Nebraska School Choice
Nebraska school choice includes magnet schools, career and technical education centers, and statewide open enrollment (Enrollment Option Program). However, the state does NOT authorize charter schools or fund private school tuition. There are NO voucher programs, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), or tax-credit scholarships. In November 2024, voters repealed a newly passed tax-credit scholarship law (LB 1402), maintaining Nebraska’s policy of keeping public funds within the public education system. The federal tax credit scholarship program launches January 1, 2027 – Nebraska officially opted in on September 29, 2025. This federal program will allow donors to receive up to $1,700 federal tax credits for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which will fund scholarships for families earning up to 300% of area median income (~$228,000). Average private school tuition is approximately $4,432/year.
Enrollment Option Program
Nebraska’s Enrollment Option Program allows K-12 students to attend public schools outside their residential district. Each student may use the Enrollment Option Program only three times: once during elementary school, once during middle/junior high school and once during high school. Receiving districts have discretion to accept or deny enrollment based on space availability.
Magnet Schools
Nebraska magnet schools operate primarily in the Omaha and Lincoln areas. They are free public schools with specialized themes including such focus areas as: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Arts (performing arts, visual arts, music), Language Immersion (Spanish, French, Mandarin, etc.), International Baccalaureate (IB) and other specialized educational approaches.
Career and Technical Education
Nebraska’s Career and Technical Educational (CTE) Program provides hands-on career training combined with academic coursework. CTE centers and courses focus on careers in agriculture and natural resources, healthcare, construction trades, automotive technology, engineering and manufacturing, among others. Your local high school district’s guidance office has information about CTE centers in your area, enrollment procedures, and program offerings.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling in Nebraska is legal and is called the Exempt School (Home School) Program. Nebraska provides specific requirements families must meet in order homeschool including a Notice of Intent, number of hours of instruction, required subjects, and required record keeping.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Family
Nebraska has very limited school choice options compared to most states, with all state-funded programs limited to public schools. Here’s guidance based on different family situations:
For Families Seeking Private School Funding
Current Reality: Nebraska does NOT offer state funding for private schools – NO vouchers, ESAs, or tax-credit scholarships (voters repealed tax-credit program in November 2024). Current Options: (1) Self-pay – Average private school tuition ~$4,432/year. (2) School-based financial aid – Contact private schools directly for need-based or merit-based aid. (3) Private scholarships – Some charitable organizations offer K-12 scholarships. (4) Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program launches January 1, 2027. Nebraska opted in Sept 29, 2025. Will provide scholarships funded by donor federal tax credits (up to $1,700/donor) for families earning up to ~$228,000. Contact Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska for updates.
For Families Seeking Free Public Alternatives
Best Options: (1) Enrollment Option Program – Transfer to different public school district statewide. Free. Apply Sept 1-March 15; decisions by April 1. Can use 3 times total (once each: elementary, middle, high school). (2) Magnet Schools – Free specialized public schools (STEM, arts, language immersion, IB, Montessori). Primarily Omaha and Lincoln. First-come or lottery. (3) Career and Technical Education Centers – Free vocational-technical high schools with hands-on career training + diploma + industry certifications. (4) Traditional Public Schools with specialized programs. Note: NO charter schools in Nebraska (one of only 3 states without charter law).
For Homeschooling Families
Requirements: (1) File Notice of Intent with Nebraska Dept of Education by August 1 before beginning. (2) Minimum hours: 1,032/year (elementary), 1,080/year (high school). (3) Required subjects: language arts, math, science, social studies, health. (4) No testing required. (5) No certification required for parents. Costs: $300-$3,000+/year depending on curriculum choices. No state funding available. Potential: May access federal tax credit scholarships (2027) for tutoring, curriculum, services (check with SGOs when program launches).
For Families with Students with Special Needs
Options: All public schools (traditional, magnet, vocational, open enrollment) must comply with federal and state special education laws. Students with IEPs entitled to services. NO special needs ESA or voucher programs in Nebraska. Federal scholarships in 2027 may provide funding for private school or therapies.
For Low-Income Families
Current Options: All public options are FREE (open enrollment, magnet schools, vocational centers, traditional public schools). NO state scholarships for private school. In 2027: Federal tax credit scholarships for families earning up to ~$228,000 (covers most Nebraska families). Will help with private school tuition, tutoring, materials.
For Families in Omaha or Lincoln Areas
Best Options: (1) Magnet Schools – Multiple specialized public schools (STEM, arts, language immersion, IB). Free. Examples: Fullerton Magnet Center, Spring Lake Magnet Center, magnet middle schools. (2) Enrollment Option – Transfer between districts. (3) Career and Technical Centers – Vocational-technical high schools. All free.
For Families in Rural Nebraska
Best Options: (1) Enrollment Option Program – Transfer to different district statewide (if capacity available). (2) Homeschooling – Flexibility for rural families; file Notice of Intent, meet hour/subject requirements. (3) Traditional Public Schools. (4) Federal scholarships (2027) – May help fund private school or homeschool expenses.
Application Strategy and Timing:
Enrollment Option Program:
- Application Window: September 1 – March 15
- Decisions: By April 1
- For: Following school year
- Limit: 3 uses total (once per school level)
- Contact: Nebraska Dept of Education (402) 450-1418 or (402) 450-0867
Magnet Schools:
- Application procedures vary by school and district
- Contact Omaha Public Schools or Lincoln Public Schools for specific enrollment windows
- First-come or lottery-based
Homeschooling:
- File Notice of Intent by August 1 of year you begin
- Submit to Nebraska Department of Education
- Required before starting homeschool
Federal Tax Credit Scholarships (Starting 2027):
- Program Launch: January 1, 2027
- Application procedures will be announced by Scholarship Granting Organizations
- Monitor Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska for updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child attend a different public school than the one assigned by residency?
Yes, through the Enrollment Option Program. You must apply between September 1 and March 15, and the receiving district must have capacity available. You can use this option three times total throughout your child’s K-12 education (once in elementary, once in middle/junior high, once in high school).
Are magnet schools free to attend?
Yes, magnet schools are free, publicly-funded schools with no tuition charges.
Is homeschooling legal in Nebraska?
Yes, homeschooling is legal. You must file a Notice of Intent with the Nebraska Department of Education by August 1 before beginning and meet minimum hour and subject requirements.
Can the state help pay for private school tuition?
Currently, NO state-funded scholarship programs exist (voters repealed the tax-credit program in November 2024). However, a federal tax credit scholarship program launches January 1, 2027, which will provide scholarship opportunities funded through federal tax credits rather than state funds.
Are there charter schools in Nebraska?
No, Nebraska does not authorize charter schools. Nebraska is one of only three states without a charter school law.
What happens if my preferred open enrollment school is at capacity?
The receiving school district may deny your application if space is unavailable. You can reapply the following year (if you haven’t exhausted your uses at that school level) or choose a different school district.
How much does private school cost in Nebraska?
Average private school tuition is approximately $4,432 per year, though costs vary significantly by school (ranging from approximately $3,600 to $12,000+ annually). Many private schools offer financial aid and scholarships; contact schools directly.
Can I use the federal tax credit scholarship program starting in 2027?
If your family income is at or below 300% of the area median income (approximately $228,000 in Nebraska), you may be eligible. Details will be available from Scholarship Granting Organizations (like Opportunity Scholarships of Nebraska) closer to the January 2027 launch date.
Can I homeschool without state approval?
No. You must file a Notice of Intent with the Nebraska Department of Education before beginning homeschooling. This is required by law.
What subjects must I teach if I homeschool?
Nebraska requires instruction in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health.
How many times can my child use the Enrollment Option Program?
Three times total: once during elementary school, once during middle or junior high school, and once during high school. This means you should choose carefully when to use each option.
What happened to the state tax-credit scholarship program?
In 2023, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 1402, a tax-credit scholarship program for private schools. However, opponents placed it on the November 5, 2024 ballot, and voters repealed it via referendum. The program was eliminated before it could be fully implemented.
Can homeschoolers access the federal tax credit scholarships in 2027?
Potentially. The federal program allows scholarships to be used for various K-12 educational expenses including tutoring, curriculum, and educational services. Check with Scholarship Granting Organizations when the program launches for specific eligibility rules for homeschool expenses.
What is the difference between magnet schools and charter schools?
Magnet schools are public schools operated by traditional school districts with specialized themes. Charter schools are independently operated public schools with their own governance. Nebraska has magnet schools but does NOT have charter schools (charter schools are not authorized by state law).
Why doesn’t Nebraska have charter schools?
Nebraska has never authorized charter schools, making it one of only three states without a charter school law. Previous attempts to establish charter school legislation have not succeeded in the state legislature.