Exempt School [Home School] Program

General Information

Parents, legal guardians, or educational decision makers may educate their child at home by electing not to meet State approval or accreditation requirements (Section 79-1601 R.R.S.).  In Nebraska, “home schools” are referred to as exempt schools and are considered non-approved and non-accredited private schools.  Exempt schools can also be outside the child’s home and have students from more than one family.

By filing for and receiving exempt status, the parent, legal guardian, or educational decision maker are electing not to have their child attend a school that meets State approval or accreditation requirements while also complying with the mandatory school attendance law (Section 79-201 R.R.S.).

• Rule 13 is the rule governing the procedures and standards for filing for an exemption.
  • The proposed revised Rule 13 is pending the Governor’s approval.  See summary of revisions below.
    • Summary of Rule 13 Revisions [Adobe PDF]
• 2025/26 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) [Adobe PDF]
  • A new document for the 2026/27 school year will be available in early June
• Resources (private parent support organizations)

Updates (05/01/2026)

• 2026/27 School Year
  • The 2026/27 forms & information will be available on this website by early June 2026.
  • Online renewal filers & paper renewal filers who provided an email address will be notified by email once the 2026/27 filing information is available.
• 2025/26 School Year
  • NDE has discontinued accepting 2025/26 paper filings & online submissions.

Statistical Information

• 2023/24 Report on Participants in Nebraska Exempt Schools (April 2026)
• The following student counts are estimates only and subject to change pending audit:
  • 2024/25 (year-end)
    • Students – 16,419
  • 2025/26 (as of 05/01/2026)
    • Students – 18,036

Program Contacts

• Beth Bolte & Micki Iverson
• Email: nde.exemptschool@nebraska.gov
• Phone: 402/471-0336