Exempt School [Home School] Program

• Before you begin, review the following documents:
  • Rule 13, and
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Then, print the Instructions & Forms Packet
    • The packet includes:  Instructions, Statement of Election & Assurances (Form A) (two copies are attached), Form B, and Information Summary
  • NOTE: Exemption election filings will be accepted either via the online submission OR via paper submission by mail – do NOT submit both ways.
  • Exemption election submissions are due annually by July 15. Filings are accepted after July 15. After July 15, see section 003.02A on page 4 of Rule 13 for exemption election due date information.
    • For mid or partial-school year filings – See Sections 003.02A1 and 003.02A2 of Rule 13 and Questions D26 – D29 of the FAQs for further information.
  • If you cannot download the documents, contact the Exempt School Program Office to request a packet by mail.
  • Filings by paper must be sent via mail or, if you live in the Lincoln area, dropped off at the Receptionist Desk at the Department of Education* (no faxes or emails will be accepted).
    • Mailing address for correspondence through the U.S. Mail – Exempt School Program Office, Nebraska Department of Education, PO Box 94987, Lincoln, NE 68509-4987
    • Our office moved!  New physical address for dropping off a submission is 500 S. 84th Street, Lincoln, First Floor Receptionist*  [Make copies of the documents before you drop them off;  NDE staff cannot make copies for you.]

* As of September 30, 2021, the Nebraska Department of Education offices at 500 S. 84^th Street are locked during business hours. Please call (402) 471-2795 or (402) 471-1894 to make an appointment to deliver documents.

• 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.
  • NOTE: Exemption election filings will be accepted either via the online submission OR via paper submission by mail – do NOT submit both ways.
  • Exemption election submissions are due annually by July 15. Filings are accepted after July 15.  After July 15, see section 003.02A on page 4 of Rule 13 for exemption election due date information.
    • For mid or partial-school year filings – See Sections 003.02A1 and 003.02A2 of Rule 13 and Questions D26 – D29 of the FAQs for further information.