Understanding Homeschooling Laws in North Dakota

Deciding to homeschool your child in North Dakota is a significant step. It comes with a rewarding sense of freedom, but also legal responsibilities that must be carefully understood and followed. North Dakota’s homeschooling laws, outlined in the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) Chapter 15.1-23, provide a clear framework to ensure your child receives a quality education while allowing you flexibility in how you teach. 

Misunderstanding these rules could lead to compliance issues, so it’s crucial to know the ins and outs. This blog post guides you through every aspect of North Dakota’s homeschooling laws, from legal options to standardized testing.

TL;DR: North Dakota Homeschool Laws

• Two Legal Options: You can homeschool through a Home Education Program (as the primary instructor) or partner with a Private School at Home for added structure and support.

• Notification is Mandatory: You must submit a Statement of Intent and supporting documents (like immunization records and proof of identity) each school year.

• Parent Qualifications: A high school diploma or GED is required to homeschool independently. If not, a licensed teacher must supervise instruction for two years.

• Required Subjects: Students must be taught specific subjects depending on their grade level (e.g., ELA, math, social studies, science, PE, and health). High schoolers must also take electives like foreign languages or career and technical education.

Overview of Homeschooling Laws in North Dakota

North Dakota’s homeschooling laws create a balance between parental autonomy and state oversight, ensuring that homeschooled children achieve educational outcomes comparable to their public school peers. 

These regulations, enforced by the Department of Public Instruction, cover how you establish your homeschool, notify authorities, qualify as an instructor, select curriculum, maintain records, and assess progress. The state recognizes homeschooling as a legitimate alternative to traditional schooling, but you must follow specific guidelines to stay compliant.

The laws offer two legal pathways: the Home Education Program, where you act as the primary instructor, and the Private School at Home option, which involves collaboration with an approved private or religious school. Each path has distinct requirements, allowing you to choose what suits your family’s needs. Now, let’s explore the two legal options available to you.

Legal Options for Homeschooling

When you decide to homeschool in North Dakota, you can choose between two distinct legal options, each with its own structure and level of oversight. Below, you’ll find detailed explanations of each option to help you make an informed decision.

1. Home Education Program: Parents as Primary Instructors

The Home Education Program is the most popular choice for North Dakota homeschoolers, giving you full control over your child’s education. As the primary instructor, you design the curriculum, set the schedule, and deliver lessons, all while meeting state requirements. 

This option is ideal if you value independence and want to customize every aspect of your child’s learning experience, from incorporating hands-on projects to focusing on their specific interests.

To operate under this program, you must file a Statement of Intent annually, teach required subjects, maintain attendance records, and administer standardized tests in specific grades.

You’ll also need a high school diploma or GED, though provisions exist if you don’t meet this qualification (more on that later). While this option requires significant planning and record-keeping, it offers unparalleled flexibility to create a tailored education.

2. Private School at Home: Collaboration with Private or Religious Schools

The Private School at Home option allows you to homeschool under the umbrella of an approved private or religious school. This pathway provides a structured curriculum and additional support, such as access to certified teachers or online resources, which can ease the transition for new homeschoolers or those seeking less administrative responsibility. You teach your child at home, but follow the school’s educational standards and policies.

This option may involve tuition or fees, depending on the school, and requires you to coordinate with their staff for compliance tasks like notification and testing. While it offers less flexibility than the Home Education Program, it’s a great choice if you prefer a guided framework or want to take advantage of a school’s resources. Contact local private or religious schools to explore their homeschooling partnerships.

To make the Home Education Program easier, consider TSHA’s American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), which aligns with North Dakota’s standards while offering flexible, engaging lessons. Explore TSHA’s resources to simplify your planning and enhance your child’s learning. 

With these options clear, let’s examine the compulsory education and notification requirements you need to follow.

Compulsory Education and Notification Requirements

North Dakota’s compulsory attendance laws apply to all children between the ages of 7 and 16 (or until they complete high school). If you choose to homeschool, you must comply with state notification requirements every school year.

How to Set Up a Homeschool in North Dakota

Each year, by the time school begins (or within 14 days of starting a home education program mid-year), you must submit a Statement of Intent to your local superintendent. This includes:

• Your child’s name, address, date of birth, and grade level.

• Public school courses and extracurricular activities your child participates in, with the relevant school district or approved nonpublic school details.

• The supervising parent, address, and qualifications.

• Your child’s immunization record.

• Proof of your child’s identity, such as a certified copy of a birth certificate.

If your child has a developmental disability, you must also submit a medical diagnosis or assessment and obtain approval from a licensed psychologist or education professional.

Failing to file the statement may result in truancy concerns, so it is essential to submit this documentation on time each year.

With notification complete, let’s now look at who qualifies to teach under North Dakota’s homeschool laws.

Parent Qualifications and Supervision

North Dakota sets straightforward qualifications for parents homeschooling under the Home Education Program to ensure you’re prepared to educate your child. 

Qualifications to Teach

To homeschool independently, you must:

• Hold a high school diploma or GED.

If you do not have a diploma or GED, you can still homeschool, but your child’s instruction must be supervised by a certified teacher for the first two years. If satisfactory progress is made, this supervision requirement may be lifted.

Supervision Responsibilities

The supervising teacher must:

• Have a valid North Dakota teaching license.

• Provide a minimum of two visits per semester to the instructional setting.

• Review lesson plans and monitor student progress.

This ensures educational standards are being met, especially for families who are new to homeschooling or lack formal teaching credentials.

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) supports parents in meeting instructional goals regardless of experience. Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed for homeschooling families and includes built-in assessments and professional guidance to help you meet these requirements confidently.

Next, let’s focus on what you are expected to teach under North Dakota law.

Subjects and Curriculum Requirements

North Dakota requires all homeschoolers to cover a core set of academic subjects during the school year. While you have flexibility in how you teach, the following subjects must be included:

Subject Requirements

North Dakota law requires homeschooled students to study specific core subjects at both the elementary and high school levels. While you have flexibility in how you teach, whether through textbooks, digital tools, or hands-on activities, these subjects ensure students receive a well-rounded education and are prepared for future goals.

Elementary and Middle School Subjects

For students in grades K through 8, your instructional plan must include the following subjects:

• English Language Arts: This includes reading, composition, creative writing, English grammar, and spelling. A strong focus on communication skills helps lay the foundation for lifelong literacy.

• Mathematics: Students must build skills in foundational math concepts appropriate to their grade level.

• Social Studies: Instruction must cover the U.S. Constitution, U.S. history, geography, and government. Additionally, in the 4th and 8th grades, North Dakota studies are required. These must emphasize the state’s geography, history, and agriculture.

• Science: Lessons must include general science topics with a specific emphasis on agriculture.

• Physical Education: Regular activity and fitness instruction must be part of your plan.

• Health Education: Required topics include physiology, hygiene, disease control, and the nature and effects of alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics.

These subject areas ensure that students receive a well-rounded education during the formative years. Whether you use textbooks, online resources, or hands-on activities, each topic must be addressed annually.

High School Subjects

For students in grades 9 through 12, the following subjects are required:

• English Language Arts: High school instruction must cover literature, composition, and speech, supporting critical thinking and effective communication.

• Mathematics: This includes algebra, geometry, and other math courses that prepare students for higher education or careers.

• Science: Your curriculum should include biology and either chemistry or physical science.

• Social Studies: Instruction must cover U.S. history, civics, economics, and personal finance concepts, equipping students to participate in civic and economic life.

• Physical Education: Students must continue to engage in physical activity as part of their education.

• Foreign Languages, Fine Arts, or Career and Technical Education (CTE): You must include one of these elective areas, allowing students to pursue a path aligned with their interests and future goals.

Instruction must take place for a minimum of 4 hours per day, 175 days per year. This requirement emphasizes the importance of consistency and adequate instructional time.

Curriculum choices are at the parent's discretion, as long as these subjects are covered. Whether you prefer a traditional textbook approach or a project-based learning model, you can tailor your instruction to your child's learning style.

With your subjects set, let’s discuss how to manage record-keeping and attendance.

Record-Keeping and Attendance

Keeping accurate records is a legal requirement in North Dakota, and it’s also a best practice that can help you stay organized and track your child’s progress.

Required Records

According to NDCC 15.1-23-06, homeschooling parents must maintain:

• Attendance records showing at least 175 instructional days per year

• Immunization records (or an exemption form)

• Standardized test results and other evaluations

• Copies of the Statement of Intent and supporting documents

These records must be kept on file and made available upon request by the local school district superintendent. In some cases, particularly if concerns about academic performance arise, these records may be reviewed by state education officials.

With this system in place, let’s examine the standardized testing requirements you need to follow.

Standardized Testing Requirements

North Dakota mandates that homeschooled students take standardized tests in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10. These assessments help evaluate whether the student is making adequate academic progress.

Approved Assessments

The tests must be nationally normed standardized achievement tests, such as:

• California Achievement Test (CAT)

• Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)

• Stanford Achievement Test (SAT)

Parents may choose from approved tests but must ensure that testing is administered by a qualified individual or in an approved setting. Results must be shared with the local school district.

What Happens If Scores Are Low?

If your child scores below the 30th percentile on a composite score, or if there is a significant decline from a previous year’s results, remediation may be required. This could include:

• Submitting a remediation plan to the district

• Adding teacher supervision

• Participating in additional assessments

Repeated low performance without improvement could lead to termination of the home education program. However, with proper support and early intervention, most families are able to address academic concerns effectively.

Testing provides valuable feedback to refine your teaching approach. Let’s wrap up with some final thoughts on dealing with these laws successfully.

Immunization Requirements

North Dakota Century Code 23-07-17 mandates that homeschooled children meet the same immunization requirements as public school students before enrollment, unless an exemption is documented. 

Exemptions include medical (signed by a physician, citing health risks) or religious/philosophical (signed by a parent, stating sincere beliefs). Immunization records or exemption forms must accompany the annual Statement of Intent. Failure to comply may limit participation in public school extracurriculars like sports. With health requirements covered, let’s review standardized testing mandates.

Graduation Requirements

In North Dakota, homeschool graduation requirements are determined by the parent or legal guardian, not the state. You decide when your student has completed their high school education and can issue a homeschool diploma. However, it’s important to document coursework and create a transcript, especially if your child plans to apply to colleges, join the military, or enter the workforce.

Many homeschoolers in North Dakota follow a high school curriculum that mirrors the public school system’s graduation criteria, which generally includes:

• 4 units of English

• 3 units of math

• 3 units of science

• 3 units of social studies

• Physical education and elective credits

You can also include career and technical education, fine arts, and foreign languages depending on your student’s goals.

Conclusion

North Dakota’s homeschooling laws provide a clear path to create a personalized, compliant education for your child. From choosing between the Home Education Program and Private School at Home to meeting curriculum, record-keeping, and testing requirements, you now have the tools to homeschool with confidence. By staying organized and informed, you can focus on what matters most: your child’s growth and success.

Whether you’re homeschooling a single child or managing a microschool, support from organizations like The School House Anywhere (TSHA) can simplify the process and enhance your outcomes. TSHA’s American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) for Pre-K to 6th grade aligns with national standards while remaining adaptable for various learning styles and paces.

TSHA offers a comprehensive suite of tools and resources to support your homeschooling journey:

• Printable Materials: Ready-to-use worksheets and resources that complement your lessons and reinforce learning.

• Educational Films: High-quality videos that explain key concepts and bring topics to life for visual learners.

• Transparent Classroom Tool: A digital platform to track student progress, attendance, and mastery with ease.

• 24/7 Live Support: Ongoing help from experienced educators to answer your questions and offer timely guidance.

• Professional Development: Regular training to build your teaching skills and confidence.

• Microschool Guidance: Resources and consulting support for families starting or growing small learning communities.

If you're preparing to homeschool in North Dakota or looking to improve your current setup, TSHA can help you create an educational experience that’s both legally sound and deeply rewarding. 

So, register as a parent and as an educator and discover how their tools and community can support your family or learning group.