Homeschooling in Nebraska? Here’s your plan.

Homeschooling in Nebraska operates under the "exempt school" framework in Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 79-1601 (as amended effective July 18, 2026). Your election takes effect when the Commissioner of Education receives a statement signed by a parent, legal guardian, or educational decisionmaker. Each year, you submit an assurance to the Commissioner that the requirements are and will continue to be met (79-1601(3)(b)). NDE handles the filing online at exemptschool.education.ne.gov. Confirm the current filing deadline and what to include with NDE, since those details come from NDE's rules and forms.

Your exempt school maintains a sequential program of instruction designed to lead to basic skills in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health (79-1601(4)(c)). It also meets health, fire, and safety standards and reports attendance under Section 79-201 (79-1601(4)(a)-(b)). No testing is required, and no portfolio or progress reports are submitted. Confirm any instructional hour requirement with NDE.

Compulsory attendance applies to a child who will reach age 6 before January 1 of the school year, until age 18, with statutory exceptions (Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 79-201).

The alternative to the exempt school pathway is operating as an approved or accredited private school under Section 79-318 and Rule 10, where teachers are subject to state certification laws, courses of study are substantially the same as public schools for each grade, and standardized testing is given in at least one grade in grades 2 to 5, one in grades 6 to 8, and once in high school. That pathway is built for established private schools rather than individual families teaching at home.

File with NDE, not your district. Your Statement of Election and Assurances goes to the Commissioner of Education by July 15 each year, or promptly if you start mid-year (92 NAC 13 004.01). The first time you file for a child, include a birth certificate or other proof of identity and age (92 NAC 13 007).

Withdrawing from school. A withdrawal letter is not required by state law. If your child is enrolled now, file with NDE first; NDE advises talking with local school officials before withdrawing. Section 79-1601 refers to Section 28-711.01, which can affect an election during certain child abuse or neglect investigations.

Instructor rules. Individuals teaching in an exempt school do not need state teacher certification (79-1601(5)(a)). As of July 18, 2026, individuals monitoring or providing instruction must not have been convicted of the felony offenses listed in 79-1601(5)(b).

Immunizations. Immunization requirements under Section 79-217 apply to an exempt school student only when the signed statement gives the nonreligious reason under 79-1601(3)(a)(ii).

Part-time enrollment and activities. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 79-2,136, school boards must allow part-time enrollment for exempt school students and let them join extracurricular activities on the same terms as public school students. For activities governed by an athletics or activities association, your student takes five district credit hours per semester.

IEP considerations. Nebraska districts must still find and evaluate children with disabilities under Child Find. Ask your district what services, if any, are available to exempt school students.