Homeschooling in Nebraska offers a lot of freedom and flexibility, but it's important to understand the state's requirements to make sure you're homeschooling legally. You might be wondering about how to register with the state and what subjects you need to teach. Another common question is whether you need to be a certified teacher.
This blog will guide you through the essential steps to start homeschooling in Nebraska. We'll explain the homeschooling laws in simple terms and help you understand what you need to do to comply with them.
We'll also provide information on choosing a curriculum, setting up your homeschool, and keeping records of your child's progress. With a little planning and preparation, you can build a homeschooling experience that is both effective and enjoyable for your family.
Before you begin homeschooling in Nebraska, it’s important to know the legal requirements.
Understanding Laws for Homeschooling in Nebraska
Before you start homeschooling in Nebraska, it's important to know the rules. Nebraska has some specific laws about homeschooling that you need to follow to make sure you're doing everything correctly.
1. Attendance is Important
Nebraska wants to make sure all kids between the ages of 6 and 18 are getting an education, whether it's at a public school, a private school, or at home. This means you need to let the state know you're homeschooling your child so they don't think your child is skipping school.
2. File for Exempt Status
To homeschool legally, you need to fill out some forms and send them to the Nebraska Department of Education by July 15th. You can do this online, which is super easy! These forms
let the state know that you're taking responsibility for your child's education.
3. Meet the Hour Requirements
Nebraska also has rules about how many hours of instruction your child needs each year. Elementary school students need 1,032 hours, and high school students need 1,080 hours. But don't worry, you don't have to report these hours to the state.
4. You're in Charge of the Curriculum
You get to decide what your child learns and how you teach them. You can use textbooks, workbooks, online programs, or even create your own lessons based on your child's interests.
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Flexible and Adaptable: The AEC is flexible and can adjust to fit your child’s learning style and your family’s homeschooling approach.
Engaging and Fun: The AEC is packed with hands-on activities, games, and projects that make learning fun and exciting for kids of all ages.
Supportive Community: TSHA provides an online community where homeschooling families can connect, share advice, and find encouragement.
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5. No Required Tests
You don't have to give your child any standardized tests in Nebraska, but you can if you want to. Some parents like to use standardized tests to see how their child is doing compared to other students, but it's completely up to you.
That's it for the basic homeschooling laws in Nebraska! Once you understand these rules, you're ready to move on to the next step.
Once you’re familiar with the laws, the next step is notifying the state and submitting the necessary documentation.
Notification and Documentation Process for Homeschooling in Nebraska
Once you understand the homeschooling laws in Nebraska, the next step is to officially let the state know that you're homeschooling your child. This involves filling out some forms and sending them to the right place.
What Forms Do You Need?
Form A (Statement of Election and Assurances): This form is like a promise to the state that you will homeschool your child and follow the homeschooling laws.
Form B (Authorized Parent Representative Form): This form tells the state who is in charge of your child's homeschooling.
Instructional Summary: This form outlines your plan for your child's education, including the subjects you will teach and how many hours you will spend on each subject.
Birth Certificate: You'll also need to include a copy of your child's birth certificate.
How to Submit the Forms
Online: The easiest way to submit the forms is online. You can find the forms on the Nebraska Department of Education website.
Mail or In-Person: You can also mail the forms or deliver them in person to the Nebraska Department of Education.
Email: You can even email the forms as PDFs.
Certified Mail: If you're mailing the forms, it's a good idea to use certified mail so you can track the delivery and make sure the state receives them.
When to Submit the Forms
First-Time Homeschoolers: If this is your first time homeschooling, you need to submit the forms at least 30 days before you start homeschooling.
Returning Homeschoolers: If you've homeschooled before, you need to submit the forms by July 15th each year.
New to Nebraska: If you've recently moved to Nebraska, you need to submit the forms as soon as possible after you arrive.
By following these steps, you can make sure you're officially registered as a homeschooling family in Nebraska and that you're following all the rules.
After submitting your documents, it’s essential to understand who can teach and how assessments are handled.
Instructor Requirements and Assessment for Homeschooling in Nebraska
In Nebraska, you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to who teaches your child. You don't need to be a certified teacher to homeschool!
Who Can Teach?
Parents as Teachers: Many parents choose to teach their children themselves. This can be a great way to bond with your child and create a personalized learning experience.
Other Family Members: You can also have other family members, like grandparents or older siblings, help with teaching.
Tutors: If you need help with certain subjects, you can hire a tutor to work with your child.
What Does Nebraska Require?
No Certification Needed: Nebraska doesn't require homeschool teachers to have any special certifications or degrees.
Parent Responsibility: The state trusts parents to make sure that the people teaching their children are qualified and capable.
Information on Form A: When you file your homeschooling paperwork, you'll need to provide some basic information about who will be teaching your child.
Keeping Records (Optional but Helpful)
Documentation: Even though it's not required, it's a good idea to keep records of the qualifications of the people teaching your child. This could include things like their education, experience, or any special training they have.
Be Prepared: Keeping these records can be helpful if you ever need to show that your child is receiving a good education.
Nebraska gives parents a lot of freedom to choose who teaches their children. This allows you to create a homeschooling environment that works best for your family.
If you're curious about how early education is approached worldwide, check out our blog on the
Top 10 Countries Providing the Best Preschool Education in the World. It’s a fascinating look at what makes preschool programs in these countries stand out!
In addition to academic requirements, health guidelines play an important role in homeschooling.
Health and Immunization Guidelines for Homeschooling in Nebraska
When you homeschool in Nebraska, you need to know about the rules for immunizations (shots). These shots help protect your child from getting sick.
Do Homeschoolers Need Immunizations?
Important Protection: Immunizations are important because they help prevent serious diseases like measles and mumps.
Flexibility for Homeschoolers: Nebraska has some special rules for homeschoolers when it comes to immunizations.
Religious Exemptions
Choice for Religious Reasons: If you homeschool for religious reasons and don't want your child to get immunized, you can fill out a special form called an affidavit. This form explains that getting immunized goes against your religious beliefs.
Other Exemptions and Important Information
Non-Religious Homeschoolers: If you homeschool for reasons other than religion, you'll need to follow the regular immunization rules.
Medical Exemptions: If your child can't get immunized for medical reasons, you can get a note from their doctor explaining why.
Going Back to School: If your child ever goes back to a public or private school, you'll need to follow their immunization rules.
It's important to understand the immunization rules for homeschoolers in Nebraska so you can make the best decision for your child. You can find more information on the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website.
Tracking your child’s progress is a key part of homeschooling. Now, let’s explore how to document and evaluate their learning effectively.
Documenting and Evaluating Progress to Homeschool in Nebraska
Even though Nebraska doesn't require you to keep super detailed records of your homeschooling, it's still a really good idea to do it! Keeping thorough records can help you track your child's progress, stay organized, and be prepared for future transitions.
Why Keep Records?
Helpful for the Future: If your child ever wants to go back to a regular school or apply for college, having good records will be really helpful. It shows what they've learned and how they've been doing in their homeschool.
Stay Organized: Keeping track of your child's work also helps you stay organized and make sure they're learning everything they need to know.
What Records Should You Keep?
Transcripts: A transcript is like a report card that lists all the subjects your child has studied and the grades they've earned.
Lesson Plans and Logs: Keep track of what you're teaching each day and how much time you're spending on each subject. This can help you make sure your child is getting enough instruction.
Immunization Records: Even though Nebraska doesn't require immunizations for homeschoolers, it's still a good idea to keep track of your child's shots.
Portfolio: A portfolio is a collection of your child's best work, like writing samples, art projects, and science experiments. It's a great way to show off what they've learned!
Test Scores: If you choose to give your child standardized tests, keep a copy of their scores.
Attendance: Keep track of the days your child does schoolwork. This can be helpful for meeting the state's requirements for instructional hours.
How to Keep Records
Digital and Paper: You can keep your records digitally on your computer or in the cloud, or you can keep paper copies in a binder or folder. It's a good idea to have both digital and paper backups, just in case.
Stay Organized: Make sure your records are organized and easy to understand. You can use folders, labels, and dividers to keep everything in order.
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Stay Organized: Keep all your child's work, grades, and achievements organized in one secure online platform. No more scrambling to find that missing assignment or test score!
Create Beautiful Portfolios: Showcase your child's learning journey with stunning digital portfolios that highlight their growth and accomplishments. It's like a digital scrapbook that you can easily share with family and friends.
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By keeping good records, you can track your child's progress, stay organized, and be prepared for whatever the future holds.
As your homeschool journey progresses, you’ll want to prepare for future milestones like graduation or transitioning back to public school.
Graduation and Reentry to Public School After Homeschooling in Nebraska
Homeschooling is a great choice for many families, but sometimes things change, and you might decide to send your child back to public school. Here's what you need to know about graduating from homeschooling and going back to public school in Nebraska:
Homeschool Graduation vs. Public School Graduation
Similar Requirements: Both homeschoolers and public school students need to learn the same basic subjects, like math, science, history, English, and a foreign language.
Homeschool Flexibility: The cool thing about homeschooling is that you can also include other subjects that your child is interested in, like music, art, or even coding. This can help them explore their passions and prepare for future careers.
Going Back to Public School
Let the State Know: If you decide to send your child back to public school, it's a good idea to let the Nebraska Department of Education know.
Talk to the School: Contact the public school your child will be attending and talk to them about your child's homeschooling experience.
Show What Your Child Has Learned: You might need to show the school what your child has learned in your homeschool. This could include things like transcripts, portfolios, and test scores.
Get Ready for School: Some schools have special programs to help homeschoolers transition back into public school. These programs can help your child get used to the school environment and make new friends.
Extracurricular Activities: Motivate your child to participate in school clubs or sports teams. This can help them make friends and feel more connected to the school community.
Dual Enrollment: You can also consider dual enrollment, where your child takes some classes at the public school while still homeschooling. This can be a good way to gradually transition back into a traditional school setting.
By understanding the requirements and planning ahead, you can make the transition from homeschooling to public school a smooth and successful one for your child.
If you're wondering how to handle the next steps for your child’s education, our guide on How to Get a Homeschool Diploma: A Comprehensive Guide can provide all the answers you need. It covers everything from creating transcripts to ensuring your child is ready for life after homeschooling.
Wrapping Up
You've now learned about the important steps involved in starting your homeschooling journey in Nebraska. You've learned about the laws, how to choose a curriculum, and how to create a positive learning environment for your child. Keep in mind that homeschooling offers a personalized and adaptable way to educate your child. That way, you can adjust your plans as you go to meet your child's needs.
There's always more to learn and discover. Building relationships with other homeschooling families can offer essential support and motivation. Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to create a personalized and enriching learning experience for your child.
Want to homeschool with confidence and joy?
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a variety of resources and support to help you create a fulfilling homeschooling experience.
Here's how TSHA can help:
Understanding the law: We provide resources and guidance on homeschooling laws and regulations in different states, including Nebraska, so you can be sure you're meeting all the requirements.
Curriculum and lesson plans: Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your child's needs and interests.
Guidance from experienced educators: We have a team of homeschooling experts who can help you with any questions or challenges you might face. They can offer advice on curriculum choices, teaching strategies, and navigating the homeschooling laws.
Connect with other homeschooling families: Join our online community to meet other homeschooling families, share ideas and experiences, and find support and encouragement. It's a great way to build friendships and learn from others who are on the same journey.
Financial assistance available: We believe that everyone should have access to a great education, regardless of their financial situation. We offer payment plans and scholarships to help make our programs more affordable.
Ready to embark on your homeschooling adventure with confidence?
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