Exempt School [Home School] Program
General Information
Parents (or legal guardians) 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 or non-accredited schools. By filing for and receiving exempt status, parents are electing not to have their child attend a school that meets State approval and 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 parents (or legal guardians) filing for an exemption.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Resources (private parent support organizations)
2020/21 School Year
Review Status of Rule 13 Exempt (Home) School Filings, 10/01/2020
Our office continues to receive an unprecedented number of calls & emails from parents new to homeschooling due to Covid-19. Therefore, it is taking much longer than 6 weeks for processing. Most of the Rule 13 submissions received through June 30th have been reviewed; we are currently working on early July submissions. Our priority continues to be processing filings; therefore, we ask that you please refrain from calling & emailing status checks if at all possible as that will slow down the turnaround time. Remember –
Note –
Resident public schools are able to access a report of those families in their district who filed to date, and the status of the submission. We have asked schools to refrain from checking status with parents and this office and refer to this report. Thank you for understanding. |
- A Rule 13 exemption election filing applies only to traditional “homeschooling.” If the student is schooling at home due to a school closure, or through remote learning, and is still enrolled in that approved or accredited public or private school, a Rule 13 filing does not apply.
- Exemption election submissions are due annually by July 15. For parents/legal guardians who are waiting for schools to announce re-opening plans, there is an existing provision in Rule 13 to allow for filing after July 15, see section 003.02A on page 4 of Rule 13. File promptly once you make the decision to “home school.”
- Note for Paper Filers – Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Department of Education is closed to the public. Submit the documents by mail only (drop-off at the Department of Education in Lincoln is not allowable at this time) (no faxes or emails will be accepted). Please plan accordingly and allow sufficient time to meet the filing deadline.
Statistical Information
Program Contacts
- Beth Bolte: (402) 471-2795 or beth.bolte@nebraska.gov
- Micki Iverson: (402) 471-1894 or micki.iverson@nebraska.gov