Nebraska Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Nebraska Overview 

Annual Exemption Required: Yes

1 Options for Homeschooling: Exempt School

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: No

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: Yes, unless religious exemption

How to Start Homeschooling in Nebraska

Nebraska calls homeschools “Exempt Schools,” meaning they’re not approved or accredited by the state. Home educators file for exempt status, then run their homeschools following the laws in Nebraska Rule 13. These rules require home educators to do the following:

• Annually file for exempt status, with signatures from both custodial parents
• Designate qualified instructional monitors
• Meet minimum instruction hours and subject requirements
• Maintain required immunization documents

Find more information on these items below, or refer to the detailed Nebraska DOE Exempt (Home) School Frequently Asked Questions document.

Annual Exemption for Homeschooling in Nebraska

Nebraska’s annual exemption paperwork is fairly involved. Since home educators are essentially setting up their own private school, they must provide the state with required information on several different forms. 

File your paperwork by July 15th each year for the upcoming school year. You may use the online filing system or print the forms and mail them to the Department of Education. The Nebraska Home (Exempt) School FAQ has detailed information to help you with this process.

Form A–Statement of Election and Assurances

This form documents parents’ or guardians’ election of exempt education and assures that they will meet all legal requirements. It includes contact information, student names and ages, and the name and address of the exempt school. (You may choose your school’s name.) You must also designate a parent or guardian representative who essentially serves as the principal or administrator of the exempt homeschool. 

Parents or guardians must choose one of two statements of election for exemption from approval and accreditation requirements:

• Sincerely-held religious beliefs
• Belief that approval and accreditation interferes with parents’ or guardians’ decisions in directing their child(ren)’s education

You’ll then sign the form acknowledging you agree to comply with all Rule 13 laws and regulations.

TIP: Each parent or guardian must sign and complete their own form. If a parent or guardian has sole custody of a child, they must provide supporting legal documentation. See Form A for more details.

Form B–Authorized Parent Representative Form

Only the parent or guardian serving as the principal or administrator of your exempt (home) school completes this form. Parents can also choose to designate a parent or guardian from another family if they have decided to homeschool together. This person is responsible for gathering all necessary forms to submit to the state.

Information Summary

The Authorized Parent Representative completes this document. On this form, you’ll provide information about your exempt (home) school, including:

• School name, address, and other contact information
• Dates of operation (start and end of your proposed school year)
• All Instructional Monitors, which includes anyone who will teach or oversee your children’s instruction
• Curriculum information for the required subjects, such as a list of textbooks, online educational programs, workbooks, etc.

Birth Certificate 

Home educators must submit a birth certificate when a child is enrolled in an exempt (home) school for the first time. If you use the online system, you may upload a scanned color copy showing the raised seal. If you submit paper forms, your birth certificate will be returned once a copy has been made.

TIP: You only need to submit a birth certificate one time.

Supporting Documents

Depending on your child’s legal custodial status, you might need to submit supporting documents like custody agreements, legal guardianship papers, foster child paperwork, etc … Contact Nebraska’s Department of Education if you have questions.

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Qualifications to Homeschool in Nebraska

While Nebraska’s Rule 13 doesn’t state specific teacher requirements, it does require parents or guardians who sign Form A (Statement of Election and Assurances) to agree to the following statement:

“I have satisfied myself that the individual(s) monitoring instruction at this school are qualified to monitor instruction in the basic skills as listed in the paragraph above, and that such individuals have demonstrated an alternative competency to monitor instruction or supervise children.”

In other words, parents or guardians can instruct their children or designate others to instruct them as long as they deem themselves or the designated instructor capable of the job. 

TIP: You’re required to list all instructional monitors when you file your annual exemption paperwork.

Mandatory School Age in Nebraska

Nebraska requires children to attend school between the ages of 6 and 18 unless they graduate earlier. For more information, refer to section B in the Nebraska Exempt (Home) School FAQs.

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Nebraska Homeschool Subject Requirements

Rule 13 states that your exempt (home) school’s program of instruction must “lead to the basic skills” in the following:

• Language arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies
• Health

Home educators can choose their curriculum programs, instructional materials, and educational activities to teach these subjects. You may wish to use the Nebraska Content Area Standards as a guideline, but you aren’t required to.

TIP: Home educators are responsible for providing all materials and covering all costs for their child’s education. 

Nebraska public schools don’t share materials with home educators. However, home educators are welcome to use the Nebraska Open Educational Resources (OER) site.

Nebraska Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Exempt (home) schools must provide a minimum number of instruction hours each school year:

• 1,032 hours for elementary grades
• 1,080 hours for secondary grades

TIP: Home educators may set their own schedules for meeting these requirements and choose the days and times that best suit their family.

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Nebraska Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

Nebraska’s Rule 13 doesn’t require exempt (home) schools to keep records. However, families may consider keeping one or more of the following:

• Daily attendance records
• Subjects/courses taken and grades earned
• Portfolio of representative work samples
• Evaluations and assessments

TIP: When you keep detailed academic records, creating transcripts for your child or transitioning them to public school is easier.

  

Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Nebraska

If you filed your exempt status as a religious school, you are not required to follow immunization requirements. Otherwise, exempt (home) schools must follow the same requirements as other schools but don’t need to submit documents to the state. 

TIP: Keep your immunization paperwork or appropriate exemptions on file at home in case they’re needed. Learn more here.

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Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in Nebraska  

Homeschooling families often seek opportunities to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and empower their homeschooling journey. 

Families can achieve this by joining homeschool groups, co-ops, or larger associations. These connections can provide valuable resources and opportunities for homeschooling families to engage with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from each other. Here are two Nebraska options to consider:

• Nebraska Homeschool–The Home Educators Network, Inc. (NH-HEN): This Christian-based group offers statewide support, events, and even an honor society for homeschoolers.
• Nebraska Christian Home Educators: Get help with curriculum programs, legal support, testing opportunities, social events, and more by joining this group.

The Homeschool Mom has a great roundup of local Nebraska Co-ops.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Nebraska

Homeschool students can participate in some public school’s sports and extracurriculars. Contact your local public school directly to learn their policies.

Families can also look into local or statewide homeschool sports leagues for athletic opportunities or join their community’s youth sports programs. Here are a few to consider in Nebraska:

Group Name & Website	What Sports They Cover	What Area
YMCA Youth Sports	Varies by location	Throughout Nebraska
NFL Flag	Flag football	Throughout Nebraska
Little League	Baseball, softball	Throughout Nebraska
Nebraska Youth Soccer League	Soccer	Throughout Nebraska
Nebraska Youth Basketball	Basketball	Throughout Nebraska

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Nebraska Homeschool Field Trips 

Homeschoolers have the freedom to take field trips whenever they like and can plan unique experiences to complement their current lessons. 

TIP: Plan field trips with other homeschoolers to qualify for group discounts and special programs at many attractions.

Take a journey back in time with living history exhibits at places like the Stuhr Museum or Rock Creek Station State Historical Park. Animal lovers can head to the Omaha Zoo, and while you’re in the city, don’t miss the Durham Museum and Omaha Children’s Museum. Visit Lincoln to tour the Nebraska State Capitol, or stop by the Edgerton Explorit Center for cool hands-on STEM experiences.

Special Education Homeschoolers

Families homeschooling students with special needs in Nebraska may be able to get federally and state-funded special education services. This is because homeschoolers in Nebraska are considered private school students. 

According to Neb. Rev. St. § 79-2, 136, private school students can enroll part-time in local schools and participate in the services and activities offered. There is no specific mention of special education being part of the services that are offered, but there is also nothing that says that they are not.

Homeschooling families should check with their local school district to see what their policies are and how services can be acquired.

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Nebraska Homeschool FAQ

Is Nebraska a homeschool-friendly state?

Filing Nebraska’s Exempt (Home) School paperwork can take time each year. Aside from that, homeschooling in Nebraska is very manageable. Home educators need to teach the required number of hours covering the required subjects but have the freedom to choose their instructional methods, curriculum, and schedule.

Can Nebraska homeschool students take classes at public schools?

Exempt (home) school students can take classes at public schools. This is known as dual enrollment. Contact your local school if you’re interested.

How do Nebraska homeschoolers receive diplomas or transcripts?

Nebraska home educators are responsible for issuing their own diplomas and transcripts. Students may elect to take the GED. If they pass all required subjects, they may request a diploma from the state. Learn more here.

Is unschooling legal in Nebraska?

Nebraska homeschool families may choose their own instructional methods, including unschooling, as long as they teach the required subjects and meet the minimum number of instruction hours.

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