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.
• Resources (private parent support organizations)

2018/19 School Year – Online and Paper Submission

NOTE: Exemption election filings will be accepted either via the online submission OR via paper submission by mail – do NOT submit both ways.

Online Submission through the Nebraska Exempt School Program

• Before you begin, review the following documents (available in pdf format):
  • Rule 13,
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and
  • Nebraska Exempt School Program/Instructions for a Rule 13 Exemption Via Online Submission
    • Scan applicable documents (one document per scanned file) – See Page 1 of the Instructions for further information
    • For the option of uploading a scan of the parent’s completed & signed Statement of Election & Assurances (Form A), download a blank Form A.
  • Once the rule, FAQs, and instructions have been reviewed, enter the online program at https://exemptschool.education.ne.gov.
    • Utilize the “Instructions” to assist in the submission.
  • Exemption election submissions are due annually by July 15.
    • Mid-school year filings – it is highly advisable to withdraw your child after NDE has received your submission. See Sections 003.02A1 and 003.02A2 of Rule 13 and questions D1, D28 & D29 of the FAQs for further information.

Paper Submission Via Mail (or drop off the information at the Department of Education if you live in the Lincoln area) (no faxes or emails will be accepted)

• Before you begin, review the following documents (available in pdf format):
  • Rule 13, and
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Then, download/print the Instructions & Forms Packet here.
  • The packet includes:
    • Nebraska Exempt School Program/Instructions for a Rule 13 Exemption Via Paper Documents
      • Utilize the “Instructions” to assist in the completion & submission.
    • Statement of Election & Assurances (Form A) (two copies are attached)
    • Form B, and
    • Information Summary
  • Submit the documents by mail only (or drop off the information at the Department of Education if you live nearby).
  • Exemption election submissions are due annually by July 15.
    • Mid-school year filings – it is highly advisable to withdraw your child after NDE has received your submission. See Sections 003.02A1 and 003.02A2 of Rule 13 and questions D1, D28 & D29 of the FAQs for further information.

If you cannot submit online or download the documents, contact the Exempt School Program Office to request a packet by mail; indicate if this is a first year filing or renewing from the 2017/18 year.

2017/18 School Year

• We have discontinued accepting 2017/18 submissions.

Statistical Information

• 2016/17 Report on Participants in Nebraska Exempt Schools
• The 2017/18 Report will be posted at a later time.

Program Contacts

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

Updated on 05/30/2018