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)
Updates (04/12/2024)
- 2024/25 School Year
- There is legislation pending which may impact the filing procedures under Rule 13.
- The 2024/25 filing information will be available in June 2024.
- 2023/24 School Year
- NDE will discontinue accepting 2023/24 submissions effective 5:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Refer to FAQ questions D26-D29 for further mid-school year filing information.
- The Exempt School Program team continues to issue Acknowledgement Letters for the 2023/24 school year. We are currently reviewing submissions received by November 30, 2023.
Statistical Information
- 2020/21 Report on Participants in Nebraska Exempt Schools (March 2024)
- The following student count is a year-end estimate only and subject to change pending audit:
- 2021/22
- Students – 13,627
- 2022/23
- Students –13,964
- 2021/22
Program Contacts
- Beth Bolte: (402) 471-2795 or beth.bolte@nebraska.gov
- Micki Iverson: (402) 471-1894 or micki.iverson@nebraska.gov