Homeschool Requirements in Nebraska

Understand Nebraska's Exempt School Program

Nebraska law allows families to establish a home-based exempt school that operates under Rule 13. This is not a notification—you're actually registering your home as a school with the Nebraska Department of Education. Your home becomes an exempt private school, and your children are your school's students.

• Your home is registered as a nonpublic exempt school
• You must provide instruction in required subject areas
• Specific hour requirements apply (1,032 elementary / 1,080 secondary)
• Filing is done through the Nebraska Department of Education

File Your Statement of Election by July 15

Submit your Statement of Election and Assurances to the Nebraska Department of Education by July 15 each year your home school will operate. You can file online through the NDE system or submit paper forms by mail or in person. This deadline is firm—late submissions may not be accepted.

• File online or by mail—check with NDE for current filing system
• Include the Statement of Election form with required signatures
• Submit an Assurances form confirming your compliance with Rule 13
• Include a Parent Representative Form naming who will oversee the school
• Keep a copy of your filing confirmation

Teach Required Subject Areas

Nebraska requires instruction in five core subject areas: language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health. Your curriculum and teaching methods are completely up to you—there are no approval requirements, and you can choose any approach or materials.

• Language arts includes reading, writing, grammar, and communication skills
• Mathematics covers arithmetic through more advanced topics appropriate to your child's level
• Science includes life science, earth science, and physical science topics
• Social studies encompasses history, geography, civics, and cultural studies
• Health education addresses wellness, safety, and healthy living

Meet Instructional Hour Requirements

Your exempt school must provide a minimum of 1,032 hours of instruction per year for elementary students or 1,080 hours for secondary students. You can distribute these hours however you prefer throughout the year—whether through consistent daily schedules, flexible pacing, or intensive learning periods.

• Elementary: 1,032 hours minimum per school year
• Secondary: 1,080 hours minimum per school year
• Contact hours are actual instruction time, not including breaks or independent study
• You can structure your schedule to meet requirements while maintaining flexibility

Keep Detailed Records

Maintain records documenting your instructional hours, subjects covered, attendance, and your child's progress. While these records are not submitted to the state, you must be able to demonstrate the required instructional hours and appropriate subject instruction.

• Track daily or weekly instructional hours
• Document which subjects were covered each day or week
• Keep samples of completed work and learning evidence
• Maintain a log of educational materials and resources used

Renew Your Filing Annually

Each year you must file a new Statement of Election by July 15. This is your annual renewal that keeps your exempt school registration current. Set a calendar reminder to ensure you don't miss the deadline.