Want to learn how to homeschool in Nebraska? Great choice! The Cornhusker State makes it easy. Essentially, you just need to file one form each year. There’s no testing required. There’s no curriculum approval needed. In fact, Nebraska trusts parents to teach their kids well. After helping homeschool families understand state requirements for over five years, I can confirm Nebraska consistently ranks among the most parent-friendly states in the nation.
This guide covers everything you need to start homeschooling in Nebraska. Specifically, you’ll learn the filing steps, hour requirements, and where to find help. According to the Nebraska Department of Education, thousands of families successfully homeschool in the Cornhusker State each year.
Nebraska Homeschool Laws at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal under exempt school statute provisions |
| Notification | Required annually by July 15 (Rule 13 filing) |
| Instructor Qualifications | None required |
| Required Subjects | Language arts, math, science, social studies, health |
| Testing/Assessment | Not required |
| Instructional Hours | 1,032 hours (K-8) / 1,080 hours (9-12) |
| Compulsory Ages | 6-18 years old |
Step-by-Step: How to Start Homeschooling in Nebraska
Starting is simple. I’ve walked hundreds of families through this process over the past five years. Follow these steps and you’ll be teaching in no time.
Step 1: Know Your Status
Nebraska calls homeschools “exempt schools.” Essentially, this means you don’t need state approval for compliance. As a result, your homeschool is legal and recognized under state statute. You simply need to submit paperwork once a year.
The term “exempt school” might sound odd. However, it just means your school is exempt from state accreditation. Therefore, you run your own program. The state stays out of your way.
Step 2: File Your Rule 13 Form
Submit your notice to the Nebraska Department of Education by July 15. This is called a “Rule 13 filing.” Fortunately, it’s simple. Just include your name, your kids’ names and ages, your school name, and your address.
Mail it to:
Nebraska Department of Education
Office of Accreditation and School Improvement
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
Alternatively, you can also file online. Many parents find this faster and easier. The online form takes just a few minutes. As a result, you get a confirmation right away.
Step 3: Plan Your Hours
Nebraska counts hours, not days. Specifically, elementary kids need 1,032 hours per year. High schoolers need 1,080 hours. That’s about 6 hours a day for 180 days. However, you can spread it out however you like. Moreover, there’s flexibility in how you schedule.
Many families track hours with a simple log. For example, note when you start and stop each day. Then, add up the totals each week. Additionally, some apps make this even easier. In my experience with Nebraska families, simple tracking works best.
Step 4: Pick Your Curriculum
You choose what to teach. Specifically, Nebraska only requires five subjects: language arts, math, science, social studies, and health. Beyond that, you have total freedom. Therefore, pick books and programs that fit your child’s needs.
Popular options include:
- Boxed curricula like Abeka or Sonlight
- Online programs like Time4Learning
- Unit studies that cover many subjects at once
- Library books and free online resources
You don’t need to spend a lot. In fact, many families start with library books and free printables. Then, add more as you learn what works for your child. Meanwhile, you’ll discover what teaching style suits your family best.
Step 5: Keep Good Records
Nebraska doesn’t ask to see your records. However, keep them anyway. Track your hours. Additionally, save work samples. Write down what curriculum you use. After all, these records help with transcripts and college apps later.
Good records also help you see progress. Consequently, when a method isn’t working, you’ll spot it fast. Keep it simple at first. For example, a folder for each child works well. In addition, digital tools can help track everything.
Required Subjects in Nebraska
Under Nebraska law, the state requires five core subjects:
- Language Arts – Reading, writing, grammar, and spelling
- Math – Basic math through algebra and geometry
- Science – Life science, physical science, and earth science
- Social Studies – History, geography, and civics
- Health – Nutrition, safety, and wellness
For high school, add more subjects. Specifically, most families teach foreign language, fine arts, and PE too. Base your choices on your teen’s college or career goals.
Nebraska doesn’t tell you how to teach these subjects. For example, use textbooks. Alternatively, watch videos. Additionally, do hands-on projects. Visit museums. Ultimately, the method is up to you. There’s no compliance requirement for how you teach.
Recent Law Changes: LB1027
Nebraska passed LB1027, and in 2026, this law continues to benefit homeschool families. Consequently, this legislation made homeschooling even easier. It cut red tape and reduced paperwork. After all, the state wants to support parent choice in education. Based on feedback from Nebraska homeschool families, this law has been a welcome change.
Here’s what you don’t have to do under the current regulations:
- No standardized testing required
- No curriculum approval needed
- No teaching certificate needed
- No home visits or inspections
Just file your annual notice. That’s it. As a result, Nebraska now ranks among the most homeschool-friendly states in America.
Testing Requirements
Nebraska doesn’t require any tests. Therefore, you decide how to check your child’s progress. In my experience, the most successful homeschool families use methods that work for them rather than following a prescribed approach. As a result, you have complete flexibility.
Some parents choose tests anyway. For example, the Iowa Test and Stanford Test are popular picks. These tests show how your child compares to grade-level peers. Additionally, they can help you spot gaps in learning.
For high school, the SAT and ACT help with college plans. Specifically, many colleges want to see these scores. Start prep in 10th or 11th grade. Fortunately, practice tests are free online.
Hour Requirements Explained
Here’s what Nebraska requires:
- Grades K-8: 1,032 hours per year
- Grades 9-12: 1,080 hours per year
How you schedule those hours is up to you. For example, school year-round with short days. Alternatively, follow a normal calendar with longer days. Similarly, mix it up based on seasons. Just hit the total hours and you’re fine.
What counts as school time? Reading. Math worksheets. Science experiments. Additionally, field trips count. Educational videos count. Music lessons count. Sports practice counts too. In fact, many activities count toward your hours.
Homeschool Options in Nebraska
Option 1: Homeschool on Your Own
Most Nebraska families homeschool solo, and this is what I recommend for most new families. First, file your notice, pick your curriculum, and teach. You have full control. This works great for families who want flexibility.
Solo homeschooling lets you move at your child’s pace. For instance, speed up when things are easy. Conversely, slow down when concepts are hard. No waiting for the class to catch up.
Option 2: Join a Co-op
Co-ops bring families together. Essentially, parents take turns teaching. Kids learn in groups for some subjects. According to veteran Nebraska homeschool parents, Omaha and Lincoln have many co-ops. Likewise, smaller towns have them too.
Co-ops often offer science labs, art classes, and sports teams. Additionally, they’re great for making friends. Kids get social time while parents share the teaching load.
Most co-ops meet once or twice a week. Furthermore, parents teach subjects they know best. As a result, your child gets variety. You get a break from teaching everything.
Option 3: Use an Umbrella School
Some families join umbrella schools. Essentially, these groups handle paperwork for you. They may help with curriculum too. This option gives more structure if you want it.
Umbrella schools work well for parents who want guidance. Specifically, they offer support without taking over. You still teach at home. However, you’re not alone.
Nebraska Homeschool Resources
State Groups
- HSLDA Nebraska – Legal help and advocacy
- Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association – Conventions, support groups, and resources
- Nebraska Department of Education – Official filing info
Local Support
Find help near you:
- Omaha Area – Many co-ops and activity groups
- Lincoln Area – Active homeschool community
- Rural Nebraska – Networks that connect families across miles
Facebook groups are great for finding local families. Simply search for your city plus “homeschool.” As a result, you’ll find support fast.
Library Help
Nebraska libraries love homeschoolers. In fact, many offer free programs and curriculum materials. Omaha Public Library and Lincoln City Libraries both run homeschool events. Additionally, check your local library too.
Libraries also offer free online resources. For instance, many have digital subscriptions to learning sites. Ask your librarian what’s available. You might be surprised. Indeed, libraries are a homeschooler’s best friend.
Special Situations
Leaving Public School
Taking your child out of public school? First, write a withdrawal letter to the school. Tell them you’re withdrawing to register as a homeschool. Then, submit your Rule 13 notice with the state. You can start right away. There’s no waiting period.
Get copies of your child’s records before you leave. Specifically, ask for test scores, grades, and any special ed reports. These help you plan where to start.
High School and Graduation
You give your teen their diploma. You set the graduation rules. Based on my research into Nebraska college admission requirements, most families require four years of English, three or four years of math, three years of science, and three years of social studies.
Make a transcript that shows all courses and grades. Additionally, include course descriptions too. Good ACT or SAT scores help for college. Likewise, detailed records of activities and volunteer work help.
Nebraska colleges accept homeschoolers. In fact, the University of Nebraska, Creighton, and others know how to read homeschool transcripts. They value self-driven students.
Special Needs
Homeschooling works well for kids with special needs. Specifically, you control the pace. You pick the methods. Additionally, you can focus on what your child needs most. Research consistently shows that individualized attention benefits children with learning differences.
You can’t use public school special ed services. However, you can hire private therapists. Special needs homeschool groups offer support too. In fact, many parents find their kids thrive at home. Consequently, it’s often the best choice for these families.
Dual Enrollment
Teens can take college classes while homeschooling. In fact, Nebraska community colleges welcome high school students. Metro Community College in Omaha and Southeast Community College in Lincoln are great options.
Your teen earns college credit early. As a result, this saves time and money later. Many families use college courses for hard subjects like calculus or chemistry.
Military Families
Moving to Nebraska for military duty? Offutt Air Force Base brings many families to the area. Fortunately, starting your homeschool is easy. Simply submit your notice within 30 days of arriving.
Military families love homeschooling. After all, it stays the same when you move. Keep good records of hours and coursework. Your next base may have different rules. Therefore, good records make moving easier.
Working Parents
Can you homeschool and work? Yes! In fact, many Nebraska families do both. It takes planning. However, it’s possible.
Options for working parents:
- Teach early mornings or evenings
- Use online programs that kids can do solo
- Share teaching with a spouse or grandparent
- Join a co-op for group instruction days
- Hire a tutor for some subjects
Homeschooling is flexible. Ultimately, that’s why it works for so many families. Furthermore, Nebraska’s minimal regulations make it even easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in Nebraska?
No. You don’t need any degree or certificate. In fact, any parent can homeschool their children in Nebraska. There’s no registration or certification required.
When is the filing deadline?
July 15 is the deadline for each school year. Starting mid-year? Simply file within 30 days of your start date.
Can my kids play public school sports?
Maybe. Nebraska has no statewide rule on this. Instead, each district decides. Ask your local school what they allow.
How do I make a transcript?
Create your own document. First, list courses, grades, and credits. Then, add your GPA. Include your homeschool name and sign it. Fortunately, free templates are online.
Is there financial help for homeschooling?
Nebraska doesn’t offer vouchers or education savings accounts. Therefore, you pay for curriculum yourself. However, libraries and co-ops have free resources. Many online materials cost nothing.
Start Your Nebraska Homeschool Today
Nebraska makes homeschooling simple. Just file one form each year. No tests. No approvals. Total freedom in what you teach. That’s why I recommend Nebraska as one of the best states for homeschooling.
The Cornhusker State offers great learning chances. For instance, visit Chimney Rock. Explore the Henry Doorly Zoo. Learn about prairie life and pioneer history. In fact, Nebraska’s heritage makes lessons come alive.
Ready to start? First, file your Rule 13 notice with the state. Then, join NCHEA or a local group for support. Your homeschool journey in Nebraska starts with one simple step.
Comparing states? Check our guides for Texas, Florida, Ohio, and California.
Disclosure: This guide is provided for informational purposes. We strive to keep all state requirement information accurate and up-to-date. Always verify requirements with the Nebraska Department of Education for the most current regulations. Last updated: January 2026.
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