Homeschooling in Nebraska
Rule 13 Exempt School Filing
Nebraska requires homeschoolers to file for 'Exempt School' status under Rule 13. This involves submitting forms annually to the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) stating that you are opting out of state accreditation for religious or non-religious reasons.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
5
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Annual filing deadline is July 15th (Strict)
- Submit Form A (Parent Rep) and Form B (Assurances)
- Instructional hours: 1,032 (K-8) and 1,080 (9-12)
- Must teach core subjects: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health
Legal Framework
Nebraska Revised Statute 79-1601 and NDE Rule 13 govern exempt schools.
Required Subjects
Must provide a 'sequential program of instruction'.
Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Health
Filing Requirements
What to file
Rule 13 Forms (Form A: Statement of Election, Form B: Parent Rep)
When
July 15 for renewals. New/mid-year: file promptly upon starting.
Where
Nebraska Department of Education (NDE)
How to submit
Online via NDE portal
What to include
- • Affirmation of hours
- • Statement of election
**LB 1027 (2024)**: Testing NO LONGER required. Hours: K-8 = 1,032 hrs, Grades 9-12 = 1,080 hrs (affirm on form). File BEFORE withdrawing from public school. Sports: NSAA requires ~20 credit hours (~4 classes) at school.
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
Effective 2024 (LB 1027), standardized testing is no longer routinely required for exempt schools.
How to Get Started
- 1
Designate Parent Representative
Choose one parent to be the 'Authorized Parent Representative'.
- •This person will sign Form A
- 2
File Rule 13 Forms
Submit the required forms to the NDE.
- •Form A: Statement of Election and Assurances (Signed by Parent Rep)
- •Form B: Information Summary (List of students/teachers)
- •Submit Child's Birth Certificate (First year only)
Tip: File early! The system opens in June.By July 15th annually
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓No testing required (new law)
- ✓Online filing system is efficient
Cons
- •High instructional hour requirement (1,080 for high school)
- •Strict July 15 deadline
Sports & Activities
**Allowed**. HS students must take **20 credit hours** (approx 4 classes) at the school to play (unless district policy is more lenient). Access is subject to NSAA rules.
Track Nebraska compliance with Starpath
Free portfolio and compliance tracker tailored to Nebraska's requirements. Log learning, track hours, and generate reports, all in one place.
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · NE homeschool law guide