Skip to content

Nebraska Homeschool Funding

← Back to map
Last updated: October 8, 2025

Nebraska Homeschool Funding

Independent status; what help exists.

NE
Funding guide
State programs

Main program

Program name: Exempt School (homeschool) status under Rule 13 (no state ESA/stipend)

Admin: Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) – Exempt School Program; local districts for part-time access.

Typical award

Amount: No direct state payment to homeschool families (parents fund instruction). Districts cover costs for any part-time public-school courses the student is enrolled in.

Disbursement: Services/access (not cash) via public schools; no statewide ESA.

Who qualifies

  • Residency: Nebraska resident filing as an Exempt School with NDE.
  • Age/grade: School-age children taught at home by a parent/guardian or designee.
  • Other: Families submit NDE’s Parent/Guardian notification and acknowledgement each school year (no curriculum submission is required under 2024 changes).

Timeline

  • Application opens: NDE’s online filing is available before each school year; submit before instruction begins.
  • Annual renewal: Recommended by mid-summer (many families file by July 15).
  • Part-time courses: Request during the district’s normal registration window.

Overview

Nebraska does not operate an ESA or reimbursement program for homeschools. Families who teach at home establish an “Exempt School” with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and renew annually. As of 2024 law changes, families no longer file curriculum information; they complete an online Parent/Guardian Notification and Acknowledgement instead. Homeschool students may also access part-time public-school courses and services through their local district; this is service access (not cash to parents).

Sources: NDE Exempt School online instructions (2025–26); NDE Rule 13 guidance.

Programs

Exempt School (homeschool) status

  • Type: Legal status to educate at home (not a funding program).
  • Award: —
  • Uses: Parent-directed curriculum, materials, and instruction.
  • Admin: Nebraska Department of Education (Exempt School Program).

NDE Exempt School Program

See NDE’s 2025–26 Online Instructions (no curriculum submission required).

Part-time public-school enrollment

  • Type: Service access (courses/activities) at the local public school while homeschooling.
  • Award: District provides the class/teacher/textbook access (no cash to families).
  • Uses: Specific classes (e.g., math, band, labs), district services offered to enrolled students.
  • Admin: Your resident school district (request during enrollment/registration).

Rule 13 cites Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-2,136: public schools “shall allow part-time enrollment.”

Extracurriculars / NSAA activities

  • Type: Access governed by the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) and local district policy.
  • Typical rule: Students generally must be enrolled in a member school and carry a qualifying course load to compete in NSAA-sanctioned activities.
  • Admin: Local school + NSAA bylaws.

NSAA Bylaws (example manual)

Check your district/NSAA for current eligibility details.

Eligibility

  • Residency: Nebraska resident family establishing an Exempt School with NDE.
  • Age/grade: School-age children taught at home by a parent/guardian or designee.
  • Prior enrollment: Not required to have attended public school.
  • Other criteria: Annual online filing (Parent/Guardian Notification & Acknowledgement); keep local records.

How to apply

  1. Create/Sign in to the NDE Portal and choose “Exempt School – Parent/Guardian” to begin a new school year filing.
  2. Complete required forms online (Parent/Guardian Notification & Acknowledgement). As of 2024, you do not submit curriculum details.
  3. Provide student/guardian info and school year dates; submit when finished.
  4. Part-time enrollment (optional): contact your local district to request specific classes during its normal registration window.

Go to NDE Portal

Covered expenses

  • Parent-purchased curriculum & textbooks (no state reimbursement)
  • Parent-hired tutoring/instruction
  • Tests & assessments you choose
  • Educational software & supplies
  • Field trips and activities you arrange
  • Public-school part-time classes: district provides course/teacher/materials for the enrolled class
  • District-offered services available to part-time enrollees
  • NSAA activities: see eligibility rules (no cash benefit)
  • No statewide ESA/stipend exists for homeschool in Nebraska

Deadlines

MilestoneDateNotes
Exempt School filing (new/renewal) Before instruction begins Annual online submission via NDE Portal.
Recommended renewal window By July 15 Common practice noted by HSLDA; confirm locally.
Part-time course requests District registration period Ask your resident district for specific dates.

Docs & forms

Official sources

FAQs

Does Nebraska offer ESA funds or reimbursements for homeschool?
No. Nebraska recognizes homeschools as Exempt Schools under Rule 13; there is no statewide ESA/stipend for home education. Families fund their own materials, though students may take public-school classes part-time.
Can my homeschooled student take a few public-school classes?
Yes. State law (as referenced in Rule 13) requires districts to allow part-time enrollment; contact your local district during its normal registration window to request specific courses.
Can homeschoolers join varsity sports or other NSAA activities?
Eligibility is set by NSAA bylaws and typically requires enrollment and a qualifying course load at a member school. Some districts may offer club or intramural options separately from NSAA. Check with your local school and NSAA.

Contacts

NDE Exempt School Program

Email: nde.exemptschool@nebraska.gov
Phone: 402-471-0336

Listed in NDE’s December 2024 bulletin.

Nebraska Department of Education

Exempt School Program website (portal, FAQs, contacts).

Law & regulations