Homeschooling in Nebraska.

What Nebraska calls it

An exempt school: a private school that chooses not to meet state accreditation or approval rules. Most families run it at home, and it can include children from more than one family.

Statute citation

Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 79-1601 and 79-201, and § 28-711.01 (added in 2026). Filing procedures are in Title 92, Nebraska Administrative Code, Chapter 13 (Rule 13).

Who you notify

The Commissioner of Education, through the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Exempt School Program Office. File online through the exempt school portal, or by mail or drop-off. Email and fax filings are not accepted.

When to file

Every year, by July 15, for each school year you homeschool. Late filings are accepted. Starting mid-year or new to Nebraska? File promptly. Instruction can begin once NDE has received your filing.

What you file

A Statement of Election and Assurances signed by one parent, legal guardian or educational decisionmaker, an Authorized Parent Representative Form, and a certified birth certificate for each child if NDE does not already have one. Signatures must be handwritten.

What you no longer report

Since a 2024 law (LB 1027), you no longer report your curriculum or who is teaching. You receive an acknowledgment letter to keep. NDE does not approve or disapprove exempt schools.

Required subjects

A sequential program of instruction designed to lead to basic skills in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and health. You are free to teach more.

Instruction hours

At least 1,032 hours a year for kindergarten through grade 8 and 1,080 hours for grades 9 to 12. Hours can be prorated if you start partway through the year. There is no required calendar or daily schedule.

Assessment

None. Nebraska does not require testing for exempt school students, and NDE does not collect grades or progress reports.

Who may teach

No teaching certificate or formal qualifications are needed. You sign that you are satisfied your instructors are qualified. Since July 18, 2026, anyone teaching or monitoring instruction must not have certain felony convictions listed in § 79-1601(5)(b).

During a child-welfare investigation

If the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is investigating a parent or guardian for abuse or neglect, a new exempt school election for that child is invalid for 14 days after notice, or until DHHS says otherwise.

Ages covered

Children who turn 6 before January 1 of the school year, until age 18. For a child not yet 7, you may instead file an affidavit with your school district, then file with NDE before the child's 7th birthday.

Records to keep

Keep your NDE acknowledgment letter each year. NDE also recommends keeping attendance records and a transcript of classes and grades.

Changes or stopping

Tell NDE in writing if a child stops attending your exempt school, you move, or your parent representative changes. To end schooling for a child aged 16 or 17, file a withdrawal form; for a graduate under 18, file a Report of Completion.