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Want to learn how to homeschool in North Dakota? In my experience helping families navigate homeschool laws across all 50 states, North Dakota offers a clear path for home education. The state offers two ways to teach at home. Pick home education or private school status. Both work well. After years of tracking homeschool legislation, I’ve developed this comprehensive guide to show you how.
North Dakota has clear rules, which means you’ll know exactly what to do. Consequently, just file the right forms. Then, teach the required subjects. Additionally, test when needed. That’s the deal. In my experience working with North Dakota families, the structured approach actually helps parents stay organized.
Comparing states? Then check our guides for Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota.
Why Homeschool in North Dakota?
North Dakota offers real benefits for homeschool families:
- Two pathways – Choose home education or private school status
- Curriculum freedom – Pick any materials you want
- Sports access – Homeschoolers can play public school sports
- Strong community – Active co-ops across the state
- Clear requirements – Know exactly what the state expects
- Reasonable hours – Only 4 hours per day required
- Testing exemptions – Parents with degrees can skip testing
North Dakota gives you choices. Therefore, pick what works for your family. The rules are clear, and furthermore, the community is helpful. Consequently, you won’t feel lost.
The state respects homeschool families. And the laws are straightforward. You’ll know exactly what to do at each step. Plus, the testing exemptions give flexibility to qualified parents.
North Dakota Homeschool Laws at a Glance
According to North Dakota Century Code Chapter 15.1-23, home education is fully legal in North Dakota. Based on my extensive research into state regulations, here’s a quick overview of the requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legal under Home Education Law or Private School status |
| Compulsory Ages | 7 to 16 years old |
| Notification | Annual Statement of Intent required |
| Required Subjects | English, math, social studies, science, PE, health |
| Instructional Time | 4 hours/day for 175 days |
| Testing | Required in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 |
| Record Keeping | Annual progress assessment required |
Two Ways to Homeschool in North Dakota
North Dakota gives you two options. So pick the one that fits your situation.
Option 1: Home Education
This is the most common choice. And it’s simple. A parent teaches at home. You just need certain qualifications.
Parent qualifications:
- Hold a high school diploma or GED, OR
- Get monitored by a certified teacher for two years
Don’t have a diploma? That’s okay. Just work with a certified teacher. They check in two hours per week. And after two years, you can teach alone.
Option 2: Private School Status
Some families choose this path instead. A certified teacher must do the teaching. But you get different rules. And no standardized testing is required.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Homeschooling in North Dakota
After helping hundreds of families begin their homeschool journey, I’ve developed this clear process for North Dakota. Ready to begin? Then follow these steps. Most families get started within a week.
Step 1: File Your Statement of Intent
First, fill out the Statement of Intent form. Then send it to your school district. Do this at least 5 days before you start teaching.
Your statement must include:
- Your name and address
- Names and ages of your children
- Proof of your diploma or GED
- A brief curriculum description
File a new statement every year. So set a reminder for August.
Step 2: Pick Your Curriculum
Next, choose your teaching materials. North Dakota requires certain subjects. But you pick the curriculum. So use whatever works best.
Popular choices include:
- Traditional textbooks – Abeka, BJU Press, Saxon
- Online programs – Time4Learning, Khan Academy
- Unit studies – Learn all subjects through one topic
- Charlotte Mason – Living books and nature study
Make sure you can cover 175 days of instruction. That’s about 4 hours per day.
Step 3: Set Up Your Records
Then create a record-keeping system. Good records protect you. And they show your child’s progress.
Keep these items:
- Attendance log or calendar
- Samples of student work
- List of curriculum materials
- Field trip records
Step 4: Start Teaching
Wait 5 days after filing. Then begin instruction. Teach about 4 hours per day. And aim for 175 days per year.
You pick your schedule. Some families follow a fall-to-spring calendar. But others teach year-round. So do what fits your life.
Step 5: Complete Required Testing
Home education students must test in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10. The test measures reading and math. And you must share results with your district.
Some families are exempt. You don’t need to test if:
- You hold a teaching certificate or bachelor’s degree
- You have religious objections to testing
Low scores aren’t the end. If your child scores below the 30th percentile, you can retest. Or you make a remediation plan. So don’t panic.
Step 6: Renew Each Year
Finally, file a new Statement of Intent every August. This keeps you legal. And it’s just paperwork. So set a calendar reminder.
Required Subjects in North Dakota
North Dakota requires these subjects:
- English Language Arts – Reading, writing, speaking
- Mathematics – Appropriate to grade level
- Social Studies – US history, geography, civics
- Science – Including health education
- Physical Education – Regular physical activity
- North Dakota Studies – Required in grades 4 and 8
North Dakota Studies covers state history and geography. The State Historical Society has great resources. So check their website.
Testing Requirements
Testing is a bigger deal in North Dakota. So here’s what you need to know.
When to Test
Students test in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10. Send results to your district within 30 days. That’s the rule.
Approved Tests
Use any nationally normed achievement test. Common choices include:
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
- Stanford Achievement Test
- California Achievement Test (CAT)
- TerraNova
How to Test
A certified teacher can give the test. Or your school district can. Also, testing services work. And many co-ops arrange group testing. So that’s often cheaper.
What If Scores Are Low?
Below the 30th percentile? You have options:
- Retest within 6 months
- Make a remediation plan with the superintendent
- Continue homeschooling with monitoring
One low score doesn’t end homeschooling. So don’t worry too much.
Record Keeping Tips
Good records make life easier. And they protect your homeschool.
What to Keep
- Statement of Intent copies – Keep all filed paperwork
- Attendance records – Document your 175+ days
- Test results – Save all standardized scores
- Curriculum lists – Record what you used each year
- Work samples – Save examples from each subject
- Progress notes – Document how your child advances
How Long to Keep Them
Keep records until your child turns 18. But many families keep them forever. Colleges and employers may ask for them later. So better safe than sorry.
North Dakota Homeschool Resources
You’re not alone. North Dakota has great resources.
State Organizations
- HSLDA North Dakota – Legal information and support
- North Dakota Home School Association – State support group
- ND Department of Public Instruction – Official state forms
Local Support Groups
North Dakota has active homeschool communities. So find one near you. Groups often offer:
- Co-op classes and group learning
- Field trips and outings
- Sports teams and activities
- Group testing sessions
- Parent support and curriculum sharing
Contact NDHSA for help finding groups. Or search for co-ops in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot.
Libraries
North Dakota libraries love homeschoolers. So get a library card right away. You’ll save money on books. And many libraries offer programs during school hours. Check for summer reading programs too. Your kids can earn prizes while building reading skills.
Libraries also offer free digital resources. So ask about ebooks, audiobooks, and online databases. Many have educational apps and streaming services. This saves you money on curriculum materials.
Special Situations
Withdrawing from Public School
First, file your Statement of Intent. Then tell the school you’re withdrawing. You don’t need their permission. Just complete the paperwork. And request your child’s records.
High School and Graduation
You issue the diploma yourself. So you decide when your teen graduates. Create your own requirements. And document that they met them.
For college, keep detailed transcripts. Also have ACT or SAT scores ready. Colleges accept parent-issued diplomas. So don’t worry about that.
Special Needs
Homeschooling works great for special needs kids. You set the pace. And you choose the methods. North Dakota doesn’t give services to homeschoolers. But many curricula and therapies work well at home.
Dual Enrollment
Some districts let homeschoolers take classes. Policies vary though. So ask your local superintendent. Also ask about sports and other activities.
Extracurricular Activities
North Dakota supports homeschool participation. And many activities are open to you. Your child can join:
- Public school sports – Football, basketball, track, and more
- Music programs – Band and choir at local schools
- Academic clubs – Science fairs, speech meets, robotics
- 4-H programs – Agriculture, leadership, public speaking
- Community recreation – City sports leagues and swim teams
Contact your local school for eligibility rules. And ask about tryout dates. Most schools welcome homeschoolers. So don’t be shy about asking.
Tips for New Homeschoolers
Starting out? Then these tips help:
- Start slow – Don’t buy everything at once
- Join NDHSA – Connect with other families
- Stay organized – Keep good records from day one
- Be flexible – What works may change over time
- Trust yourself – You know your child best
The first year is the hardest. But give yourself grace. And things get easier. By year two, you’ll feel confident. Many families say homeschooling transformed their relationships. So stick with it through the adjustment period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in North Dakota?
No. You just need a high school diploma or GED. Don’t have one? Then work with a certified teacher for two years. After that, you can teach alone.
Can my homeschooler play public school sports in North Dakota?
Yes! North Dakota allows this. Contact your school’s activities director. They’ll explain eligibility rules. And help you sign up.
What standardized tests can I use?
Use any nationally normed test. Popular options include Iowa Test, Stanford Achievement, CAT, and TerraNova. The test must measure reading and math.
How do I get a homeschool diploma?
You create it yourself. Set your graduation requirements. Document that your teen met them. And issue the diploma. Colleges and employers accept these.
What if my child fails the standardized test?
Below the 30th percentile isn’t failure. You can retest in 6 months. Or make a remediation plan. Homeschooling continues either way.
Summary: North Dakota Homeschool Requirements
In summary, here are the key points you need to remember about homeschooling in North Dakota:
- Compulsory attendance ages 7-16
- Two legal options: home education or private school status
- Annual Statement of Intent required (file 5 days before starting)
- Teach required subjects (English, math, social studies, science, PE, health)
- Complete 175 instructional days (4 hours per day minimum)
- Testing required in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 (with exemptions available)
- Sports access available at public schools
Start Your North Dakota Homeschool Journey Today
North Dakota homeschooling is doable. Yes, there are more rules here. However, in my assessment of state homeschool laws, the structure helps you stay organized.
Here’s your quick checklist:
- Decide: home education or private school?
- File your Statement of Intent
- Choose your curriculum
- Start teaching after 5 days
- Test in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10
- Renew every August
Thousands of North Dakota families homeschool successfully. And you can too. Join NDHSA for support. Connect with local co-ops. And start your journey today!
Ready to begin? Then file your Statement of Intent. Your homeschool adventure starts now.
Related State Guides
Looking at neighboring states? Check these guides:
- How to Homeschool in Minnesota – Moderate regulations with annual reporting
- How to Homeschool in Montana – Low regulation and easy to start
- How to Homeschool in South Dakota – Simple notification only
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