Homeschooling in Nebraska

The homeschool rules in Nebraska, from official sources: your options, any notice, what to teach and record, testing, official forms, the law and who to contact.

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Last checked: October 25, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice – check your state’s official page: Nebraska official page.

Broad level: Low regulation – our own rough summary, what the levels mean.

Your options

Exempt school, a non-approved and non-accredited private school (the Nebraska homeschool route), under Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-1601 and Rule 13. The alternative is enrolling in an approved or accredited private school, which needs no exempt filing.

Notice or letter of intent

File a Statement of Election and Assurances with NDE by July 15 each year the school operates (annual). Filings are still accepted after July 15; a family electing later, or adding a student mid-year, files before or promptly upon the student's enrollment. File online at https://exemptschool.education.ne.gov or on paper, not both; fax or email filings are not accepted. The form is completed by a parent, legal guardian or educational decision-maker (since LB1027, 2024, only one parent needs to apply).

Need a letter? See our letter of intent and withdrawal letter templates – but use the official form below if there is one.

Subjects, time, assessment and records

Subjects: A program leading to basic skills in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and health. Curriculum is no longer reported.
Days or hours: At least 1,032 hours a year for elementary grades (K-8) and 1,080 hours for secondary grades (9-12). The family sets the calendar.
Testing or assessment: No state testing. NDE says the state cannot use achievement tests to evaluate exempt students.
Records: NDE advises keeping attendance data and a transcript of classes and grades. NDE does not collect grades.

Parent qualifications

No formal educational requirements. The parent attests that the instructor is qualified in the basic skills. Since July 18, 2026, people convicted of listed felonies may not monitor or instruct, under 79-1601(5)(b).

Other rules

Filing requires a certified birth certificate or proof of identity, plus court papers for guardians. Changes after the acknowledgement letter go on the changes form. Since July 18, 2026, under 28-711.01, an election made while a child abuse or neglect investigation is active is invalid for 14 days.

Official forms

Instructions and forms packet: education.ne.gov/… ; Statement of Election and Assurances: education.ne.gov/… ; Changes form: education.ne.gov/… ; FAQs: education.ne.gov/… ; Online filing: https://exemptschool.education.ne.gov

The law

Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-1601, 79-201, 28-711.01; 92 NAC 13 (Rule 13, effective 06/28/2026) – read the law

Not yet confirmed: the link to the Nebraska statutes could not be opened during our check. Check your state’s official page: Nebraska official page.

Who to contact

Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) – Exempt School Program Office, Finance and Organizational Services[email protected] · 402-471-0336 · Official pageWho handles notices: State (Nebraska Department of Education, Exempt School Program Office)

Special education and public school classes and sports

Districts must allow part-time enrollment for resident exempt-school students. NSAA bylaws govern sports for grades 9-12, and board policy governs other activities. For special education, families contact their resident public school, and NDE guidance on serving homeschool students with disabilities is at education.ne.gov/…

Federal rules on Child Find and evaluations apply in every state – see special education.

Going back to public school in Nebraska

The Nebraska Department of Education says that if you enroll your child in an approved or accredited school after filing, any change of enrollment must be promptly reported to NDE in writing, by mail or to [email protected]. For grade placement and re-entry, check the school district’s own policies; whether a homeschool diploma or credit is accepted is up to the receiving school.

Source: Nebraska Department of Education: Exempt school FAQs (2026–27)

To enroll, contact the enrollment or registration office of your local school district or public school, and ask how it decides grade placement and credits before your child starts. See the Nebraska official page, and going back to school after homeschooling for what to bring, placement, credits and special education.

Last checked: October 25, 2026. Report a change to this page

Official sources

Last checked against these sources: October 25, 2026.

This is general information, not legal advice – check your state’s official page. This page sums up official sources in our own words. Homeschool laws differ from state to state and can change. Check your state’s official page and your local school district’s guidance, and get qualified advice for your situation. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, any state education agency, school district, College Board, ACT, the GED Testing Service, HiSET, CLT or the Common App.