Homeschooling in Nebraska

Homeschooling is a legal school choice option in Nebraska and is growing in popularity. Nebraska provides a clear legal framework for homeschooling with specific requirements families must meet. Home schools are referred to as exempt schools. They are considered non-approved and non-accredited private schools.

Legal Status: Homeschooling in Nebraska is legal

State Funding: None. Nebraska does not provide state funding, vouchers, or ESAs for homeschooling expenses. Families are financially responsible for all curriculum and materials.

State Requirements:

1. Notice of Intent:

• Parents must file a Notice of Intent with the Nebraska Department of Education before beginning homeschooling
• Form must be filed by August 1 of the year homeschooling begins
• Forms available from Nebraska Department of Education
• You cannot homeschool without state notification – filing is required by law

2. Minimum Instructional Hours:

• Elementary (grades K-8): 1,032 hours per year minimum
• High School (grades 9-12): 1,080 hours per year minimum

3. Required Subjects: Must teach the following subjects:

• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Health

4. Teacher Qualifications:

• No specific parental education qualifications required
• Parents do not need teaching certification
• Any parent or legal guardian can homeschool their child
• Exempt schools (home schools) can also be outside the child’s home and have students from more than one family

5. Testing Requirements:

• No standardized testing requirement in Nebraska
• State does not mandate annual testing for homeschool students
• However, college-bound students should consider SAT/ACT preparation

Record Keeping:

• Maintain attendance records showing required instructional hours
• Keep samples of student work
• Document curriculum used
• High school transcripts recommended for college-bound students

Typical Homeschool Costs:

• Low-cost: $300-$600/year using free resources, library materials, budget curricula
• Mid-range: $600-$1,500/year with packaged curricula
• High-end: $1,500-$3,000+/year with comprehensive programs, online courses, co-op fees

Homeschool Support: Nebraska has active homeschool support groups, co-ops, and resources throughout the state providing community, field trips, and shared teaching opportunities.

College Admissions: Nebraska homeschool students are regularly admitted to colleges and universities. Requirements vary by institution:

• Maintain detailed high school transcripts
• SAT/ACT scores typically required
• Some colleges may require additional documentation or portfolio review

Contact Information:

• Visit Nebraska Department of Education – Exempt School (Home School) Program
• Provides Notice of Intent forms and homeschool requirements