Homeschooling in Nebraska

Mandatory attendance applies to children who turn 6 before January 1 of the school year until age 18. A qualifying affidavit filed with the resident district can delay exempt-school entry until age 7, with the exemption statement due by the child's seventh birthday.

The annual filing deadline is July 15, with later-start provisions for new residents and midyear changes. One parent, legal guardian, or court-designated educational decisionmaker signs the election, and an authorized parent representative submits annual assurances online or by mail or drop-off.

Parents must provide the Commissioner a certified birth certificate or other reliable identity-and-age evidence accompanied by an affidavit explaining why a birth certificate cannot be produced.

Programs must provide at least 1,032 elementary instructional hours or 1,080 secondary instructional hours annually. The record-keeping year runs from July 1 through June 30, and midyear programs may prorate remaining hours.

Instruction must be sequential and lead to basic skills in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health.

Statutory teacher certification is not required, provided the filing adult is satisfied the instructor can monitor basic-skills instruction. Individuals monitoring or providing instruction cannot have convictions for the felony offenses listed in section 79-1601(5)(b).

Nonreligious exemption elections carry statutory immunization requirements, subject to applicable exemptions.

Under section 28-711.01, a new exempt-school election is invalid during a temporary transfer restriction, which generally lasts 14 days after notice or until earlier department notice.

Families are recommended to maintain records of attendance and hours, course plans, work samples, progress evidence, high school transcripts, and copies of the filed election and acknowledgement.