How to homeschool in North Dakota

Options for homeschooling

: 2

Notification required

: Depends

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: No

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North Dakota homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling in North Dakota is a legal and accessible option for families looking to take control of their child's education. Understanding the laws and requirements is essential to getting started.

North Dakota law allows for two primary homeschooling options:

Home Education Program: Parents are the primary instructors.
Private School at Home: Parents can work with an approved private or religious school.

Below is an overview of the key legal points to consider:

Compulsory education laws: Children aged 7 to 16 must attend school through public, private, or home education programs.
Required notification: Parents homeschooling under the home education program must file a statement of intent with their local school district at least 14 days before starting or within 14 days of moving to a new district.
Parent qualifications: Parents must have a high school diploma or GED to homeschool. Those without these qualifications can still homeschool with supervision from a licensed teacher.
Subjects required: Homeschoolers must teach English (reading and language arts), math, social studies (including U.S. and North Dakota history, geography, and government), science, and physical education. Religious studies are optional.
Required student records: Parents must keep records of academic progress, such as test results, work samples, or written assessments.
Required attendance: Parents must track attendance to meet the 175 instructional days per year requirement. Records should be available if requested by the local school district.

To stay compliant, parents must also file a statement of intent to homeschool with the superintendent of their school district. For exact details, visit the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in North Dakota

Homeschooling in North Dakota is made easier with Time4Learning's comprehensive online platform. Here's how you can get started:

File your intent to homeschool. Submit a notice of intent to homeschool to your local school district superintendent at least 14 days before you begin.
Choose your curriculum. Time4Learning provides a complete curriculum that covers all core subjects required by North Dakota law. It's fully customizable, so parents can adapt lessons to their child's pace and learning style.
Keep records. North Dakota requires homeschoolers to maintain records of their child's progress. Time4Learning automatically tracks assignments and grades, simplifying the process.
Meet testing requirements. Time4Learning prepares students with practice in core subjects, making standardized test preparation a seamless part of their education.

With Time4Learning, homeschoolers have access to interactive lessons, automated progress tracking, and a curriculum that meets state standards.

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North Dakota’s high school graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschoolers in North Dakota can graduate and receive a diploma issued by their parents. Parents set their own graduation requirements, but it’s recommended to include the following credits to align with state standards:

4 credits of English
3 credits of Math
3 credits of Science
3 credits of Social Studies
1 credit of Physical Education
1 credit of Fine Arts
5 elective credits

Parents should keep detailed records of completed coursework as proof of education, especially if the student plans to pursue higher education.

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Standardized test requirements for North Dakota homeschoolers

North Dakota requires homeschooled students to take standardized tests in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 to monitor academic progress. Families can use public school testing services or independent testing providers. The results must be submitted to the local superintendent.

Time4Learning includes test-aligned assessments and practice activities that help students feel confident and prepared when test day arrives.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in North Dakota

Homeschoolers in North Dakota have the unique opportunity to craft an application that reflects their personalized educational journey. With the right preparation and proactive outreach, they can confidently take the next step toward higher education. Here’s how to ensure a smooth application experience:

Create a customized transcript. Include the student’s high school coursework with course titles, grades, and credits earned. A well-organized transcript is key to presenting their academic achievements.
Prepare for standardized entrance exams. Use resources like Time4Learning to practice for the SAT, ACT, or other required tests to ensure strong scores.
Build a unique portfolio. Showcase extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and academic successes to highlight the well-rounded and personalized education homeschooling allows.
Reach out to colleges directly. Contact admissions offices to ask about their application process for homeschoolers. Many colleges welcome homeschool graduates and may offer additional guidance or flexibility.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in North Dakota

North Dakota does not currently offer an Education Savings Account (ESA) program specifically for homeschooling families. However, families can reduce expenses by selecting affordable, all-in-one homeschooling programs like Time4Learning. Additionally, some private or religious organizations may offer grants or financial aid for homeschoolers.

Monitor potential legislative updates on the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction website for future programs that might benefit homeschool families.