North Dakota

Overview

Notice Requirements

Assessment Requirements

Curriculum & Qualifications

Additional Notes

North Dakota is among the stricter Midwest states. Key requirements: annual notice to superintendent, 175 instruction days minimum (4 hours/day), parent must have HS diploma/GED (or use a certified teacher monitor), standardized testing in grades 4/6/8/10 (with opt-out for philosophical/religious objections or if parent holds a degree/license), and all subjects taught in ND public schools must be covered. The testing opt-out based on religious/philosophical objection is broad but must be formally declared.

Tips for Homeschooling in North Dakota

1. 1

   File your notice on time: "At least 5 days before beginning homeschooling, or within 14 days of moving into a North Dakota school district. Then annually each subsequent year. File with the superintendent of the public school district where the child resides.". Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before to prepare documents.

2. 2

   Choose your assessment method early. Options include: Standardized achievement test in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 — the test used by the student's resident school district OR a nationally normed test requested by the parent, Exemption: Parent may opt out by notifying the district of a philosophical, moral, or religious objection to standardized testing. Many families find portfolio reviews the least stressful.

3. 3

   Teacher qualification note: Parent must have a high school diploma or GED. If the parent does NOT have a HS diploma or GED, they must be monitored by a ND-certified teacher for at least the first two years of homeschooling. If the child's standardized test composite score falls below the 50th percentile during the monitored period, monitoring must continue for at least one additional school year.. Keep a copy of your credentials with your homeschool records.