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
Decide your homeschooling approach
Pick the structure that fits your family — independent homeschool, an umbrella school or co-op, or a public charter that supports home-based learning. Your choice affects which rules apply to you.
2
File notice, plan curriculum, and prepare for review
Submit the state's notice of intent, document a curriculum plan in the required subjects, and prepare for portfolio reviews or standardized assessments. Build assessment dates into your calendar early.
3
Track attendance, assessments, and portfolio reviews
Log instructional days, retain work samples for portfolio review, and submit standardized test results or evaluator narratives by the state's deadline.
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.