Nebraska · Some paperwork

Homeschooling in Nebraska

Nebraska asks you to file a notice before you begin. Here is what goes in it, when it is due, and what happens after.

VerifiedMarch 2026

Notice of intentFile every yearBy July 15 each year (annual exemption filing). New families must file promptly upon beginning homeschooling. Filing is done online or by mail with the Nebraska Department of Education's exempt school program (not both). Under LB1027 (2024), only one parent/guardian needs to apply.

Yearly assessmentNot required

Instruction time1,032 hours a year

RecordsYour choice

How to start homeschooling in Nebraska

Written from Nebraska's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.

Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
Send your notice of intent
Nebraska asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: By July 15 each year (annual exemption filing). New families must file promptly upon beginning homeschooling. Filing is done online or by mail with the Nebraska Department of Education's exempt school program (not both). Under LB1027 (2024), only one parent/guardian needs to apply. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to Nebraska Department of Education (NDE).
Cover the subjects the state names
Nebraska names 5 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Nebraska does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.

Source: Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) — www.education.ne.gov/fos/exempt-schools/. Checked March 2026.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it: Nebraska Department of Education (NDE)
When it is due: By July 15 each year (annual exemption filing). New families must file promptly upon beginning homeschooling. Filing is done online or by mail with the Nebraska Department of Education's exempt school program (not both). Under LB1027 (2024), only one parent/guardian needs to apply.
How often: Every school year
Notarized?: No
Official form: exemptschool.education.ne.gov
Ongoing reporting: Yes, once a year
Permit: A permit or registration is required before instruction begins.

Source: Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) — www.education.ne.gov/fos/exempt-schools/. Checked March 2026.

Testing, portfolios and reviews

No yearly assessment

Nebraskadoes not require a standardized test or an evaluator's review. Plenty of families still keep a folder of work through the year — not because the state asks, but because it makes a transcript or a college application far easier to put together later. A note from the state: No state-mandated testing. LB1027 (2024) removed the option for state-conducted exempt school testing or school visits.

Source: Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) — www.education.ne.gov/fos/exempt-schools/. Checked March 2026.

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects: Language ArtsMathematicsScienceSocial StudiesHealth
Instruction time: 1,032 hours a year
Who may teach: No teaching certificate, degree, or credential is required of you.
Keeping records: No retention period is set. Keeping a simple folder is still worth doing.
Legal routes: File for 'exempt school' status under Nebraska Administrative Rule 13 (NDE Rule 13) — annual filing by July 15. The affidavit states that state approval and accreditation requirements either violate sincerely held religious beliefs OR interfere with parental educational direction.
Umbrella / cover schools: Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association (NCHEA) and Nebraska Home Educators Association (NHEA) support homeschooling families. No formal umbrella school structure alters state requirements.

Source: Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) — www.education.ne.gov/fos/exempt-schools/. Checked March 2026.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Public school sports: Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) allows homeschooled students to participate in public school sports and activities if the student is enrolled in at least 20 credit hours overall, with at least 10 of those hours at the public school they represent.
Dual enrollment: Nebraska's dual enrollment programs allow students to take college-level courses for credit. Homeschoolers who partial-enroll in a public school may access the public school's dual credit partnerships. Contact individual schools for policies.
Diplomas: No state diploma for Nebraska homeschoolers. Parents issue transcripts and diplomas. Nebraska does not have a specific homeschool graduation framework; parents use accredited programs or self-prepare. High school students must document 1,080 hours annually (vs 1,032 for elementary).
College admissions: University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) and other state universities accept homeschool graduates with ACT/SAT scores and a parent-prepared transcript. UNL has a published homeschool admissions page.
Support for additional needs: Nebraska school districts must conduct child find for all children in the district including homeschoolers. IDEA equitable services may be available. Exempt school students may negotiate services with the local district, but FAPE rights end upon exempt school filing.

Source: Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) — www.education.ne.gov/fos/exempt-schools/. Checked March 2026.

Money your family can claim in Nebraska

No program on file yet

We do not have a verified Nebraska education savings account, scholarship, or tax credit for homeschooling families on file. That may mean the state has none, or it may mean we have not confirmed one yet — we would rather say so than point you at something we have not checked. State programs change often, so it is worth asking Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) directly.

See the states where funding is confirmed →

Questions parents ask about Nebraska

Is homeschooling legal in Nebraska?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Nebraska. Nebraska has moderate homeschool regulation — some requirements apply but they are generally manageable. Koydo can track your compliance automatically.

Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Nebraska?

Yes. Nebraska requires families to file a Notice of Intent by By July 15 each year (annual exemption filing). New families must file promptly upon beginning homeschooling. Filing is done online or by mail with the Nebraska Department of Education's exempt school program (not both). Under LB1027 (2024), only one parent/guardian needs to apply.. This notice must be renewed annually.

How many instruction days are required in Nebraska?

Nebraska requires 1,032 hours a year.

What subjects are required by law in Nebraska?

Nebraska requires instruction in the following subjects: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health.

Does Nebraska require annual assessment for homeschoolers?

No. Nebraska does not require formal annual assessment. Families may voluntarily track progress for college application purposes.

Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Nebraska?

No. Nebraska does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or any specific educational credential to homeschool their children.

Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Nebraska?

Yes. Nebraska has a law (sometimes called a "Tim Tebow" law) allowing homeschooled students to participate in public school extracurricular activities. Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) allows homeschooled students to participate in public school sports and activities if the student is enrolled in at least 20 credit hours overall, with at least 10 of those hours at the public school they represent.

Source: Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) — www.education.ne.gov/fos/exempt-schools/. Checked March 2026.

Worth knowing about Nebraska

Nebraska requires annual filing for 'exempt school' status under Rule 13 with the NDE, which is a more formal process than most states. LB1027 (2024) significantly deregulated: curriculum reporting was removed, state testing/visits were eliminated, and only one parent needs to sign. Elementary students must log 1,032 hours annually; high school students 1,080 hours. The five required subject areas must be covered. The exempt school affidavit framework is unique to Nebraska.

Source: Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) — www.education.ne.gov/fos/exempt-schools/. Checked March 2026.

Who to ask in Nebraska

Regulator: Nebraska Department of Education (NDE)
Official site: www.education.ne.gov/fos/exempt-schools/
Forms: exemptschool.education.ne.gov

Free tools for your first year

Everything below works whether or not you ever pay us a penny. Use what helps with Nebraska's requirements and ignore the rest.

Transcript builderBuild a clean high-school transcript with GPA and credits, ready to send to a college.Paperwork generatorFill in your details and get the letter or affidavit your state expects, already worded for it.Printable worksheetsPrint practice pages by grade and subject for the days a screen is the wrong answer.Instruction day logTick off days as you go so the count is already done when your state asks for it.State fundingSee whether your state puts education money in your hands, and how to claim it.Starting guideThe whole first year in five steps, written for someone who has never done this before.

Other states

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii All 51 →

This page was written from Nebraska's published rules and last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Nebraska Department of Education (NDE). This is information for families, not legal advice.

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