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Homeschool laws · State guide

Homeschooling in North Dakota

North Dakota requires a yearly statement of intent, 4 hours a day for 175 days, and records; testing in grades 4, 6, 8 and 10 applies unless the parent qualifies for an exemption.

Last checkedAgainst Statute + state sources

North Dakota at a glanceLevel: Moderate

Notice to the state
Yes
File a statement of intent with the district superintendent each year, at least five days before starting or within 14 days of moving in; include the immunization record and proof of identity (NDCC 15.1-23-02).
Testing
Yes
A standardized test in grades 4, 6, 8 and 10, given by a licensed or approved teacher. Exemptions include a philosophical, moral or religious objection or a parent with a bachelor's degree (NDCC 15.1-23-09, -11).
Record-keeping
Required
Keep an annual record of courses taken and academic progress assessments, including any test results; furnish it on request if the child transfers to a public school. (NDCC 15.1-23-05)
Immunization
Required
Homeschoolers must file proof of immunization or a medical, religious, philosophical or moral exemption with their local public school district (NDCC §23-07-17.1).
Required subjects
Yes, 1
Subjects required by law to be taught to public school students (NDCC 15.1-23-04)
Instruction time
At least 4 hours a day for at least 175 days a year
NDCC 15.1-23-04
Parent qualifications
High school diploma or GED; otherwise the parent may home educate with monitoring by a licensed or approved teacher for the first two years
NDCC 15.1-23-03, -06, -07
Compulsory school age
7 to 16
NDCC 15.1-20-01

Ways to homeschool here: Home education (NDCC ch. 15.1-23) · Approved nonpublic school

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Overview

North Dakota defines home education as a program supervised by a parent, meaning the parent selects materials, sets the educational philosophy, and oversees the method and delivery of instruction (NDCC 15.1-23-01). DPI’s summary: the legal supervisor must be a parent or guardian, file with the district and wait five days before starting, renew annually for each child 7 or older, and test in grades 4, 6, 8 and 10 unless qualified to opt out.

  • Home education (NDCC ch. 15.1-23)
  • Approved nonpublic school

Requirements at a glance

  • Notice: File a statement of intent with the superintendent of the school district of residence (or county superintendent if the district has no superintendent) at least five days before beginning or within 14 days of establishing residence, and annually; include child and parent details, the parent’s qualifications, any public school courses or extracurricular activities planned, a copy of the immunization record and proof of identity. (NDCC 15.1-23-02; DPI)
  • Testing or assessment: Standardized achievement test in grades 4, 6, 8 and 10, administered by a licensed or approved teacher, with results filed with the district; a score below the 30th percentile triggers an assessment for a potential learning problem. Not required if the parent files a philosophical, moral or religious objection, or is a licensed or approved teacher, holds a bachelor’s degree, or passed a national teacher exam; the exemption notification and necessary documentation must be filed with the statement of intent. (NDCC 15.1-23-09, -11)
  • Records: Keep an annual record of courses taken and academic progress assessments, including any test results; furnish it on request if the child transfers to a public school. (NDCC 15.1-23-05)
  • Subjects: Subjects required by law to be taught to public school students (NDCC 15.1-23-04)
  • Instruction time: At least 4 hours a day for at least 175 days a year (NDCC 15.1-23-04)
  • Parent/teacher qualifications: High school diploma or GED; otherwise the parent may home educate with monitoring by a licensed or approved teacher (twice-yearly progress reports) for the first two years, extended if a test score is below the 50th percentile (NDCC 15.1-23-03, -06, -07)
  • Compulsory attendance ages: 7 to 16 (NDCC 15.1-20-01)

Sources

This page summarizes the statutes and official pages listed in the sources block, as read on the last-checked date. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm current requirements with your state or local education agency.