Homeschooling in Nebraska: Laws & Requirements (2026)

Nebraska's approach to homeschooling has roots in religious liberty battles of the 1980s, when families fought for the right to educate children according to their convictions. Today, the state treats homeschools as "exempt schools"—private schools that elect not to seek state accreditation for religious or other reasons.

The process is straightforward despite the formal-sounding terminology. File two forms by July 15 each year, teach five required subjects, and you've satisfied Nebraska's legal requirements. No standardized testing, no curriculum approval, no portfolio reviews.

What's new in 2026 is funding. The Opportunity Scholarships Act provides ESA funds that Nebraska homeschoolers can access—a significant change for a state that historically offered no financial support for home education. This guide covers both the established requirements and these new funding opportunities.

Nebraska Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Understanding Nebraska's "Exempt School" Framework

Nebraska doesn't have a separate homeschool statute. Instead, homeschools operate as private schools that "elect not to meet accreditation or approval requirements"—called exempt schools under Rule 13^[1].

Why "exempt"? The term reflects Nebraska's approach: these schools are exempt from state accreditation, not from education itself. You're establishing a private school in your home, then enrolling your children in it.

Religious or nonreligious: When filing, you indicate whether your reason for homeschooling is religious or nonreligious. Both are equally valid. The distinction matters mainly for immunization requirements—nonreligious exempt schools must comply with vaccination mandates (with available exemptions), while religious schools are covered by religious exemption provisions.

Historical context: This framework emerged from 1980s legal battles where families, often faith-based, asserted educational freedom. Nebraska's solution—treating these as exempt private schools—honored both parental rights and state interests in educated citizens.

Required Annual Filings

Nebraska requires two forms filed annually by July 15^[1]. Both are available from the Nebraska Department of Education and can be submitted online or by mail.

Form A: Statement of Election and Assurances This form declares your intent to operate an exempt school and includes: - Parent/guardian contact information - Student names and information - Religious or nonreligious basis for homeschooling - Affirmation that you'll teach required subjects - Affirmation that instructors are qualified to your satisfaction

Form B: Authorized Parent Representative Form This designates a parent representative for the exempt school and includes: - School name and location - Dates of operation - Parent representative contact information

First-year additional requirement: The first year you homeschool each child, you must also submit a certified copy of the child's birth certificate (or alternative proof of identity with explanation)^[1].

The July 15 deadline applies to ongoing schools. If starting mid-year, file promptly upon beginning instruction.

How to Start Homeschooling in Nebraska

Required Subjects in Nebraska

Nebraska's exempt schools must provide instruction in five subject areas^[1]. The requirement is broad—you determine how to cover each subject.

Required subjects: - Language arts (reading, writing, speaking, listening) - Mathematics - Science - Social studies (history, geography, civics, economics) - Health

What's not required: Nebraska doesn't mandate physical education, arts, or foreign language—though many families include these. You have complete flexibility in curriculum, materials, and teaching methods.

High school planning: While Nebraska doesn't specify high school requirements, plan with post-secondary goals in mind. Colleges expect comprehensive coursework in English, mathematics, sciences, and social studies, often with foreign language.

The affirmation standard: On Form A, you affirm that your school provides instruction in these subjects. No one reviews your curriculum, approves your materials, or verifies your methods. The affirmation is your commitment to educational substance.

Immunization Requirements

Nebraska's immunization requirements for exempt schools depend on your stated basis for homeschooling^[1].

Nonreligious exempt schools: Must comply with state vaccination requirements. Your children need required immunizations unless you obtain a medical exemption. The exemption process involves a physician's statement.

Religious exempt schools: Religious convictions against immunization are recognized. If you indicate a religious basis for your exempt school, religious vaccine exemptions apply.

Practical note: The religious/nonreligious distinction on Form A matters primarily for immunization. Educational requirements are identical either way. Choose the basis that accurately reflects your reasons for homeschooling.

Medical exemptions: Available for either category if a physician determines medical contraindication. The exemption form is separate from homeschool paperwork.

Record-Keeping Practices

Nebraska doesn't specify record-keeping requirements beyond annual form filing. However, maintaining thorough documentation serves your family's interests.

What to keep: - Copies of filed forms (A and B) for each year - Birth certificate copies submitted - Curriculum descriptions and materials used - Work samples demonstrating progress - Grades or progress evaluations - Attendance records (even approximate)

Why documentation matters: - High school transcripts require course records - College applications need demonstrated achievement - Transitions to other schools require educational history - Scholarship applications may request documentation

The 6-year-old exception: Nebraska allows 6-year-olds to be exempted from compulsory attendance through a separate affidavit filed with the local school district. This gives families flexibility about when to begin formal education. HSLDA members can access this form.

Essential Records to Maintain

Opportunity Scholarships Act: New ESA Funding

Nebraska recently enacted the Opportunity Scholarships Act, providing Education Scholarship Account (ESA) funding that homeschoolers can access^[2]. This represents a significant shift for a state that historically offered no financial support for home education.

Program basics: - Provides scholarship funds for educational expenses - Homeschoolers are eligible - Covers curriculum, materials, tutoring, and approved educational expenses - Application through Nebraska Department of Education

Eligibility considerations: - Income thresholds may apply - Prior public school enrollment may be a factor - Check current program rules for specific requirements

What this means: For eligible families, Nebraska now helps offset homeschool costs. This doesn't change educational requirements—you still operate an exempt school under Rule 13—but funding support is newly available.

Stay current: ESA programs evolve. Check the Nebraska Department of Education for current eligibility, application deadlines, and approved expense categories.

High School, Graduation & Beyond

Nebraska exempt school parents set graduation requirements and issue diplomas. The state doesn't mandate high school courses, credits, or exit assessments for homeschoolers.

Transcripts: Create comprehensive transcripts for college applications. Include course titles, grades, credits, and brief descriptions. Nebraska colleges understand exempt school transcripts.

University of Nebraska system: State universities are homeschool-friendly. Requirements typically include transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and standard application materials. Some programs may request additional information.

Recent legal victory: Nebraska addressed a policy that had treated homeschool graduates as out-of-state residents for tuition purposes. This barrier has been removed—homeschool graduates now qualify for in-state tuition on the same basis as other Nebraska residents.

Dual enrollment: Nebraska community colleges offer dual enrollment. Your high schooler can earn college credit while completing home education, demonstrating academic readiness and reducing future costs.

Sports and Extracurricular Access

Nebraska does not have a law guaranteeing homeschool access to public school sports or extracurricular activities. Participation is at individual district discretion.

The reality: Most Nebraska districts don't allow homeschoolers to participate in public school athletics or activities. Some may permit it case-by-case, particularly for activities not available elsewhere.

Alternative options: Nebraska's homeschool community has developed athletic leagues, academic competitions, and social activities. Regional and statewide organizations coordinate these opportunities.

Community resources: YMCA programs, private sports leagues, community theater, church groups, and similar organizations welcome homeschoolers. Many families find robust extracurricular options without public school access.

Special Situations

Starting mid-year: File your forms promptly upon beginning instruction. The July 15 deadline applies to ongoing programs—new exempt schools file when they start.

The 6-year-old exemption: Nebraska allows parents of 6-year-olds to file an affidavit with their local school district exempting the child from compulsory attendance for that year. This gives flexibility about when to begin formal schooling.

Moving to Nebraska: File Forms A and B with the Nebraska Department of Education. Nebraska doesn't require documentation from your previous state—you're establishing a new exempt school.

Moving from Nebraska: Research your new state's requirements before relocating. Maintain thorough records to satisfy other states' documentation expectations.

Returning to public school: Students re-enrolling will be placed based on age and school assessment. Comprehensive exempt school records facilitate appropriate grade placement.

Special needs: Some services may be available through local school districts for students with disabilities. Contact your district's special education office to explore options. The new ESA program may also cover therapeutic services for eligible students.

The Bottom Line

Nebraska's exempt school framework provides educational freedom within a structured process. File two forms annually by July 15, teach five required subjects, and affirm instructor qualification—that's the legal foundation.

The Opportunity Scholarships Act adds a new dimension: eligible families can now access ESA funding to offset homeschool costs. This makes Nebraska increasingly attractive for home education.

Your first step: access Forms A and B from the Nebraska Department of Education. Complete them thoughtfully, gather your child's birth certificate for first-year filing, and submit by July 15 (or immediately if starting mid-year). From there, you have full authority to shape your children's education as you see fit.