How to homeschool in Nebraska

Exempt school (Rule 13 filing) · Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-1601; 92 NAC 13 (Rule 13)

Parents elect not to meet state approval/accreditation standards, either because they violate sincerely held religious beliefs or because they interfere with the parent's decisions about the child's education. The election takes effect when the Commissioner of Education receives the signed forms and must be renewed every year.

Notice

• Send to: the Nebraska Commissioner of Education (NDE Exempt School Program office).
• When: by July 15 for the coming school year (late filings are accepted); if you move to Nebraska or pull a child out of school after July 15, file promptly.
• How often: annually.
• How: online through NDE's exempt school portal, or by mail or drop-off (no fax or email). File one way only.

Instruction time

1,032 hours/year (grades K-8); 1,080 hours/year (grades 9-12), per NDE's filing forms; may be prorated for a partial year.

Required subjects

Language arts, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Health.

Records to keep

• Copies of each year's filing and NDE's acknowledgment letter.
• Immunization records if you choose the non-religious ('interferes with my decisions') election.

Testing / evaluation

None required.

Parent qualifications

No certification required. Anyone teaching or monitoring instruction must not have certain felony convictions (child sexual abuse, abuse, and related offenses listed in § 79-1601(5)(b)).

Also

• Maintain a sequential program of instruction in the basic skills.
• Report attendance as required by § 79-201.
• Meet health, fire, and safety standards.
• If you elect for non-religious reasons, follow the state's immunization requirements (§ 79-217) unless an exemption under §§ 79-221/79-222 applies.
• Report changes during the year (adding or removing a child, address change, new parent representative) to NDE promptly.

What the notice must include

• Statement of Election and Assurances signed by a parent, guardian, or educational decisionmaker: parent's name and address, school district and county of residence, each child's name, age, and birthdate, and filing status (new or renewing).
• Name and physical address of the exempt school (a name you choose, not your district's).
• Your election: approval/accreditation requirements violate sincerely held religious beliefs, OR interfere with your decisions in directing your child's education.
• Assurance that the school offers instruction in the basic skills of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health, and that you are satisfied the people monitoring instruction are qualified.
• Designation of an authorized parent representative, who signs the Authorized Parent Representative form with the school's start and end dates for the year.
• A certified copy of each child's birth certificate (first filing only) and any guardianship or custody orders.

Checklist

• File the Statement of Election and Assurances and Authorized Parent Representative form with NDE: by July 15 each year, or promptly when starting mid-year or moving to Nebraska.
• Include certified birth certificates for any child not previously filed: with your first filing.
• Teach language arts, math, science, social studies, and health in a sequential program: ongoing.
• Notify NDE of changes (address, children added or leaving): promptly when they happen.