Nebraska homeschool requirements
To homeschool in Nebraska, file a Rule 13 exempt-school election with the state DOE (and local district) by July 15, provide ~1,032 hours, and assure instruction in five subjects. No state testing, but annual filing + assurances.
Last reviewed June 5, 2026 · Sources below
Nebraska homeschool requirements at a glance
- Notice
- RequiredWhere it goes: Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and the local district. When: Annual priority deadline: July 15.
- Required subjects
- Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies/History, Health
- Instruction time
- 1,032–1,080 hours by grade1,032 instructional hours/year (elementary/K–8); 1,080 hours/year (grades 9–12); prorated for mid-year starts.
- Testing or evaluation
- NoNo state standardized testing required for Rule 13 exempt/homeschool students.
- Records
- Yes — immunizations
- Parent qualifications
- Not required
- Compulsory attendance ages
- 6–18
- Ways to homeschool
- Exempt school / Rule 13 (Statement of Election to NDE + local district)
- Law
- Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-1601; NAC Title 92, Ch. 13 (Rule 13)
- Official source
- education.ne.gov ↗
Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Nebraska?
Yes. Nebraska requires homeschooling families to file a notice. Where it goes: Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and the local district. How: Statement of Election (Rule 13 exemption) + Parent Representative Form. When: Annual priority deadline: July 15. Rule 13 (NAC Title 92, Ch. 13) governs; the school year is treated as beginning July 15 for filing.
What subjects does Nebraska require homeschoolers to teach?
Nebraska requires instruction in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies/History, and Health. Per Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-1601 / Rule 13; the parent assures instruction in these areas when filing.
How many days or hours of instruction does Nebraska require?
Nebraska's rule: 1,032 instructional hours/year (elementary/K–8); 1,080 hours/year (grades 9–12); prorated for mid-year starts.
Is standardized testing required to homeschool in Nebraska?
No. Nebraska does not require standardized testing for homeschooled students. No state standardized testing required for Rule 13 exempt/homeschool students.
What records do I need to keep to homeschool in Nebraska?
Nebraska requires these records: immunization records. How long, or where they go: As required. Rule 13 doesn't mandate curriculum portfolios; the annual Statement of Election is the assurance mechanism. Keep attendance + work samples.
Do parents need a teaching certificate or other qualification to homeschool in Nebraska?
No. Nebraska does not set a general qualification for homeschooling parents. No credential required; the parent signs annual assurance forms (Statement of Election + Parent Representative Form) and assumes responsibility for the Rule 13 standards.
What ages does Nebraska's compulsory attendance law cover?
Nebraska's compulsory attendance law covers children from age 6 to age 18.
What are the ways to homeschool in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, families homeschool under this pathway: exempt school / Rule 13 (Statement of Election to NDE + local district).
Is homeschooling legal in Nebraska?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Nebraska, as it is in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. To homeschool in Nebraska, file a Rule 13 exempt-school election with the state DOE (and local district) by July 15, provide ~1,032 hours, and assure instruction in five subjects. No state testing, but annual filing + assurances.
How to get started in Nebraska
Recent homeschool law changes in Nebraska
Sources for Nebraska
Every requirement above comes from our review of Nebraska’s rules, last checked against these sources on June 5, 2026. Homeschool law changes, and a state can amend its rules between our reviews — read the official source before you file anything or rely on a date here. How we review state requirements.
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