Homeschooling in Nebraska: the law and how to start

Yes. Nebraska doesn't use the word "homeschool" in its law. Instead, a family can run a school that elects not to meet state accreditation or approval requirements — known as an exempt school — under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-1601. The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) runs the Exempt School Program, and Rule 13 sets out the filing process.

2024 changes (LB 1027): From July 19, 2024, only one parent (or an educational decision-maker) needs to file, a written assurance of compliance replaced older evidence requirements, and NDE lost its authority to visit or inspect exempt schools or proctor achievement tests. Where Rule 13 conflicts with the statute, the statute controls; NDE says a revised Rule 13 is awaiting the Governor's approval.

2026 change (LB 937): A 2026 education bill delays a family's switch from public school to homeschooling while the family is under a Children and Family Services investigation. Check NDE's current instructions if this could apply to you.

• Download the current year's forms from NDE's Exempt School Program page. The 2026/27 packet includes the parent's election form and an information sheet.
• Complete the information sheet. It asks for your school term's start and end dates, the names, ages and education levels of the instructors, and a summary of your sequential program of instruction. In your first year you can file the information sheet within 30 days.
• File with the Commissioner of Education before you begin, and by July 15 before each later school year.
• Withdrawing from public school: tell your child's school in writing that you are withdrawing to an exempt school, and keep a copy of your NDE filing.

Your exempt school must offer a sequential program of instruction covering language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and health. You choose the curriculum and materials.

Nebraska's minimum instructional time is 1,032 hours a year for elementary grades and 1,080 hours for high school grades. You don't send logs to the state, but keeping a simple attendance record helps if questions come up.

Nebraska does not require standardized tests, portfolio reviews or progress reports for exempt schools. LB 1027 also removed NDE's authority to visit exempt schools or proctor achievement testing.

Keep copies of each year's filing, your instruction summary, and samples of your child's work. Optional testing can be useful if your child might return to a public or private school, which may place them using its own assessments.

As the operator of an exempt school, you decide when your teen has completed high school and can issue a diploma and transcript. Nebraska's attendance law treats a child who has completed the program of an exempt school as no longer required to attend.

Keep course lists, credits and grades from grade 9 onward; colleges and employers will ask for a transcript. Many Nebraska community colleges and universities accept high school-age students for dual-credit courses; ask the college about its admission rules for homeschooled students.

Nebraska's dual (part-time) enrollment law (§ 79-2,136) lets exempt school students enroll part time in their resident public school district for classes. Participation in school activities such as athletics depends on the district's policies and the Nebraska School Activities Association's (NSAA) eligibility rules, which include minimum credit-hour enrollment at the school; check the current rules with your district.

School districts are responsible for finding and evaluating children with disabilities, including exempt school students. NDE publishes guidance on how districts serve homeschooled students with disabilities; contact your resident district to ask what services are available.

Nebraska has a statewide homeschool association, regional support groups and co-ops that help with forms, activities and high school planning. Public libraries and museums often run daytime programs that suit homeschoolers.

For filing questions, contact NDE's Exempt School Program; its contact details are on the program page.

Nebraska has no state program that funds homeschooling. The LB 1402 private school scholarship program was repealed by voters in November 2024 (Referendum 435), and it covered only private school tuition.