My Learning Source Iowa › Homeschooling in Iowa › Iowa Education Calendar
Iowa Homeschool Events & Education Calendar
109 upcoming homeschool days, conventions, student competitions, camps, college dates and deadlines across Iowa. New events are added every month.
November 2026
- Mon, Nov 23, 2026 · Almost Full Moon Owl Hike
Central City · Pinicon Ridge Park, Eagle View Shelter, 4729 Horseshoe Falls Rd
Linn County Conservation evening hike (5:30–7 p.m.) by moonlight to Horseshoe Falls, calling for owls along the way; limited to 20. - Tue, Nov 24, 2026 · Full Moon Hike at Lake Meyer Park
Fort Atkinson · Lake Meyer Park, East Shelter, 2546 Lake Meyer Road · Free
Winneshiek County Conservation’s free 45-minute full-moon hike around Lake Meyer, starting at 5 p.m.; no registration needed. - Sat, Nov 28, 2026 · Native American Storytelling & Drumming (Putnam Museum)
Davenport · Putnam Museum & Science Center, 1717 W 12th St · Free
Free afternoon program (2 p.m.) with Larry Lockwood of the Northern Cheyenne Nation sharing traditional songs, stories and drumming. - Sun, Nov 29, 2026 · 2027 U.S. Presidential Scholars: Iowa Nomination Deadline
Statewide · Free
The Iowa Department of Education takes nominations through Nov. 29 for outstanding high school seniors in academics, career and technical education, or the arts; up to 30 Iowa students go forward to the U.S. Department of Education.
December 2026
- Tue, Dec 1, 2026 · Iowa Poetry Out Loud: School & Organization Registration Deadline
Statewide
Last day for schools and organizations to register to hold a local Poetry Out Loud recitation contest for the 2026–27 season, run in Iowa by Humanities Iowa and the University of Iowa Office of Community Engagement. - Tue, Dec 1, 2026 – Thu, Dec 31, 2026 · Snowflake Stroll at Cordova Park
Otley · Cordova Park, Karr Trail, 1378 Highway G-28 · Free
Marion County Conservation’s self-guided December stroll along the Karr Trail searching for 33 hidden snowflakes, with a logbook to sign. - Tue, Dec 1, 2026 · Students First ESA: Spring Funds Available (2026–27)
Statewide
Spring Education Savings Account funds become available: the second payment for full-year participants and the full amount for half-year participants (2026–27 school year). - Thu, Dec 3, 2026 · Iowa Lakes Community College Aviation Visit Day
Spencer · Iowa Lakes Community College, Spencer Campus, 1900 Grand Ave Ste B-1
Afternoon visit day (1–4 p.m.) for prospective students interested in Iowa Lakes’ aviation programs at the Spencer campus; registration through the event page. - Fri, Dec 4, 2026 · Polk County Conservation Ages 10+ Homeschool Program: Winter Survival Skills
Granger · Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, 12112 NW 128th St · Free
Free Polk County Conservation homeschool program for ages 10–16 on "Winter Survival Skills", 10–11:30 a.m. at Jester Park. - Fri, Dec 4, 2026 – Thu, Dec 31, 2026 · Traveling Exhibit: Your Friendly Neighborhood (Local Wildlife)
Oskaloosa · Environmental Learning Center (lower level), Caldwell Park, 2342 Highway 92
Mahaska County Conservation hosts a family-friendly traveling exhibit on the animals that share our cities, farms, neighborhoods and parks, open during regular building hours Dec. 4–31. - Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · Family Christmas at Living History Farms
Urbandale · Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd · Advance2 (1 members); at the door3 (0 per child2 members); under 2 free0 per child
Old-fashioned holiday afternoon (noon–3 p.m.) at the open-air history museum, with historic holiday traditions on the farm sites.- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · Forest Quest at McFarland Park
Ames · McFarland Park, 56461 180th St · $6; registration required by Nov. 29
Story County Conservation’s come-and-go “choose your own adventure” story trail around the lake (2–4 p.m.), gathering ingredients for a hot-cocoa “potion”.- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · Guided History: Terrace Hill Holiday Tour
Des Moines · Terrace Hill, 2300 Grand Ave
State Historical Museum of Iowa guided tour (10:30–11:30 a.m.) of the historic Terrace Hill mansion during the holiday season; registration required.- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · Norwegian Christmas Celebration at Vesterheim
Decorah · Vesterheim National Norwegian-American Museum · Free
Annual Norwegian Christmas celebration (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) with free admission, live music, holiday treats, folk art and a Juletrefest with the Julenisse and costumed Julebukker.- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · SAT Weekend Test Date (December 2026)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · SAT registration fee; late registration costs extra; fee waivers for eligible students
National SAT weekend administration; registration deadline Nov. 20, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET).- Mon, Dec 7, 2026 · Little Naturalists: Frozen Pond Explorers
Spencer · Oneota Park, Clay County Conservation Board Headquarters, 420 10th Ave SE
Clay County Conservation nature program for young children (10–11:30 a.m.) on what happens beneath the ice of a frozen pond; limited to 20.- Tue, Dec 8, 2026 · CLT (Classic Learning Test) Remote Test Date (December 2026)
Online · Online (remote proctoring) · CLT registration fee (see cltexam.com)
Remotely proctored CLT administration; registration deadline Dec. 3, 2026.- Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · Homeschool Day at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (December)
Dubuque · National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, 350 E 3rd St ·1.95 youth;0 per child6.95 adultper person
Homeschool Day at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (second Thursday of each month, October through February) with discounted admission and themed scavenger hunts on science, history and animals.- Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · Nature Knowledge Day: Hibernation!
Vinton · Benton County Nature Center, 5718 20th Ave Drive
Half-hour weekday program (10–10:30 a.m.) for K–5 youth on how Iowa animals adapt to winter, with a book and an activity.- Fri, Dec 11, 2026 · Polk County Conservation K–5 Homeschool Program: The Scientific Method
Granger · Jester Park Nature Center · Free
Free Polk County Conservation homeschool program for ages 5–10 (grades K–5) on "The Scientific Method"; sessions 10–11:30 a.m. and 1–2:30 p.m.- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · ACT National Test Date (December 2026)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · ACT registration fee; fee waivers available to eligible students
National Saturday ACT administration; registration deadline Nov 6 (late: Nov 29), 11:59 pm Central.- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · Battle of the Educators: Can You Sink Your Teacher?
Pella · Pella Aquatic Center, 608 E 8th St · 1 item for the Pella Food Shelf or
City of Pella canoe “battleship” tournament (1–3 p.m.) after an educational presentation by Marion County Conservation; teachers compete, and the public can enter teams of three.- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · Social Saturday: Make Believe (Des Moines Art Center)
Des Moines · Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave
December Social Saturday (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) with crafts in the Art School studios, a scavenger hunt, an all-ages guided tour and storytime, plus a Little Slam on the Prairie puppet performance at 1:30 p.m.- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · Swan Lake Winter Festival
Carroll · Swan Lake Conservation Education Center, 22676 Swan Lake Drive
Carroll County Conservation evening festival (5–9 p.m.): hayride through the lights, crafts and s’mores at the education center, and pictures with Santa at the Bison View Cabin.- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · Winter Fun Day & Artist Open House
Sioux City · Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, 4500 Sioux River Road · Free
Free family day (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) at the nature center: festive crafts, snowshoeing or a winter hike if weather allows, games, and local artist tables.- Tue, Dec 15, 2026 · Homeschool at Hillview: Birding Bonanza
Hinton · Center for Outdoor Learning, Hillview Park, 25601 C60
Plymouth County Conservation’s monthly homeschool program (10–11:30 a.m.), hands-on outdoor learning at Hillview Park; this month: “Birding Bonanza”.- Tue, Dec 15, 2026 · Imaginarium Science Gallery Opening at the Grout Museum
Waterloo · Grout Museum of History and Science
The Grout Museum District opens its new hands-on Imaginarium Science Gallery inside the Grout Museum, with exhibits such as A-Mazing Airways, Pendulum Waves and a physics Roller Coaster; hours to be announced.- Tue, Dec 15, 2026 · MATHCOUNTS: Regular Registration Deadline
Online · Online (remote proctoring) · $48 per student for schools; $75 for non-school competitors (rises to $53 / $85 after Dec. 15)
Last day for regular-price registration in the 2026–27 MATHCOUNTS Competition Series for middle school students; Iowa chapter competitions follow in early 2027.- Wed, Dec 16, 2026 · Homeschool Science Lab: Make a T-Shirt Tote Bag
New Sharon · Russell Wildlife Area, 2254 200th St
Mahaska County Conservation’s monthly Homeschool Science Lab (10–11 a.m.): kids turn an old T-shirt into a no-sew reusable tote bag.- Wed, Dec 16, 2026 · Homeschool Series: Nature Tales (Hurstville Interpretive Center)
Maquoketa · Hurstville Interpretive Center, 18670 63rd St
Jackson County Conservation’s monthly homeschool nature program for ages 5–10 (10–11 a.m., third Wednesday), followed by an optional sack-lunch social hour until noon.- Thu, Dec 17, 2026 · Carroll County Conservation Homeschool Program: Winter Recreation
Carroll · Swan Lake Conservation Education Center, 22676 Swan Lake Drive
Homeschool afternoon (1–3 p.m.) trying out winter recreation gear, from kicksleds to cross-country skis and snowshoes, as the weather allows.- Thu, Dec 17, 2026 · Christmas Bird Count (Marshall County)
Marshalltown · Grimes Farm Conservation Center, 2349 233rd St (count areas throughout the county)
Marshall County Conservation’s Audubon Christmas Bird Count: teams led by bird experts record every species they find in assigned sections of a 15-mile circle.- Thu, Dec 17, 2026 · Homeschool Series: Hoofing it with Deer!
Sioux City · Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, 4500 Sioux River Road · Free
Woodbury County Conservation’s free homeschool program comparing white-tailed deer, elk and caribou; two sessions, 10–11:30 a.m. and 1–2:30 p.m., 40 people each.- Fri, Dec 18, 2026 – Sun, Dec 20, 2026 · The Polar Express Pajama Party (Putnam Museum)
Davenport · Putnam Museum & Science Center, 1717 W 12th St
The museum’s 20th-anniversary Polar Express weekend: the movie on the Giant Screen plus a Polar Express ride in the Grand Lobby.- Sat, Dec 19, 2026 – Sat, Jan 2, 2027 · Christmas Break Event at Prairie Woods Nature Center
Hawarden · Prairie Woods Nature Center, 1603 Oak Grove Road
Sioux County Conservation’s three-part Christmas break event, including a self-led Candy Cane Hike with hidden objects on a 0.6-mile loop and the foundation’s Christmas tree display.- Sun, Dec 20, 2026 · Family Art Workshop: Cardboard Gingerbread House
Des Moines · Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave · Registration fee (members 20% off; scholarships available)
One-day family art workshop (2–4 p.m.) building a “gingerbread” house out of cardboard and mixed materials; artists of all ages welcome.- Mon, Dec 21, 2026 – Tue, Dec 22, 2026 · Winter Camp at Kent Park (Grades K–5)
Oxford · F. W. Kent Park · $50 per child
Johnson County Conservation two-day day camp (9 a.m.–4 p.m.) with shelter and fire building, animal tracking, bird watching, campfire cooking and reptiles; separate sign-ups for grades K–2 and 3–5.- Mon, Dec 28, 2026 · Tech Toys Winter Camp (Putnam Museum)
Davenport · Putnam Museum & Science Center, 1717 W 12th St
Full-day winter break camp (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) with Dot and Dash robots, 3D printing pens and simple circuits in the Putnam’s Science Center.- Tue, Dec 29, 2026 · Iowa's Birthday Party at the State Historical Museum
Des Moines · State Historical Museum of Iowa, 600 E Locust St
Winter-break celebration of Iowa’s belated 180th birthday (9 a.m.–3 p.m.): hands-on activity stations, a Goldie’s scavenger hunt and an 11 a.m. hands-on butter sculpting class with State Fair butter sculptor Sarah Pratt (ages 6+, advance…- Tue, Dec 29, 2026 · LEGO Camp (Putnam Museum)
Davenport · Putnam Museum & Science Center, 1717 W 12th St
Full-day LEGO building camp (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) that also introduces innovators from the Quad Cities.- Tue, Dec 29, 2026 · Winter Survival Adventures at McFarland Park
Ames · McFarland Park, 56461 180th St · $5 per group
Story County Conservation afternoon (2–4 p.m.) of shelter building, fire making and woods exploring, ending with s’mores and cocoa by the campfire.- Wed, Dec 30, 2026 · Brain Freeze! Winter Camp (Putnam Museum)
Davenport · Putnam Museum & Science Center, 1717 W 12th St
Full-day science camp (9 a.m.–3 p.m.): making ice cream, dry-ice chemistry and instant snow experiments in the Science Center.- Wed, Dec 30, 2026 · Hibernator Camp (Grades 2–3)
Fairfield · Jefferson County Park Nature Center, 2003 Libertyville Road ·
Jefferson County Conservation winter-break camp (1–3 p.m.) on the three strategies Iowa animals use to survive winter; 10 spots.- Wed, Dec 30, 2026 · Tracker Camp (Grades K–1)
Fairfield · Jefferson County Park Nature Center, 2003 Libertyville Road ·
Jefferson County Conservation winter-break camp (9–11 a.m.): learn animal tracks and scat, hike to find tracks and make take-home track casts; 10 spots.- Thu, Dec 31, 2026 · Noon Year's Eve at the Science Center of Iowa
Des Moines · Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy · Ticketed
Family New Year celebration (9 a.m.–2 p.m.) that counts down to noon to say goodbye to 2026 and welcome 2027; tickets reserved in advance.- Thu, Dec 31, 2026 · Survivor Camp (Grades 4–6)
Fairfield · Jefferson County Park Nature Center, 2003 Libertyville Road ·
Jefferson County Conservation winter survival camp (9 a.m.–noon): shelter building and fire starting; 10 spots.January 2027
- Sat, Jan 2, 2027 · Star Gazing Luminary Night Hike or Snowshoe
Webster City · Hamilton County Conservation Office, Briggs Woods Park, 2490 Briggs Woods Trail
New Year night hike (7–8 p.m.) with the Hamilton County naturalist along a luminary-lit trail to observe the moon, constellations, planets and satellites, plus phone apps for identifying stars. - Fri, Jan 8, 2027 · Polk County Conservation Ages 10+ Homeschool Program: Winter Birds
Granger · Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, 12112 NW 128th St · Free
Free Polk County Conservation homeschool program for ages 10–16 on "Winter Birds", 10–11:30 a.m. at Jester Park. - Fri, Jan 8, 2027 · Polk County Conservation K–5 Homeschool Program: Rainbows
Granger · Jester Park Nature Center · Free
Free Polk County Conservation homeschool program for ages 5–10 (grades K–5) on "Rainbows"; sessions 10–11:30 a.m. and 1–2:30 p.m. - Sat, Jan 9, 2027 · 43rd Annual Bald Eagle Watch (Clinton)
Clinton · Clinton Community College, 1000 Lincoln Blvd
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bald Eagle Watch with educational programs 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m., plus eagle viewing with federal staff at Lock 13 in Fulton, Ill. - Sat, Jan 9, 2027 · Open Nature Center Saturday: Animals in the Winter
Ladora · Lake Iowa Nature Center, 2550 G Ave
Iowa County Conservation opens the Lake Iowa Nature Center 10 a.m.–2 p.m. with interactive activities, and a 1–2 p.m. program on animals in winter. - Thu, Jan 14, 2027 · Students First ESA: Spring Tuition Payment and Half-Year Enrollment Deadline
Statewide
By 11:59 p.m., ESA families must pay spring tuition and fees through the ESA portal, and half-year participants must be attending an Iowa accredited nonpublic school, to keep 2026–27 ESA funds. - Sat, Jan 16, 2027 · Ice Fishing Clinic at Great Western Park
Manning · Great Western Park, 31203 Birch Ave
Carroll County Conservation family ice-fishing clinic (10 a.m.) with pre-drilled holes and all equipment provided; the shelter house is open for warming up. - Tue, Jan 19, 2027 · Homeschool at Hillview: Who Goes There?
Hinton · Center for Outdoor Learning, Hillview Park, 25601 C60
Plymouth County Conservation’s monthly homeschool program (10–11:30 a.m.), hands-on outdoor learning at Hillview Park; this month: “Who Goes There?”. - Sat, Jan 23, 2027 · CLT (Classic Learning Test) Remote Test Date (January 2027)
Online · Online (remote proctoring) · CLT registration fee (see cltexam.com)
Remotely proctored CLT administration; registration deadline Jan. 14, 2027. - Thu, Jan 28, 2027 – Thu, Feb 25, 2027 · SCI Advanced Homeschool Workshops: Robotics & Innovation (ages 11–18)
Des Moines · Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy · Members6 or $75/package; non-members6 or25/package
Five Thursday afternoon workshops (1–2 p.m.; Jan. 28–Feb. 25) on autonomous systems, collaborative robotics, smart machines, innovation engineering and future tech missions.- Thu, Jan 28, 2027 – Thu, Feb 25, 2027 · SCI Homeschool Science Series: Think, Make, Improve (K–8)
Des Moines · Science Center of Iowa, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy · Members6 or $75/package; non-members6 or25/package; parents free00 and an all-expenses-paid trip to the national finals in Washington, D.C., April 26–28, 2027.
Five Thursday workshops (11 a.m.–noon; Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25) on engineering design, simple machines, materials, design for people and coding, with a free concurrent workshop for parents.February 2027
- Fri, Feb 5, 2027 · Polk County Conservation Ages 10+ Homeschool Program: Winter Tree I.D. Hike
Granger · Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, 12112 NW 128th St · Free
Free Polk County Conservation homeschool program for ages 10–16 on "Winter Tree I.D. Hike", 10–11:30 a.m. at Jester Park. - Thu, Feb 11, 2027 · Carroll County Conservation Homeschool Program: Science of Flight
Carroll · Swan Lake Conservation Education Center, 22676 Swan Lake Drive
Homeschool program (8–10 a.m.) on the science of flight through archery and birds. - Thu, Feb 11, 2027 · Iowa History 101 Webinar: Quaker Underground Railroad Activism in Salem, Iowa
Online · Online webinar (State Historical Society of Iowa)
Noon–1 p.m. webinar with Cathy and Dave Hellman on Quaker anti-slavery Underground Railroad activism in Salem, Iowa. - Fri, Feb 12, 2027 · Polk County Conservation K–5 Homeschool Program: Food Chains
Granger · Jester Park Nature Center · Free
Free Polk County Conservation homeschool program for ages 5–10 (grades K–5) on "Food Chains"; sessions 10–11:30 a.m. and 1–2:30 p.m. - Tue, Feb 16, 2027 · Homeschool at Hillview: Winter Exploration
Hinton · Center for Outdoor Learning, Hillview Park, 25601 C60
Plymouth County Conservation’s monthly homeschool program (10–11:30 a.m.), hands-on outdoor learning at Hillview Park; this month: “Winter Exploration”. - Wed, Feb 17, 2027 · Homeschool Series: Nature Tales (Hurstville Interpretive Center)
Maquoketa · Hurstville Interpretive Center, 18670 63rd St
Jackson County Conservation’s monthly homeschool nature program for ages 5–10 (10–11 a.m., third Wednesday), followed by an optional sack-lunch social hour until noon. - Thu, Feb 18, 2027 · CLT (Classic Learning Test) Remote Test Date (February 2027)
Online · Online (remote proctoring) · CLT registration fee (see cltexam.com)
Remotely proctored CLT administration; registration deadline Feb. 11, 2027. - Sat, Feb 27, 2027 · ACT National Test Date (February 2027)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · ACT registration fee; fee waivers available to eligible students
National Saturday ACT administration; registration deadline Jan 22 (late: Feb 9), 11:59 pm Central. - Sat, Feb 27, 2027 · Living History Farms Regional Spelling Bee (Scripps)
Urbandale · Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Rd
Scripps National Spelling Bee regional bee for 93 Iowa counties (2 p.m.); the regional winner advances to the 102nd National Bee in Washington, D.C., June 1–3. - Sat, Feb 27, 2027 · New Mexico State Science Olympiad Championship
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa
The 2027 State Science Olympiad Championship at New Mexico Tech, run with the New Mexico Activities Association. - Sun, Feb 28, 2027 · Iowa Poetry Out Loud State Finals
Iowa City · Iowa City (venue to be announced)
State recitation finals for high school poetry champions; the Iowa winner earns
March 2027
- Mon, Mar 1, 2027 · Open Enrollment Application Deadline for 2027–28 (Grades 1–12)
Statewide
Last day to apply to open enroll a student in grades 1–12 in a different Iowa public school district for 2027–28; later applications are denied unless the family shows good cause under Iowa Code 282.18. Kindergarten deadline is Sept. 1,… - Fri, Mar 5, 2027 – Sat, Mar 6, 2027 · NCHEA Parenting & Homeschool Conference 2027
Lincoln, NE · Indian Hills Community Church, 1000 S 84th St
Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association’s 40th annual conference and curriculum exhibit hall; a regional option for western Iowa families. - Fri, Mar 5, 2027 · Polk County Conservation Ages 10+ Homeschool Program: Frog Egg Hunt
Granger · Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, 12112 NW 128th St · Free
Free Polk County Conservation homeschool program for ages 10–16 on "Frog Egg Hunt", 10–11:30 a.m. at Jester Park. - Sat, Mar 6, 2027 · SAT Weekend Test Date (March 2027)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · SAT registration fee; late registration costs extra; fee waivers for eligible students
National SAT weekend administration; registration deadline Feb. 19, 2027 (11:59 p.m. ET). - Fri, Mar 12, 2027 · Polk County Conservation K–5 Homeschool Program: Photosynthesis
Granger · Jester Park Nature Center · Free
Free Polk County Conservation homeschool program for ages 5–10 (grades K–5) on "Photosynthesis"; sessions 10–11:30 a.m. and 1–2:30 p.m. - Tue, Mar 16, 2027 · Homeschool at Hillview: Naturally Friends
Hinton · Center for Outdoor Learning, Hillview Park, 25601 C60
Plymouth County Conservation’s monthly homeschool program (10–11:30 a.m.), hands-on outdoor learning at Hillview Park; this month: “Naturally Friends”. - Sat, Mar 20, 2027 · CLT (Classic Learning Test) Remote Test Date (March 2027)
Online · Online (remote proctoring) · CLT registration fee (see cltexam.com)
Remotely proctored CLT administration; registration deadline March 11, 2027. - Tue, Mar 23, 2027 · Earlham Family STEM Night
Earlham · Earlham Community Schools, 535 N Chestnut Ave
Evening of hands-on STEM activities hosted by local and state businesses (5–7 p.m.), from the Southwest Iowa STEM Region.
April 2027
- Thu, Apr 1, 2027 · All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship: FAFSA and Iowa Financial Aid Application Deadline
Statewide · Free to apply
Both the 2027–28 FAFSA and the Iowa Financial Aid Application must be submitted by April 1, 2027 to be considered for the All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship (2027–28 eligible SAI range: -1,500 to 11,292). - Thu, Apr 1, 2027 – Fri, Apr 2, 2027 · State Science + Technology Fair of Iowa (SSTFI) 2027
Ames · 2027 venue not yet posted (2026 fair was at Hilton Coliseum, Ames)
Iowa 4-H’s state science and engineering fair, where student researchers in grades 6–12 present projects to professional researchers; 2027 dates are April 1–2. - Fri, Apr 2, 2027 – Sat, Apr 3, 2027 · MPE Homeschool Conference & Curriculum Fair 2027
Kansas City, MO · KCI Expo Center, 11730 NW Ambassador Dr · Free for MPE members
Midwest Parent Educators’ annual homeschool conference and vendor hall; a regional option for southwest Iowa families. - Fri, Apr 2, 2027 · Polk County Conservation Ages 10+ Homeschool Program: Life on the Prairie
Granger · Jester Park Outdoor Recreation & Wellness Center, 12112 NW 128th St · Free
Free Polk County Conservation homeschool program for ages 10–16 on "Life on the Prairie", 10–11:30 a.m. at Jester Park. - Fri, Apr 2, 2027 · Polk County Conservation K–5 Homeschool Program: Follow your Nose
Granger · Jester Park Nature Center · Free
Free Polk County Conservation homeschool program for ages 5–10 (grades K–5) on "Follow your Nose"; sessions 10–11:30 a.m. and 1–2:30 p.m. - Wed, Apr 7, 2027 · Graceland Full STEAM Ahead Festival
Lamoni · Graceland University's Morden Center, 1 University Place · Free
Free hands-on STEM activities for area K–5 students and families (noon–3 p.m.), hosted by Graceland University with the Southwest and South Central Iowa STEM Regions; advance registration preferred. - Sat, Apr 10, 2027 · ACT National Test Date (April 2027)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · ACT registration fee; fee waivers available to eligible students
National Saturday ACT administration; registration deadline March 5 (late: March 23), 11:59 pm Central. - Sat, Apr 17, 2027 · CLT (Classic Learning Test) Remote Test Date (April 2027)
Online · Online (remote proctoring) · CLT registration fee (see cltexam.com)
Remotely proctored CLT administration; registration deadline April 8, 2027. - Tue, Apr 20, 2027 · Homeschool at Hillview: Pond Study
Hinton · Center for Outdoor Learning, Hillview Park, 25601 C60
Plymouth County Conservation’s monthly homeschool program (10–11:30 a.m.), hands-on outdoor learning at Hillview Park; this month: “Pond Study”. - Wed, Apr 21, 2027 · Homeschool Series: Nature Tales (Hurstville Interpretive Center)
Maquoketa · Hurstville Interpretive Center, 18670 63rd St
Jackson County Conservation’s monthly homeschool nature program for ages 5–10 (10–11 a.m., third Wednesday), followed by an optional sack-lunch social hour until noon. - Sat, Apr 24, 2027 · Southwest Iowa STEM Festival
Council Bluffs · Lewis Central High School, 3504 Harry Langdon Blvd
Saturday morning (10 a.m.–noon) of hands-on STEM activities and interactive exhibits for students in grades K–8, hosted by Lewis Central Community Schools and the Southwest Iowa STEM Region.
May 2027
- Sat, May 1, 2027 · SAT Weekend Test Date (May 2027)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · SAT registration fee; late registration costs extra; fee waivers for eligible students
National SAT weekend administration; registration deadline Apr. 16, 2027 (11:59 p.m. ET). - Mon, May 3, 2027 – Fri, May 14, 2027 · AP Exams (May 2027)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · AP exam fee
2027 AP Exams run over two weeks, May 3–7 and May 10–14, with morning and afternoon sessions. - Sat, May 8, 2027 · Homeschool Iowa Graduation 2027
Ankeny · Nettleton Center, Faith Baptist Bible College, 1900 NW 4th St
Homeschool Iowa’s statewide graduation ceremony for home-educated seniors (rehearsal and photos 12:30 p.m., ceremony 2 p.m.); parents present the diploma. - Fri, May 21, 2027 – Sat, May 22, 2027 · Homeschool Minnesota-MÂCHÉ Convention 2027
Rochester, MN · Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Dr SE
Minnesota’s statewide homeschool convention (7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily) with keynotes, workshops and exhibitors; about an hour north of the Iowa line. - Sat, May 22, 2027 · CLT (Classic Learning Test) Remote Test Date (May 2027)
Online · Online (remote proctoring) · CLT registration fee (see cltexam.com)
Remotely proctored CLT administration; registration deadline May 13, 2027. - Mon, May 31, 2027 · CPI Annual Evaluation Deadline (Option 2 with Dual Enrollment or Optional Reporting)
Statewide
Last day for the annual progress evaluation of students under CPI Option #2 with optional reporting or dual enrollment. It does not apply to CPI without reporting (the Private Instruction Exemption) or to IPI.
June 2027
- Fri, Jun 4, 2027 – Sat, Jun 5, 2027 · Homeschool Iowa Conference & Exhibit Hall 2027
West Des Moines · MidAmerican Energy RecPlex, 6500 Grand Ave
Iowa's statewide homeschool conference from Homeschool Iowa (formerly NICHE): keynotes, workshops, special tracks, youth programs and a large curriculum exhibit hall. - Sat, Jun 5, 2027 · SAT Weekend Test Date (June 2027)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · SAT registration fee; late registration costs extra; fee waivers for eligible students
National SAT weekend administration; registration deadline May 21, 2027 (11:59 p.m. ET). - Sat, Jun 12, 2027 · ACT National Test Date (June 2027)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · ACT registration fee; fee waivers available to eligible students
National Saturday ACT administration; registration deadline May 7 (late: May 25), 11:59 pm Central. - Tue, Jun 15, 2027 · 2027 Iowa Fine Arts Education Summit
Ankeny · FFA Enrichment Center, DMACC Ankeny Campus
Biennial professional-learning summit for Iowa fine arts educators hosted by the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education with the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Arts Council; presenter proposals are being taken now. - Thu, Jun 17, 2027 · CLT (Classic Learning Test) Remote Test Date (June 2027)
Online · Online (remote proctoring) · CLT registration fee (see cltexam.com)
Remotely proctored CLT administration; registration deadline June 10, 2027.
July 2027
- Thu, Jul 1, 2027 · Iowa Tuition Grant: 2027–28 FAFSA Deadline
Statewide · Free to apply
FAFSA deadline for the Iowa Tuition Grant, for Iowa residents attending an eligible Iowa private college or university in 2027–28 (the 2026–27 maximum award was $7,500; the 2027–28 amount is not yet set). - Sat, Jul 10, 2027 · ACT National Test Date (July 2027)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · ACT registration fee; fee waivers available to eligible students
National Saturday ACT administration; registration deadline June 4 (late: June 22), 11:59 pm Central.
August 2027
- Sun, Aug 1, 2027 · CPI Annual Evaluation Form Due to the Resident District (August 1)
Statewide
Deadline for parents to submit the annual evaluation form, with a copy of the results (standardized test, portfolio evaluation, or accredited correspondence report card/transcript), to the resident school district. - Thu, Aug 12, 2027 – Sun, Aug 22, 2027 · Iowa State Fair 2027
Des Moines · Iowa State Fairgrounds
The 2027 Iowa State Fair (“It’s All That”), with FFA and 4-H livestock and static competitions and the Bill Riley Talent Search for young Iowans. - Sat, Aug 28, 2027 · SAT Weekend Test Date (August 2027, anticipated)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · SAT registration fee; late registration costs extra; fee waivers for eligible students
College Board lists this as an anticipated 2027–28 SAT weekend date; registration deadlines are posted closer to the date.
September 2027
- Wed, Sep 1, 2027 · Form A (CPI Report) and Dual Enrollment Requests Due to the Resident District (September 1)
Statewide
Deadline to file Form A (CPI Report) with the resident district and to request dual enrollment for the 2027–28 school year; families who move or withdraw a child from an accredited school have 14 days. After Sept. 1 a district may refuse a… - Sat, Sep 11, 2027 · ACT National Test Date (September 2027, projected)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · ACT registration fee; fee waivers available to eligible students
ACT lists this as a projected 2027–28 national test date; registration deadlines are posted closer to the date. - Wed, Sep 15, 2027 · Home School Assistance Program (HSAP) Enrollment Request Deadline (September 15)
Statewide
Deadline for families living in a district to request enrollment in the district’s Home School Assistance Program, if the district offers one (districts are not required to). Families who move in or withdraw from an accredited school have… - Sat, Sep 18, 2027 · SAT Weekend Test Date (September 2027, anticipated)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · SAT registration fee; late registration costs extra; fee waivers for eligible students
College Board lists this as an anticipated 2027–28 SAT weekend date; registration deadlines are posted closer to the date.
October 2027
- Sat, Oct 9, 2027 · SAT Weekend Test Date (October 2027, anticipated)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · SAT registration fee; late registration costs extra; fee waivers for eligible students
College Board lists this as an anticipated 2027–28 SAT weekend date; registration deadlines are posted closer to the date. - Sat, Oct 16, 2027 · ACT National Test Date (October 2027, projected)
Statewide · Test centers across Iowa · ACT registration fee; fee waivers available to eligible students
ACT lists this as a projected 2027–28 national test date; registration deadlines are posted closer to the date.
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- Thu, Jan 28, 2027 – Thu, Feb 25, 2027 · SCI Homeschool Science Series: Think, Make, Improve (K–8)
- Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · Forest Quest at McFarland Park