Exempt School [Home School] Program
General Information
Parents, legal guardians, or educational decisionmakers 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 decisionmaker 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.
- Due to the recent passage of LB1027, 2024, Rule 13 is currently be revised. There are many of the Rule 13 provisions that are no longer applicable due to these changes.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Resources (private parent support organizations)
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 & Micki Iverson
- Email: nde.exemptschool@nebraska.gov
- Phone: 402/471-0336