Applications
Conditional Approval to open a new Rule 14 school
The application for Conditional Approval to open a new Rule 14 school is due to the NDE by May 1. To legally open and operate, the school must meet the approval requirements in Rule 14.
- After NDE receives the application, a staff member will contact the school to address any questions and schedule a site visit.
- The visit will take place after a site has been obtained and a Fire Marshall inspection has been verified. Staff, curriculum, and related materials should be in place for the visit.
- If the school passes the approval review, a recommendation will be presented to the State Board of Education at the August meeting to “conditionally approve” the school’s opening. Sometime during the first semester, NDE staff will again visit the school when students and staff are present. If everything is in place, at the April State Board
meeting, the school will be recommended for approval for the next school year. Thereafter, the school will automatically be recommended to the State Board for approval based on its compliance with Rule 14.
New Nonpublic Application
Due May 1 (NDE 08-012)
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Open a New Interim‐Program School
The Application for Conditional Approval to Open a New Interim‐Program School is due to the NDE by May 15. County Detention Homes, Institutions, or Juvenile Emergency Shelters seeking Approval to open an interim‐program school under Rule 18 must submit an application form.
- After NDE receives the application, a staff member will contact the person listed on the application to answer any questions; verify the employment of staff with proper Nebraska certification; determine if the applicant’s interim program school can comply with the Rule 18 regulations; and verify the proposed facility has been inspected and approved by the State Fire Marshall.
- NDE staff will schedule a visit to determine whether the applicant school is meeting all regulations under Rule 18. If the school passes the approval review, a recommendation will be made to the State Board of Education at the August meeting to grant conditional approval for one school year.
- Continued approval will be granted for one school year from July 1 to June 30 based upon the Interim‐program school’s compliance with the regulations in Rule 18.
New Interim Program School Application
Due May 15 (NDE 08-046)
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Rule 10: Accreditation of Nonpublic Schools
The Department recognizes the important role nonpublic schools play in providing educational choices within the state. Schools seeking initial accreditation or adding grades must follow a structured process with specific deadlines and requirements:
- Intent to Apply: Schools must notify the Department of their intent to seek accreditation by July 1 prior to the application school year.
- Documentation Report: A compliance report must be submitted by November 1.
- On-Site Visit: A Department representative will conduct a visit by March 1 to verify compliance.
- Review & Recommendation: The State Accreditation Committee reviews findings and makes recommendations to the Commissioner.
- Board Approval: Upon approval, accreditation is granted for one school year (July 1 – June 30) and is renewable based on continued compliance.
Additional Notes
- New nonpublic schools joining an accredited system must follow the same initial accreditation process.
- Schools adding new grades must notify the Department by May 1 prior to implementation and may receive conditional accreditation while completing the full approval process.
For more detailed information, please refer to the official documentation reports to the right.
Information on Schools moving from Approved Under Rule 14 to Accredited Under Rule 10