Assessment Requirements in North Dakota

What’s required

Varies by pathway. Standard Home Education (HS Diploma/GED): []; Monitored Home Education (No Diploma/GED): undefined

• Testing is not required if, when filing the statement of intent, the parent notifies the school district of a philosophical, moral, or religious objection to standardized achievement tests, or documents that the parent is licensed or approved to teach by the education standards and practices board, holds a baccalaureate degree, or has met the cutoff score of a national teacher examination (NDCC 15.1-23-09(2)).

North Dakota requires homeschooled students to complete a standardized test. Testing applies at grades 4, 6, 8, and 10.

Results must be submitted to superintendent of the school district of residence (or the county superintendent if the district does not employ a superintendent).

Minimum score

Your child’s test results need to meet a specific threshold. Here’s what the state requires:

Don’t panic if this sounds intimidating. Most homeschooled students meet or exceed these benchmarks, and if your child falls short, there are clear next steps (see below).

What happens if your child doesn’t meet the minimum

First things first: this is not a crisis. States build in a structured process to help your family get back on track. Here’s how it works in North Dakota:

• Process: Below the 30th percentile composite, a multidisciplinary assessment team evaluates the child for a learning problem. If the child is not disabled, the parent files a remediation plan prepared with a licensed or approved teacher's advice and consent (NDCC 15.1-23-11, 15.1-23-12).
• Timeline: Remediation continues until child scores at/above 30th percentile composite or shows one year of academic progress
• If scores still don’t improve: Below the 30th percentile: a multidisciplinary assessment team evaluates the child for a learning problem. If the child is not disabled, the parent files a remediation plan prepared with a licensed teacher's advice and consent; failing to file it ends home education.

The important thing to remember is that you have time and options. Many families use a low score as a chance to adjust their approach, try new curricula, or get targeted help in specific subjects.

Approved tests

The following tests are accepted in your state:

• Standardized achievement test used by the school district of residence
• Nationally normed standardized achievement test (if requested by the parent)

Many of these can be administered at home or through a local testing service. Your homeschool co-op or state organization may also coordinate group testing dates.

Alternatives to standardized testing

Standardized testing is the primary assessment option under this pathway. If your child experiences test anxiety or has a learning difference, check your full state guide . Your state may offer alternative pathways with different assessment methods.

Get your personalized plan

Every family’s situation is a little different. Our free wizard builds a step-by-step compliance plan tailored to your family, including exactly which assessments you need and when they’re due.