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

Program Contacts

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