How to Start Homeschooling in Nebraska
If you’re wondering how to homeschool in Nebraska, it’s a good idea to do your research first. Homeschool laws vary by state, and each one’s are a little different! Whether you’ve homeschooled before, or you just decided to make the switch to homeschooling, you’re in the right place.
Homeschooling in Nebraska allows you to have freedom and flexibility, while providing a bit of structure to build off of. There are only a handful of simple laws you need to remember to start homeschooling.
Homeschooling in Nebraska at a Glance
Nebraska – The Cornhusker State
| Required Age | 6-18 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | Language arts, math, science, social studies, and health |
| Time Requirements | 1,032 hours for elementary and 1,080 for high school |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | If you do not homeschool for religious reasons, you will need to comply with immunization requirements. |
| Financial Resources Available | No |
Parent Qualifications
To qualify as a homeschool instructor in Nebraska, you’ll need to submit the Notice of Intent, which includes the Parent Representative Form. There are no requirements for your education level or past experience. You simply need to complete the necessary paperwork on time.
Notice of Intent
Homeschools in Nebraska are considered exempt schools in legislation under Rule 13. For exempt schools, you’ll need to submit the Statement of Election and Assurances, as well as the Parent Representative Form, to the Nebraska Department of Education (NDoE). You can find a PDF of both documents and instructions here.
You also have the option to submit this information online, via an electronic form. The priority deadline for filing is July 15, 2024, but submissions are accepted after that date as well. The NDoE recommends filing as soon as possible.
Attendance
Compulsory attendance age for Nebraska is ages 6-18. Parents are required to provide 1,032 hours of instruction each year for elementary school students and 1,080 hours for high school students. You should include your plans to fulfill these hourly requirements in your Information Summary that you submit to the Department of Education.
Homeschool Curriculum
Parents, rather than the state or local districts, are responsible for providing a homeschool curriculum. Your curriculum should lead to proficiency in the following subjects:
- Language arts
- Math
- Science
- Social studies
- Health
For a better understanding of course content, you can check out the Content Area Standards from the Nebraska Department of Education. These standards list what students are learning in public school, as well expected skills and abilities by grade.
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC, and can help you meet state requirements with little need for supplementation.
Testing
Homeschool students in Nebraska are exempt from participating in standardized testing.
Although not required by law, many parents still choose to assess their students periodically. Some nationally normed exams are available for purchase, such as the Iowa Assessment and Stanford Achievement exams. High school students are strongly encouraged to take the SAT and ACT for college readiness.
Record Keeping
The State of Nebraska generally does not require record keeping, aside from immunization records. If you are not homeschooling because of religious reasons and do not have a religious exemption, you will need to keep immunization records on hand for your student.
A homeschool portfolio is a great way to keep important records safe and organized. Things you can keep in a homeschool portfolio include:
- Attendance records
- Test scores
- Courses taken
- Final grades earned
- Some of your student’s best work
Transcripts
If your student is college-bound, they will likely need a high school transcript for their application. A transcript includes a list of the courses taken, credit hours, and final grades your student earns from grades 9-12. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you. Keeping records through your child’s home education can make this process much easier.
Graduation Requirements
In Nebraska, parents get to decide when their homeschooler is ready to graduate. Some parents discuss their child’s career goals with them and design a diploma to meet those goals. Once your student completes all of their credit hours, you can provide them with their own homeschool diploma.
It can be intimidating to know when your high schooler is ready! A good resource to use would be the graduation requirements provided by Omaha Public Schools. Their graduation requirements also recommend which courses to take for grades 9-12 and how many credits your student should have by the end of each grade.
Some students take the GED exam, which is a good way to ensure your college recognizes your high school education. Upon completion, the GED exam awards a high school equivalency diploma that is recognized in all 50 states.
Students ages 18 and older are eligible to take the exam without any special requirements. For minors, there are additional registration processes that apply.
Financial Resources
Unfortunately, there are no programs available to help cover the cost of homeschooling at this time. However, we encourage you to search for private grants or scholarships that you may qualify for.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling and how to find other homeschool groups in Nebraska, check out:
- The Nebraska Secular Home Educators’ Facebook page
- Homeschool FAQ from the Department of Education
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Nebraska homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
How do I start homeschooling in Nebraska?
To homeschool in Nebraska, you’ll need to submit the proper forms, teach the required subjects, teach for 1,032 or 1,080 hours, depending on your student’s age, and keep immunization records if you do not have an exemption.
How do homeschoolers graduate in Nebraska?
Homeschoolers in Nebraska graduate when their parents decide they’re ready. Parents are able to design diploma requirements around their student’s career goals or model them after public school diploma requirements. Parents also award their students with a homeschool diploma, as the State of Nebraska does not provide these for homeschool graduates.
Information accurate as of: 07/29/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.