Nevada Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Nevada Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes

1 Option for Homeschooling: Home Education

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 7-18

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Nevada

When you’re ready to begin homeschooling in Nevada, you’ll need to file a Notice of Intent to Homeschool with your local school district. You must do this before you start homeschooling. If you withdraw your child from public school to begin homeschooling, you must file your notice within ten days of formally removing them. Just moved to Nevada? File your notice within 30 days of establishing residency.

You only need to file this notice once for each child you homeschool unless you move or have a name change. In that case, you must file a new notice with the updated information within 30 days.

TIP: The school district needs to provide written acknowledgment that they received your notice of intent. Keep this acknowledgement for your files.

Notice of Intent for Homeschooling in Nevada

Print a copy of the Nevada Notice of Intent to Homeschool, or contact your local school district’s superintendent’s office for a copy. Complete the form, including the following information:

• The child’s full name, age, and gender
• Parent/guardian’s name and address information
• Signature verifying you have legal control of your child and the right to direct their education
• Name of Nevada public school most recently attended, if applicable
• Optional privacy statement

Along with the completed form, you must attach an educational plan for your child. Submit both of these to your local school district before you begin homeschooling your child.

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Nevada Homeschool Educational Plan Requirements

Nevada’s law requires homeschool parents/guardians to submit an educational plan for their child. Create this plan and submit it only once, at the beginning of your child’s homeschool education. You do not need to complete a new plan each year.

The law says your educational plan must include the following subjects, as appropriate for the age and level of your child:

• English: including reading, composition, and writing
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies: including history, geography, economics, and government

How specific does the Nevada homeschool educational plan need to be?

You don’t need to create detailed lesson plans or even specify specific curriculum programs or courses of study unless you want to. The state requires an overview of your plan to teach the required subjects. 

The law says your learning goals should be “appropriate for the age and level of skill of the child as determined by the parent.” This gives home educators a lot of freedom in making their plans.

The Nevada Homeschool Network has more information on creating an educational plan including samples to guide you.

Qualifications to Homeschool in Nevada

In Nevada, parents and legal guardians don’t need to be licensed, certified, or meet any other requirements to homeschool their children.

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Mandatory School Age in Nevada

In Nevada children from age 7-18 are required to attend school or comply with homeschool laws. Children who are 6 years old and not planning to attend public school or start homeschooling in accordance with the laws will need to file a waiver. This waiver can be found with your local school district.

Nevada Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

Nevada law doesn’t set any attendance requirements or hours per day for homeschool instruction. In Nevada, public schools hold classes 180 days each year. Home educators can use this as a guideline but aren’t required to.

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Nevada Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

Nevada doesn’t require home educators to keep or submit specific records while homeschooling. However, all families should consider establishing records for each child, including attendance, courses taken and grades earned, a portfolio of work samples, and any assessments or evaluations. 

TIP: Good record keeping can be helpful if your student needs transcripts for post-high school plans or transitions back to public school.

Nevada Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Homeschool students are not required to participate in any standardized testing or assessments in Nevada. The law does entitle homeschoolers to participate in all college entrance exams, such as the PSAT, SAT, or ACT. Contact your local district if you want your child to take these exams.

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Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Nevada

Nevada immunization requirements only apply to public school students. Therefore, homeschool students are not required to be immunized. However, students who wish to take classes or participate in activities at local public schools may need to provide proof of immunization or exemption. Learn more here.

Taking Public School Classes While Homeschooling

In Nevada, homeschool students may take classes or participate in activities at their local public school. You’ll need to complete the Notice of Intent to Participate in Programs and Activities each year your child takes classes or participates in activities at a public school. You may also be required to provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate. Contact your local school to learn about their policies.

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Homeschool Organizations and Associations

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 options in Nevada to help you get started:

• Nevada Homeschool Network: This statewide group works to build a collaborative community for all the state’s homeschool families. Find resources, events, and other helpful services.
• CHIEFS Christian Homeschool: Christian families interested in finding like-minded homeschoolers can take advantage of resources, activities, and an annual conference.

The Homeschool Mom has a terrific roundup of local Nevada homeschool groups and co-ops.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Nevada

Nevada homeschool students can participate in public school sports. Parents must complete the Notice of Intent to Participate in Programs and Activities, comply with school policies, and pay associated fees. 

Homeschoolers can also participate in sports in a variety of other ways. Many homeschool groups have their own sports leagues, and most communities offer youth sports programs perfect for homeschool students. Here are some to try:

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Nevada Homeschool Field Trips 

Being a homeschool family gives you substantial freedom when planning field trips. To maximize your experience, consider joining other homeschoolers to take advantage of group discounts and special programs.

Nevada has multiple National Parks to explore, like Great Basin and Death Valley. The Every Kid Outdoors pass gives fourth graders, homeschoolers, and their families free admission to National Parks (restrictions apply). State parks offer incredible experiences, too, like fossils and geologic wonders galore.

Studying anatomy? Head to Las Vegas to see Bodies: The Exhibition. Learn about the state’s history and culture at the Nevada State Museum, or visit Hoover Dam to see an engineering marvel. The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum in Reno offers hands-on STEM learning. The Way It Was Museum in Virginia City gives you a closer look at the mining history of Nevada.

Special Education Homeschoolers

Because Nevada classifies homeschooled students as private school students, homeschooling families of students with special needs will usually find services and supports available for their children.

Thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), homeschooled students who are classified as private school students can receive some services through local school districts from federal and state special education funding.

The number of services and how they are provided to homeschooled students with special needs may vary from school district to school district, so it is always a good idea to keep an open line of communication with the local special education coordinator.

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Nevada Homeschool FAQ

Is Nevada a homeschool-friendly state?

Nevada makes things very easy for homeschool families. Once you file your initial Notice of Intent to Homeschool for each child, there’s no further paperwork unless you plan to participate in public school classes or activities. Nevada does require you to complete an Educational Plan, but the requirements are minimal.

Parents/legal guardians are responsible for all homeschooling costs in Nevada. However, they have much freedom regarding curriculum, scheduling, and recordkeeping. Overall, Nevada is a homeschool-friendly state.

Can parents issue diplomas or transcripts to homeschool students?

Home educators may issue diplomas to homeschool students if and when they feel their child is ready to graduate. Keeping detailed records will make it easier to prepare transcripts if your student applies to college.

Is unschooling legal in Nevada?

Unschooling, a type of education in which children choose the focus and pace of their studies, is legal in all fifty states. This includes Nevada.

How do you enroll in public school after homeschooling in Nevada? 

If you stop homeschooling and enroll your child in public school, work directly with the district to learn their policies. They may ask to see any academic records you’ve kept or use standardized tests or other evaluation forms to determine the right grade and course placements.

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