curriculum Requirements
The state requires that private school students receive instruction in the subjects commonly taught in the public schools.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
All teachers at accredited schools must hold a teaching certificate.
Food Services / Lunch
In Idaho, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Department of Education.
Length of School Year
In order to meet the state’s compulsory school attendance law, students must attend an equal amount of school as the public school session.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Private schools must collect reliable proof of the student’s identity and birth date when registering for school and must request a certified copy of the student’s education records from his or her previous school.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Students must be immunized before enrolling a school and the school must maintain a copy.
Transportation
Transportation provided by the school district for private school students must be paid for as no public funding may be used.
Testing
No state policy exists.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Idaho State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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Idaho Federation of Independent Schools: The Idaho Federation of Independent Schools is the voice of private schools in Idaho. Its mission is to promote, preserve, and protect the ability of Idaho’s independent schools to provide a high-quality educations in positive cultural environments.
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Northwest Association of Independent Schools: A nonprofit membership association that provides accreditation, professional development and support services to over 110 schools in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
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Government Websites
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Guide Quick-Nav
Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.
School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.
Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.
Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.
Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.
Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?
Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures
Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.