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North Dakota · Some paperwork
North Dakota 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
Written from North Dakota'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
North Dakota asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: At least 5 days before beginning homeschooling, or within 14 days of moving into a North Dakota school district. Then once each year. File a statement of intent with the superintendent of the school district where the child lives (or the county superintendent if the district has none), with a copy of the child's immunization record and proof of identity. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI).
Cover the subjects the state names
North Dakota names 9 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. North Dakota does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.
Plan the assessment early
North Dakota asks for an assessment in grades 4, 6, 8 and 10. You can choose from: Standardized achievement test in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 — the test used by the student's resident school district OR a nationally normed test requested by the parent; Exemption: Parent may opt out by notifying the district of a philosophical, moral, or religious objection to standardized testing; Additional exemption: If parent holds a teaching license, bachelor's degree, or has passed a national teacher examination, testing may be waived; The test must be given by a teacher licensed or approved to teach by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (NDCC 15.1-23-09). Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.
No program on file yet
We do not have a verified North Dakota 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 North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) directly.
Is homeschooling legal in North Dakota?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in North Dakota. North Dakota has moderate homeschool regulation — some requirements apply but they are generally manageable. Koydo can put the dates your state lists on your calendar.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota requires families to file a Notice of Intent by At least 5 days before beginning homeschooling, or within 14 days of moving into a North Dakota school district. Then once each year. File a statement of intent with the superintendent of the school district where the child lives (or the county superintendent if the district has none), with a copy of the child's immunization record and proof of identity.. This notice must be renewed annually.
How many instruction days are required in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires 175 days a year.
What subjects are required by law in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires instruction in the following subjects: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies (including U.S. Constitution, U.S. history, geography, government; ND studies in grades 4 and 8), Health (physiology, hygiene, disease control, effects of alcohol, tobacco, narcotics), Physical Education, Computer Science, including cybersecurity, Fine Arts (high school units), Career and Technical Education (high school units).
Does North Dakota require annual assessment for homeschoolers?
Yes. North Dakota requires annual assessment. Accepted methods include: Standardized achievement test in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 — the test used by the student's resident school district OR a nationally normed test requested by the parent, Exemption: Parent may opt out by notifying the district of a philosophical, moral, or religious objection to standardized testing, Additional exemption: If parent holds a teaching license, bachelor's degree, or has passed a national teacher examination, testing may be waived, The test must be given by a teacher licensed or approved to teach by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (NDCC 15.1-23-09).
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in North Dakota?
North Dakota has teacher qualification requirements: Parent must have a high school diploma or GED. If the parent does NOT have a HS diploma or GED, they must be monitored by a teacher licensed or approved by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board for the first two years of homeschooling. If the child's standardized test composite score falls below the 50th percentile during the monitored period, monitoring must continue for at least one additional school year.
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in North Dakota?
Rules about homeschooled students taking part in public school sports and activities differ by state and by district. Check with your local school district and your state athletic association.
North Dakota asks for more than most states (notice, qualifications, testing), but has no curriculum-approval step. Key requirements: annual notice to superintendent, 175 instruction days minimum (4 hours/day), parent must have HS diploma/GED (or use a certified teacher monitor), standardized testing in grades 4/6/8/10 (with opt-out for philosophical/religious objections or if parent holds a degree/license), and all subjects taught in ND public schools must be covered. The testing opt-out based on religious/philosophical objection is broad but must be formally declared.
The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with North Dakota's requirements and ignore the rest.
Last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI). This is information for families, not legal advice.