North Dakota Homeschool Funding Options (2026)

North Dakota came close to establishing a universal ESA program in 2025. HB 1540 passed both legislative chambers but was vetoed by Governor Burgum, leaving families without state funding support despite strong legislative momentum.

The current situation combines moderate homeschool regulation with no financial assistance. You'll need to file with your school district and meet testing requirements while covering all educational costs yourself. This guide covers what funding actually exists and what's required to homeschool legally in North Dakota.

What Funding Is Available for North Dakota Homeschoolers?

North Dakota currently provides no state funding for homeschool families. No ESA, no vouchers, and no tax credits for educational expenses exist at the state level.

This wasn't always certain—2025's HB 1540 would have created a universal ESA program, but the governor's veto prevented implementation. The legislative support suggests school choice remains politically viable in North Dakota, though families shouldn't count on near-term changes.

Federal Funding Options

Without state programs, North Dakota families rely on federal options:

• Coverdell ESA — Save up to $2,000 per year per child. Growth and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Covers curriculum, tutoring, computers, testing fees, and educational supplies.^[1]
• 529 Plan — North Dakota's College SAVE plan offers state tax deductions. Federal law allows $10,000 annually for K-12 tuition, though homeschool eligibility is limited.
• ND 529 Tax Deduction — North Dakota residents can deduct contributions up to $5,000 per year ($10,000 married filing jointly) from state income tax.

Understanding North Dakota Homeschool Requirements

North Dakota offers two pathways for homeschooling, each with different requirements:

Option 1: Monitored Instruction - File a statement of intent with your school district - Testing required in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 - Must score at or above 30th percentile - Teach required subjects: math, language arts, social studies, science, health, PE

Option 2: Non-monitored (Independent) If you hold a valid teaching license or high school diploma plus two years of monitored instruction: - No standardized testing required - Same subject requirements apply - Annual notification still required

Most families begin with monitored instruction and transition to non-monitored after meeting the requirements.

Testing Requirements

For monitored homeschoolers, testing is mandatory at specific grade levels:

Required testing years: Grades 4, 6, 8, and 10

Acceptable tests: - Any nationally standardized achievement test - A test provided by the local school district

Score requirements: - Must score at or above the 30th percentile in basic composite - Results submitted to the school district

If your child scores below the 30th percentile, you'll need to provide remediation and retest the following year. The district may request additional information about your educational program.

North Dakota Homeschool Funding at a Glance

Part-Time Public School Access

North Dakota law allows homeschoolers to participate in public school activities under certain conditions:

Extracurricular activities: North Dakota allows homeschool students to participate in public school extracurriculars if they meet academic and eligibility requirements. This includes sports, music programs, and other activities.

Dual enrollment: Homeschool students may take individual courses at their local public school while remaining primarily homeschooled. Contact your district for specific policies and available courses.

This access to public resources is one advantage North Dakota offers, even without direct funding.

Community Resources

North Dakota's homeschool community is active despite the state's small population:

- North Dakota Home School Association (NDHSA) — Statewide organization providing support and advocacy - Regional support groups — Available in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and other areas - Homeschool co-ops — Shared classes and activities in populated areas - Online communities — Facebook groups connecting ND homeschool families

These groups can help navigate testing requirements, share curriculum recommendations, and provide legislative updates.

Legislative Outlook

North Dakota came closer to school choice than most states in 2025. HB 1540's passage through both chambers—followed by a gubernatorial veto—indicates strong legislative support.

Future attempts at school choice legislation seem likely given this momentum. However, the veto suggests executive resistance, and families should plan based on current options rather than anticipated programs.

The North Dakota Home School Association and national organizations like EdChoice track legislative developments. Stay informed, but budget as if state funding won't materialize soon.

The Bottom Line

North Dakota won't fund your homeschool—though the legislature tried in 2025. The governor's veto of HB 1540 leaves families covering their own costs while meeting moderate state requirements.

Federal Coverdell ESAs and North Dakota's 529 tax deduction provide your primary financial tools. The state's allowance of extracurricular participation gives homeschoolers some access to public resources.

The bright spot: North Dakota's requirements are manageable. Testing in four grade levels isn't onerous, and the option to transition to non-monitored status reduces long-term oversight. Combined with public school access for activities, homeschooling in North Dakota is practical—just not funded.