Homeschooling in Nebraska

Nebraska does NOT have a separate homeschool statute — home schools operate as 'exempt schools' (under Rule 13) or 'approved schools' (under Rule 12) under Neb. Rev. Stat. §79-1601 et seq. The vast majority of families choose Rule 13 (Exempt School), which exempts the school from state accreditation/approval requirements but does require annual filing. When filing, parents indicate whether their reason is religious or nonreligious — both are equally valid. The Opportunity Scholarships Act recently enacted ESA funding that homeschoolers can access. Compulsory ages 6-18 (with affidavit option to delay age 6 entry).

Legal framework at a glance

Legal options: Two pathways — Rule 13 (Exempt School, most common) under Neb. Rev. Stat. §79-1601 et seq., or Rule 12 (Approved School).

Notification: Rule 13 (most common): file the Statement of Election and Assurances (Form A) and Authorized Parent Representative Form (Form B) with the Nebraska Department of Education ANNUALLY by July 15 (preferred) or before child begins instruction. Online or paper. NDE 2025/26 deadline cutoff: 5:00 p.m. CT Friday, May 1, 2026..

Instructional time: Minimum 1,032 hours for ELEMENTARY students, 1,080 hours for SECONDARY students per school year (July 1 - June 30). Same hourly requirements as approved schools..

Required subjects: Sequential instructional program in basic subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Per Rule 13..

Testing and evaluation: NO state-mandated testing under Rule 13. Rule 12 (approved schools) follows state standards and may have additional testing requirements..

What Nebraska families need to know

**RULE 13: EXEMPT SCHOOL** (most common pathway, Neb. Rev. Stat. §79-1601 et seq.): homeschools elect NOT to meet state accreditation or approval requirements. The school is 'exempt' from state standards, testing, and teacher qualification requirements. Ideal for families wanting maximum flexibility.

**RULE 12: APPROVED SCHOOL**: alternative pathway where the homeschool follows state standards and may have additional testing/oversight requirements. Some families choose Rule 12 if they plan to transition the child back to public school and want curriculum alignment.

**ANNUAL FILING REQUIRED BY JULY 15**: file two forms with NDE:

**Form A: Statement of Election and Assurances**: declares intent to operate an exempt school. Includes: parent/guardian contact info, student names and information, religious or nonreligious basis, affirmation that required subjects will be taught, affirmation that instructors are qualified to your satisfaction.

**Form B: Authorized Parent Representative Form**: designates a parent representative for the exempt school. Includes school name and location, dates of operation, parent representative contact info.

**FIRST-YEAR ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT**: in the first year you homeschool each child, you must also submit a CERTIFIED COPY of the child's birth certificate (or alternative proof of identity with affidavit explaining inability to produce birth certificate).

**Religious vs. nonreligious filing**: when filing, you indicate whether your reason for homeschooling is religious or nonreligious. Both are equally valid — this is just a categorization. NONRELIGIOUS filers must also affirm understanding that the school must comply with vaccination requirements (unless an exemption applies).

**Hours requirement** (Rule 13): 1,032 hours for ELEMENTARY students, 1,080 hours for SECONDARY students per school year (July 1 - June 30). Same hourly requirements as approved schools.

**Required subjects** (Rule 13): a sequential instructional program including basic subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. NDE does not specify curriculum — you choose.

**Mid-year filing**: if withdrawing from public school mid-year, you may file mid-year. Hours are PRORATED based on the remaining months of the school year.

**6-year-old exception**: Nebraska compulsory attendance begins at age 6 (by January 1 of the school year). However, parents may sign an affidavit at the LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT to delay entry until age 7. This is filed with the local district, NOT with NDE. Once the child turns 7, Rule 13 filing with NDE is required.

**Recordkeeping**: maintain attendance records and document the sequential instructional program. Keep these at home — not submitted to NDE.

**Immunization records**: NONRELIGIOUS Rule 13 filers must comply with state vaccination requirements (unless exempt). Religious filers may claim religious exemption. Records kept at home.

**Multiple households**: a Nebraska exempt school may extend beyond the child's residence and may enroll compulsory-age students from MULTIPLE households — allowing families to combine into co-op-style exempt schools.

**OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS ACT (ESA)**: Nebraska recently enacted an Education Savings Account program providing scholarship funds for educational expenses. Homeschoolers are ELIGIBLE. Covers curriculum, materials, tutoring, and approved educational expenses. Income thresholds and prior public school enrollment factors may apply. Apply through NDE. This is a significant change for a state that historically offered no financial support for home education.

**Sports access**: governed by the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA). Limited access for homeschool students — check NSAA bylaws. Individual districts may allow participation in extracurriculars.

**Educational neglect**: county social services and local district are responsible for addressing concerns — NDE does NOT investigate.

Compulsory attendance: ages 6-18. Affidavit option to delay age 6 entry until age 7.

Always verify current requirements with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) before filing any official paperwork. State rules can change.

Diploma recognition

Nebraska exempt school parents issue their own diplomas. Nebraska law gives parents authority to determine when their student has graduated. The state does NOT issue diplomas for homeschool graduates. University of Nebraska system schools (UNL, UNO, UNK) and Nebraska private colleges accept homeschool transcripts. Strong ACT/SAT scores significantly strengthen applications. Document courses thoroughly with credit hours, grades, and course descriptions. The GED is available for graduates who need a state-recognized credential.

Getting started in Nebraska

If you are new to homeschooling in Nebraska, here is the practical sequence to follow:

1. Read the statute. Visit the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) website and read the current homeschool regulations in full. The summary on this page is a starting point, but the official statute is the final authority.
2. Choose your legal pathway. Nebraska offers specific options described above. Choose the one that fits your family before you file anything.
3. Prepare your notification. Gather the information required for your notice or registration — child's name, date of birth, address, subjects, curriculum plans, and anything else your chosen pathway requires.
4. File before withdrawing. If your child is currently in public school, file your homeschool notification before you send the withdrawal letter to the school. See our withdrawal guide for the full process.
5. Set up your record-keeping system. Even in low-regulation states, keep attendance records, a list of curriculum used, and samples of your child's work. See our record-keeping guide for what to save and how.
6. Connect with a local homeschool organization. Nebraska has active statewide homeschool organizations (listed below) and usually several local co-ops in each region. These are your best source of current, practical information.

Nebraska homeschool organizations

The following organizations provide advocacy, support, and current information for Nebraska homeschool families:

• Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association (NCHEA) — Largest statewide Christian homeschool organization — nchea.org
• Homeschool Nebraska — Inclusive statewide network
• HSLDA Nebraska — Legal defense and member support

Local homeschool co-ops often meet in libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state. A search for "Nebraska homeschool co-op [your city]" typically surfaces groups meeting near you. The statewide organizations listed above maintain co-op directories.

Beyond the legal requirements

Meeting Nebraska's legal requirements is only the foundation. The day-to-day work of homeschooling — choosing a curriculum, teaching multiple children at different levels, building a transcript — is the larger task. Once your legal compliance is in order, explore the rest of this site:

Homeschool360 • Nebraska State Guide