{"id":4335,"date":"2023-09-15T22:51:52","date_gmt":"2023-09-15T22:51:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.staging.miacademy.co\/?page_id=4335"},"modified":"2026-04-06T22:29:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T22:29:51","slug":"homeschooling-in-north-dakota","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/miacademy.co\/homeschool-curriculum\/by-state\/homeschooling-in-north-dakota\/","title":{"rendered":"North Dakota Homeschool Laws Made Simple (2026 Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re wondering how to homeschool<\/a> in North Dakota, it\u2019s a good idea to do your research first. Homeschool laws vary by state<\/a>, and each one\u2019s are a little different! Whether you\u2019ve homeschooled before, or you just decided to make the switch to homeschooling<\/a>, you\u2019re in the right place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling in North Dakota at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

North Dakota – The Peace Garden State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/td>Home Education Law<\/td>Private School<\/td><\/tr>
Required Age<\/td>7-16<\/td>7-16<\/td><\/tr>
Standardized Testing<\/td>Required (exemptions available)<\/td>Not required<\/td><\/tr>
Subjects*additional subjects may apply<\/td>English language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, and health*<\/td>English language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, and health*<\/td><\/tr>
Time Requirements<\/td>4 hours daily for 175 days<\/td>4 hours daily for 180 days<\/td><\/tr>
Graduation Requirements<\/td>Determined by diploma-granting organization<\/td>Determined by diploma-granting organization<\/td><\/tr>
Special Requirements<\/td>Immunization required<\/td>Immunization required<\/td><\/tr>
Financial Assistance Available<\/td>No<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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There are two methods available for homeschooling in North Dakota. We suggest learning about each option to determine which is best for you and your student. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home Education Law<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Homeschooling under the Home Education Law is for parents who do not have teaching certifications. This method does have more requirements for the Notice of Intent, testing, and preliminary supervision than the private school option does. Additionally, there is a trial period where your child must meet standardized assessment minimum percentiles for you to continue homeschooling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private School<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are a North Dakota certified teacher, you can choose the private school option. This option has fewer restrictions and no supervisory period. There is no trial period if you select the private school option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parent Qualifications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are choosing the Home Education Law option, you\u2019ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. If you don\u2019t have one, you\u2019ll need to be monitored by a North Dakota-certified teacher for a minimum of two years. If you are being supervised, and your child scores below the 50th percentile on their annual assessment, you\u2019ll need to be supervised for an additional year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents who choose the private school option must hold a valid teaching credential from the State of North Dakota. You will also need to complete a background check. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice of Intent<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Both methods require homeschoolers to submit an annual Notice of Intent. This notice should be sent no later than 14 days before beginning to homeschool or 14 days after moving to a new North Dakota school district. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your notice should include a copy of your qualification to homeschool, proof of your child\u2019s identity and immunization records, and any documents requesting your child\u2019s participation in public school extracurriculars. You can find this form here<\/a>. This form should be submitted to your child\u2019s school superintendent, or the county superintendent, if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attendance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Families homeschooling under the home education law option are required to teach for a minimum of four hours daily, for 175 days per year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Families who choose the private school option are required to match the public school calendar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curriculum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Parents are responsible for providing a homeschool curriculum<\/a> that teaches the state-mandated subjects<\/a> for public schools. For elementary and middle school students, these subjects include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

English language arts (reading, composition, creative writing, spelling and grammar)<\/td>Physical education<\/td><\/tr>
Math<\/td>Social studies (including the U.S. Constitution and history, geography, and government)<\/td><\/tr>
Science (including agriculture)<\/td>Health (including physiology; hygiene, disease control; and the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics)<\/td><\/tr>
Computer science, including cybersecurity<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 4th and 8th grades, the social studies course should also include the history, geography, and agriculture of North Dakota.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For high school students, the state-mandated courses include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Course<\/td>Units<\/td>Notes<\/td><\/tr>
English Language Arts<\/td>4<\/td>Includes Literature, Composition, and Speech<\/td><\/tr>
Math<\/td>4<\/td>Includes Algebra II, and one class that requires Algebra II as a prerequisite (such as pre-calculus)<\/td><\/tr>
Science<\/td>4<\/td>Includes 1 unit of biology and 1 unit of physics<\/td><\/tr>
Social Studies<\/td>4<\/td>Includes 1 unit of World History, 1 unit of U.S. History, and the option for 1 unit of Problems of Democracy OR \u00bd unit of U.S. Government with \u00bd unit of Economics<\/td><\/tr>
Health<\/td>\u00bd <\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Fitness<\/td>2<\/td>Students must take \u00bd unit of fitness classes each year, with at least one class that teaches how to assess and maintain personal health.<\/td><\/tr>
Fine Arts<\/td>2<\/td>Including 1 unit of Music<\/td><\/tr>
Foreign or Native American Language<\/td>2<\/td>Both units must be in the same language<\/td><\/tr>
Advanced Coursework<\/td>1<\/td>Such as an AP or dual-credit course<\/td><\/tr>
Career & Technical Education (CTE)<\/td>2<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Computer Science or Cybersecurity<\/td>1<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many homeschoolers also choose to follow North Dakota\u2019s educational standards. This can help ensure their child will be prepared should they need to enroll in a public school in the future. For more information on academic standards by grade, you can visit the North Dakota K-12 Education Content Standards page.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n