Homeschooling in North Dakota

A practical starting point for North Dakota families: what to file, what to track, and what state funding (if any) you can use.

At a glance

Laws & requirements

High Regulation

Notify, file qualifications, monitor instruction, and test in odd grades 4–11.

ESA & funding

No ESA Program

No statewide ESA program at this time.

In-depth guides

In-depth guide

North Dakota homeschool laws

Notification, record-keeping, testing, and umbrella-school rules for North Dakota families.

Read the guide

In-depth guide

North Dakota homeschool funding

North Dakota's funding landscape — what programs exist, who they serve, and why homeschoolers may or may not qualify.

Read the guide

Getting started in North Dakota

A high-level checklist tailored to North Dakota’s rules. Specifics like form numbers and deadlines live in the in-depth state laws guide above.

1
Understand North Dakota's homeschool requirements
All homeschool families in North Dakota follow the same legal pathway. Notify, file qualifications, monitor instruction, and test in odd grades 4–11. There is no separate umbrella-school or charter option.
2
File notification and qualifications
Submit annual notification to your local superintendent, including documentation of parent qualifications as required.
3
Test in odd grades and monitor instruction
Administer standardized tests in odd grades 4–11 and maintain instruction records. A monitor may observe per state rules.
4
Choose curriculum and plan your year
Choose curriculum that fits your child's grade level and any required subjects, then sketch a year-long plan you can adjust as you go.

Frequently asked

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in North Dakota?

Yes. You'll file a notice of intent, document curriculum in required subjects, and submit assessments or portfolio reviews on a set schedule.

Does North Dakota require homeschool standardized testing?

Yes. Standardized testing or portfolio review is required on a set schedule, typically every year or every few years.

Can homeschool families in North Dakota access ESA or scholarship funding?

No statewide ESA program at this time.

How do I withdraw my child from public school in North Dakota?

Send a written withdrawal letter to the school's principal or registrar. Keep a dated copy. Once you have filed any state-required notice, your child is considered a homeschooler and the public school no longer needs to mark them absent.