Nebraska homeschooling requirements explained. Learn about Nebraska homeschool laws, notification procedures, required subjects, testing rules, parent qualifications, and local support resources.
Nebraska provides a straightforward legal framework for homeschooling with moderate regulation. Families must file an annual notification with the state, meet minimum instructional hour requirements, and teach specified subjects. No testing or evaluations are required, giving families significant autonomy in their educational approach.
Homeschooling is legal in Nebraska under Rule 13, Title 92 of the Nebraska Administrative Code, which governs "exempt schools" — the term Nebraska uses for homeschools. Nebraska's compulsory education law (Nebraska Revised Statutes §79-201) requires children ages 6-18 to attend school, but families may elect to operate a home school as an exempt school.
Nebraska offers two options for homeschooling families:
The most common option. Parents file as an exempt school with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE). This requires:
Families may alternatively operate under the rules for an approved or accredited private school. This option requires:
Most homeschool families choose Option 1 (exempt school) for its simplicity and flexibility.
Nebraska uses the term "exempt school" rather than "homeschool" in its official legal framework. This means the home school is exempt from the state's accreditation and approval requirements that apply to traditional schools. Don't be confused by the terminology — an exempt school is a homeschool under Nebraska law.
Nebraska requires homeschooling families (operating as exempt schools) to file an annual notification with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE). This is the primary compliance requirement.
The notification must be filed with the NDE by August 1 of each year, or within 30 days of establishing the exempt school if beginning mid-year. This is sometimes called the "Statement of Election" form.
The annual filing (also known as the "Elect to Homeschool" or "Rule 13 filing") must include:
The NDE provides an official form for this filing, which can typically be submitted online or by mail.
Beyond the annual filing, Nebraska does not require:
The annual filing is your only required interaction with the NDE regarding your homeschool program.
Nebraska's Rule 13 specifies the subjects that must be included in an exempt school's (homeschool's) curriculum. While the required subjects are defined, families have complete freedom in choosing materials and teaching methods.
Nebraska requires instruction in:
These subjects must be taught "in the English language" per Nebraska law.
Nebraska gives families broad freedom in their approach:
The Nebraska Academic Standards are available as an optional reference but are not mandatory for exempt schools.
Nebraska law requires that instruction in exempt schools be provided in the English language. Families may teach additional languages, but the core instruction must be conducted in English.
This requirement distinguishes Nebraska from some other states that have no language specification for homeschool instruction.
Under the exempt school option (Rule 13), Nebraska does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate, college degree, or any specific educational credential.
Any parent or legal guardian may operate an exempt school (homeschool) in Nebraska without meeting any qualifications. The state imposes no educational prerequisites on homeschool instructors under Rule 13.
This is in contrast to the approved/accredited private school option, which does require certified teachers. The exempt school option was specifically created to allow parents without teaching credentials to educate their children at home.
While no credentials are required, Nebraska homeschooling parents may benefit from:
These resources are optional but can help parents feel more confident and connected in their homeschooling journey.
The bottom line: no teaching certificate, degree, or training is required to homeschool under Nebraska's exempt school provision.
Nebraska does not require any standardized testing or formal assessments for students in exempt schools (homeschools). There are no state-mandated evaluations, portfolio reviews, or progress reports.
Homeschooled students in Nebraska are exempt from the state's assessment programs, including the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS) tests that public school students take. Parents have full discretion in how they measure their children's progress.
Families may voluntarily test their children using:
These are entirely optional and results are for the family's private use.
Students planning for college should prepare for:
University of Nebraska system schools accept homeschool graduates with appropriate test scores and transcripts.
The University of Nebraska and other state institutions accept homeschool graduates. Applicants typically need ACT or SAT scores, a homeschool transcript, and may need to meet specific course requirements. Check individual university admission pages for current requirements.
Nebraska requires exempt schools to provide a minimum of 1,032 instructional hours per year for elementary students and 1,080 hours per year for high school students.
While Nebraska does not require families to submit attendance records to the state, the instructional hour requirements are a significant compliance point. Families should maintain records that demonstrate they are meeting these requirements.
Although these records are not submitted to the NDE, they serve as evidence of compliance with the instructional hour requirements and can protect your family if questions arise.
For high school students, maintain detailed course records, grades, and credits to create a comprehensive transcript. Nebraska homeschool parents issue their own diplomas.
A thorough transcript is critical for college applications, scholarship opportunities, and employment documentation.
Nebraska's oversight of exempt schools (homeschools) is primarily limited to verifying that the annual filing has been submitted. The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is the primary point of contact.
The NDE's involvement with exempt schools is limited to:
The NDE does not have authority to:
Local school districts similarly have no authority over exempt schools operating in their boundaries.
If a family fails to file the required notification and the child is not enrolled in any school, truancy enforcement could be initiated. However, once the Rule 13 filing is on record, the family is in compliance and no further oversight applies.
Nebraska law does not authorize home visits or inspections of exempt schools for any reason related to the educational program.
Nebraska provides solid legal protections for homeschooling families:
Be aware of these potential issues:
Missing the August 1 filing deadline
Failure to file the annual notification by August 1 can result in the NDE notifying the county attorney, which could lead to truancy proceedings.
Not meeting instructional hour requirements
Nebraska's 1,032/1,080 hour requirements are specific and should be tracked. Not meeting these hours could create compliance issues.
English language instruction requirement
Instruction must be conducted in English. Families who wish to conduct instruction primarily in another language may face legal challenges.
Nebraska's homeschooling history includes significant legal battles in the 1980s, when families fought for the right to homeschool without state interference. The current exempt school framework was largely the result of these efforts.
Today, the legal framework is well-established and homeschooling families in Nebraska enjoy clear protections. If you encounter any challenges, contact HSLDA or a Nebraska homeschool organization for assistance.
Nebraska has a welcoming homeschool community with organizations ready to support families at every stage of their homeschooling journey.
NCHEA is Nebraska's primary statewide homeschool organization, providing:
The NDE provides useful resources for homeschooling families:
Local homeschool groups across Nebraska provide:
Active groups are found in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and many other communities throughout the state.
Legal resources for Nebraska homeschoolers:
Our AI-powered tools can help Nebraska homeschoolers plan curriculum, create engaging content, and track progress across required subjects. Generate customized worksheets, quizzes, and lesson plans while ensuring you meet Nebraska's instructional hour requirements.
Learning Corner offers several AI-powered tools that can assist Nebraska homeschoolers:
Analyze your student's activity to understand which concepts they're learning, helping Nebraska homeschool parents track academic progress across required subject areas.
Create custom quizzes and assessments to track student progress and ensure comprehensive coverage of Nebraska's required subject areas.
Generate customized worksheets for practice and reinforcement across all required Nebraska subject areas.
Create structured lesson plans that can serve as documentation of your instruction and help maintain recommended records for Nebraska homeschoolers.
These curriculum providers, apps, and services are available to homeschool families in Nebraska:
Award-winning early learning app for ages 2-8 covering reading, math, art, and more.
Apps & Software SubscriptionChristian textbook and video-based curriculum trusted by schools and homeschoolers since 1972.
Curriculum Providers PaidMajor retailer of Christian homeschool curriculum, books, and educational materials.
Supplies & Materials PaidAlternative to SAT/ACT for college admissions, embraced by homeschool families.
Testing & Assessment Services PaidNational network of classical Christian homeschool communities meeting weekly.
Co-ops & Learning Communities PaidLast Updated: March 23, 2026