Homeschool Requirements in North Dakota

Notify Your Superintendent 14 Days Before Starting

File a Statement of Intent with your local school district superintendent at least 14 days before beginning homeschooling. This statement must include your child's information, your qualifications, immunization records, and a copy of birth certificate or proof of identity. Annual renewal is required each school year.

• Submit statement of intent at least 14 days before starting
• Include child's name, address, date of birth, and grade level
• Include parent's name, address, and qualifications
• Attach copy of immunization records
• Include birth certificate or other proof of identity
• Renew annually thereafter

Demonstrate Parent Qualification

North Dakota requires that the supervising parent have either a high school diploma/GED OR be monitored by a certified teacher. If you have a diploma or GED, you're qualified to homeschool without additional oversight. If you don't have these credentials, you can still homeschool with a certified teacher monitoring your program.

• Option 1: Parent has high school diploma or GED (no additional monitoring needed)
• Option 2: Parent monitored by a certified teacher if lacking diploma/GED
• Certified teacher monitoring involves regular check-ins and guidance

Teach Required Subjects

North Dakota requires instruction in essential subject areas: language arts (reading, writing, speaking, listening), mathematics, science, and social studies. You have complete freedom in choosing curriculum, materials, and teaching methods.

• Language arts (reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar)
• Mathematics (age and grade appropriate)
• Science (life, earth, physical science)
• Social studies (history, geography, civics)
• Additional subjects like art and PE are recommended

Understand Assessment Requirements and Exemptions

North Dakota requires standardized testing in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10. However, you can opt out of testing if you claim a moral, philosophical, or religious exemption. If you claim an exemption, you still submit your statement of intent but indicate your exemption status.

• Testing required at grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 with nationally standardized achievement test
• Exemptions available for moral, philosophical, or religious reasons
• If parent has bachelor's degree, testing exemption may also apply
• Test results don't need to be submitted—keep on file

Maintain Records

Keep records showing instruction and student progress. While not submitted to the state, these records document that your homeschool is active and educational.

• Attendance showing regular instructional days
• Samples of completed work and projects
• Test results if you conduct testing
• Books read and topics covered
• Field trips and enrichment activities

Renew Your Statement Annually

Each school year, file an updated Statement of Intent with your superintendent. If your information hasn't changed, it's a simple renewal process.