Homeschool Resource Center

Five teenagers sitting around a table and talking.

The Jefferson Public Library offers support and enrichment for homeschooling families and others engaged in non-traditional learning with children ages 0 - 18 by providing access to several educational and recreational online resources, as well as a robust collection of books, literacy kits, other items and programming for all ages. Explore the opportunities our library can provide your family!

Looking for a specific area of our library? Find out more about our Children, Teen, and Adult Departments.

Explore Your Options

Research different curricula, regulations, and informational resources to find the right homeschool education style for you and your family.

Iowa Department of Education: Private Instruction Handbook

A comprehensive handbook that highlights different homeschool options, from Competent Private Instruction (CPI) to dual enrollment and homeschool assistance programs (HSAP).

This resource includes information, forms, and other materials to keep families up to date with state regulations and their personal educational goals.

Homeschool.com (formerly A2Z Homeschooling)

A curated site that helps parents discover curriculum options, lesson ideas, educational websites, and practical articles for educating children at home.

Originally created as one of the internet's first homeschool resource directories, A2Z has evolved through various ownership changes while maintaining its mission of connecting families with quality educational content.

Attend Events & Programs

Build relationships with your community and discover social & educational opportunities. 

Infant CPR Information Session

Wednesday, September 9 & Monday, September 28 at 10 AM

Teen Time: Teen Chef

Thursday, September 24 from 4:45 - 5:45 PM

All Events

Explore upcoming JPL programming!

Enjoy Library Services

Discover library services that could benefit your home classroom. Some services require a Jefferson Public Library Card. Other services available in our library include: literacy kits, support titles for parents, nonfiction titles for youth, tablets and computers for in-library use, office equipment like printers, a photo copier, and services such as exam proctoring and research assistance.

Homeschool educators can also reserve our meeting room for co-op meetings, get-togethers, and programs.

Fill out this form and our Youth Department librarians will choose 5 - 7 titles based on your current curriculum to aid and enhance your lessons. 

The Jefferson Public Library participates in a free interlibrary loan program that connects patrons to materials available in other libraries throughout Iowa. If an item is unavailable in our library, it can be borrowed through this service.

Get information on childcare, healthcare, family assistance, and other community resources in and around Jefferson.

Discover Digital Resources for the Classroom

Explore academic and recreational resources on a variety of subjects. Some resources require a Jefferson Public Library card. Did you know? You're eligible for an educator card at the library. Check out books and other relevant materials for your lessons with this designated account.

Khan Academy Kids

An ad-free, child-centric app with reading and writing games.

PBS Learning Media

Videos, lessons, and other interactive content on a variety of subjects.

Smithsonian

Explore "extensive collections and the research that enriches them are available online, spanning a wide spectrum of topics—from art to zoology".

Starfall

Specializes in reading, phonics, and math materials for grades Pre-K - 5.

Prodigy

Practice standards-aligned skills in math and English with fun, adaptive learning games.

Code.org

Explore, teach, and support with curriculum that makes computer science education fun and accessible for all ages.

NCMA Learn

Videos, lessons, and other resources on art making and art history.

Related Links