Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in Nebraska

Here is exactly what Nebraska requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Required
Instructional days
1032 hrs/year
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Not required

Nebraska homeschool requirements

  • Notification: File an annual exemption notice with the Nebraska Department of Education. Submit curriculum overview.
  • Required subjects: Cover Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, PE.
  • Teacher requirement: No teacher certification is required to teach your own children.
  • Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
  • Testing / evaluation: No standardized testing is required by the state.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification.

Getting started in Nebraska

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, PE.
  4. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in Nebraska

Nebraska does not currently run a state scholarship or education savings account program that homeschool families can use. Families here typically fund curriculum and materials themselves, which makes keeping clean purchase records useful at tax time and if the state's rules change.

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Nebraska?
File an annual exemption notice with the Nebraska Department of Education. Submit curriculum overview.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No - there is no teacher-certification requirement.
Is standardized testing required?
No - Nebraska does not mandate standardized testing.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in Nebraska?
Not at present. Nebraska has no state scholarship or education savings account program open to homeschool families, though families still commonly track purchases for their own budgeting.
What subjects must I teach in Nebraska?
Nebraska requires you to cover Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, PE. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does Nebraska require?
Nebraska expects about 1032 hours of instruction a year. Logging lessons as you go is far easier than reconstructing the total later.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your Nebraska instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your Nebraska department of education or county superintendent.