Homeschooling in North Dakota

North Dakota balances homeschool freedom with accountability under NDCC 15.1-23. The state has TWO distinct pathways: independent home education (most families) and a 'monitored' pathway for parents WITHOUT high school diplomas (with certified teacher supervision for first 2 years). This unique 'monitored' provision ensures access for ALL families — rare among states. Standardized testing is required at grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 unless exempt (5 exemptions available). North Dakota also has a unique 'NORTH DAKOTA STUDIES' subject requirement at 4th and 8th grade. Compulsory ages 7-16.

Legal framework at a glance

Legal options: Two pathways — Home Education under NDCC 15.1-23 (most common) OR Private School Option (parent must be ND-certified teacher).

Notification: Statement of Intent to Supervise Home Education: file annually with the resident school district superintendent (or county superintendent if no district superintendent), at least 5-14 days before beginning home education. Once-yearly filing required..

Instructional time: 4 hours of instruction per day for minimum 175 days per school year..

Required subjects: Match subjects required to be taught in ND public schools: English language arts, mathematics, social studies (including U.S. Constitution, U.S. history, geography, government, and in 4th and 8th grades NORTH DAKOTA STUDIES), science, health, physical education..

Testing and evaluation: Standardized achievement test required at grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 (test administered in child's learning environment by ND-certified teacher) UNLESS exempt. Multiple exemptions available..

What North Dakota families need to know

**STATEMENT OF INTENT TO SUPERVISE HOME EDUCATION** (NDCC 15.1-23-02): file at least 5-14 days BEFORE beginning home education, OR within 14 days of establishing residency in a new school district, AND once per year thereafter. File with the superintendent of the child's school district of residence (or county superintendent if no district superintendent).

**Statement contents**: child's name, address, and age; signed statement of intent; proof of identity (NDCC 12-60-26(7)(c)) — certified copy of birth certificate, transcript, or other documentary evidence; proof of immunization (NDCC 23-07-17.1) OR exemption; proof of parent qualifications; extracurricular activities child intends to participate in; signature of parent.

**TWO PATHWAYS BASED ON PARENT QUALIFICATIONS**:

• **INDEPENDENT HOMESCHOOL**: parent has high school diploma or GED. File Statement of Intent and proof of qualifications. Operate independently after filing.

• **MONITORED HOMESCHOOL**: parent does NOT have high school diploma or GED. A certified teacher (provided by school district at no cost) monitors the homeschool for the first 2 years, submitting progress reports twice yearly to superintendent. After 2 years of successful monitoring AND test scores at or above 50th percentile nationally, family transitions to independent status. Unique nationally — ensures access regardless of parent education level.

**4 HOURS PER DAY / 175 DAYS** instruction required.

**REQUIRED SUBJECTS**: must match subjects taught in ND public schools, including:

• English language arts (reading, composition, creative writing, grammar, spelling)

• Mathematics

• Social studies (U.S. Constitution, U.S. history, geography, government)

• **NORTH DAKOTA STUDIES** — UNIQUE state requirement at 4th AND 8th grade (emphasis on geography, history, and agriculture of North Dakota)

• Science, Health, Physical Education

**STANDARDIZED ACHIEVEMENT TEST REQUIRED AT GRADES 4, 6, 8, AND 10**: nationally normed test or local district test. Administered in child's 'learning environment' (or public school by request) by an ND-certified teacher.

**Test exemptions** (5 options): (1) parent holds bachelor's degree (any field); (2) parent has valid teaching license; (3) parent has Praxis certification; (4) parent has bachelor's degree combined with sincere moral, philosophical, or religious objection to testing; (5) philosophical, moral, or religious objection notice. Claim exemptions when filing Statement of Intent.

**Test results** (for non-exempt students): submitted to superintendent. ND does NOT set minimum passing score for INDEPENDENT homeschoolers. MONITORED students who fall below 50th percentile may need continued monitoring.

**Sports access**: homeschoolers can participate in public school sports with local district approval (NDHSAA bylaws apply for grades 9-12).

**Children with disabilities**: file Services Plan from licensed psychologist, plus progress reports on November 1, February 1, May 1.

**Private School Option**: parent must be ND-certified teacher, undergo criminal history record check, teach subjects required in public schools, child in attendance same length as public schools.

**Recordkeeping**: state requires parents to keep records each year. Materials should include attendance records, samples of student work, evaluation records, copies of all Statements of Intent.

Compulsory attendance: ages 7-16.

Always verify current requirements with the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction before filing any official paperwork. State rules can change.

Diploma recognition

North Dakota homeschool parents issue their own diplomas. Per NDHSA, the homeschool diploma is as valid as a public or private school diploma. Document credits beginning in 9th grade (or 8th if work is high school level). North Dakota public colleges (University of ND, NDSU, Minot State) accept homeschool transcripts. Dual Credit classes are available through ND colleges. Strong ACT/SAT scores significantly strengthen applications. Most ND college scholarships are available to homeschool students. The GED is available if a college specifically requests it — contact NDHSA for assistance.

Getting started in North Dakota

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

1. Read the statute. Visit the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction 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. North Dakota 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. North Dakota 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.

North Dakota homeschool organizations

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

• North Dakota Home School Association (NDHSA) — Largest statewide homeschool organization with detailed legal guidance — ndhsa.org
• Home School Defenders of North Dakota — Inclusive statewide network
• HSLDA North Dakota — Legal defense and member support

Local homeschool co-ops often meet in libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state. A search for "North Dakota 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 North Dakota'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 • North Dakota State Guide