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)

2023/24 School Year (08/04/2023 update)

Letter to Exempt School Families from Commissioner Maher

• The online system for the 2023/24 school year is available; see further information under the 2023/24 Online Submission banner.
• Rule 13 filings for the 2023/24 school year by either online or paper submission are still accepted; please file as soon as possible.

Statistical Information

• 2019/20 Report on Participants in Nebraska Exempt Schools (October 2021)
• The following student count is a year-end estimate only and subject to change pending audit:
  • 2020/21
    • Students – 14,780
  • 2021/22
    • Students –13,765
• The following student count is based on filings received as of 08/19/2022 and subject to change on a daily basis:
  • 2022/23
    • Students –11,647

Program Contacts

• Beth Bolte: (402) 471-2795 or beth.bolte@nebraska.gov
• Micki Iverson: (402) 471-1894 or micki.iverson@nebraska.gov