Homeschooling in North Dakota
Annual Filing & Testing
North Dakota requires parents to file a Statement of Intent annually. Parents must be qualified (HS Diploma/GED) or supervised by a certified teacher. Standardized testing is required in specific grades.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
5
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- File Statement of Intent annually (at least 14 days before starting)
- Parent must have HS Diploma/GED (or be monitored)
- Testing required in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10
- Instruction must be 4 hours/day for 175 days
- Keep records of courses and academic progress
Legal Framework
North Dakota Century Code 15.1-23 governs home education.
Required Subjects
Must provide instruction.
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Filing Requirements
What to file
Statement of Intent (SFN 16909)
When
At least 14 days BEFORE starting (or within 14 days of moving)
Where
Local school superintendent
How to submit
Submit form to superintendent
What to include
- • Student info
- • Parent qualifications
HS diploma/GED required or 2-year monitoring by certified teacher. 4 hrs/day x 175 days. **Testing REQUIRED grades 4, 6, 8, 10** - results MUST be filed with superintendent (unless philosophical/religious objection or parent is certified teacher). Below 50th percentile triggers monitoring. Sports discretionary (NDHSAA allows if district permits).
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Grades 4, 6, 8, 10
Grades: 4, 6, 8, 10
Standardized achievement test required in grades 4, 6, 8, 10. Results must be filed with superintendent.
How to Get Started
- 1
Verify Qualifications
Ensure you have a HS Diploma or GED.
- •If you don't, you must hire a certified teacher to monitor you for 2 years.
- 2
File Statement of Intent
Submit form to local school superintendent.
- •Include child's name, birthdate, grade
- •Include immunization records
- •List public school courses (if any)
Tip: File annually.At least 14 days before starting (Annually)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Testing is only every other year in middle/high school
- ✓Access to public school classes allowed
- ✓Can opt out of testing if parent is a certified teacher (check local rules)
Cons
- •Annual filing
- •Monitoring required if parent lacks diploma
- •Test scores submitted to state
Sports & Activities
**Discretionary / Allowed**. Policies vary by district, but NDHSAA allows participation if district permits.
Keep your North Dakota records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. North Dakota tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · ND homeschool law guide