Taking the plunge into homeschooling can feel intimidating. From lesson plans to curriculum choices to compliance with state laws, it can feel like there is a lot to coordinate. However, understanding state homeschool requirements brings families one step closer to enjoying the freedom that homeschooling affords. In North Dakota, parents have two options for homeschooling their children:
- Parents may homeschool under North Dakota’s home education law.
- Certified teachers may operate as private schools to educate their own children.
North Dakota Homeschool Mandates for Option 1
North Dakota compulsory attendance laws require children to be in school from ages 7 through 16. Under the home education law (option 1), parents must:
- Homeschool only their own children.
- Possess a high school diploma/GED or be monitored by a certified teacher for the first two years.
- File an annual notice of intent to homeschool containing required information.
- Provide at least four hours of instruction each school day for at least 175 days each school year.
- Teach the required subjects.
- Keep records of student courses, academic progress, and evaluations.
- Submit students to standardized achievement tests in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10.
- Follow state requirements for students with developmental disabilities.
The elementary and middle school required subjects in North Dakota include:
- Language Arts
- Math
- Social Studies (including the U.S. Constitution, U.S. history, geography, and government, as well as North Dakota studies)
- Science (including agriculture)
- Physical Education
- Health (including physiology, hygiene, disease control, and the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics)
The high school required subjects include:
- Language Arts
- Math
- Science: biology and chemistry or physical science
- Social studies: U.S. history, civics, economics, personal finance
- Physical Education
- Foreign language, fine arts, or career and technical education
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in North Dakota
If your children currently attend a public or private school, you will need to withdraw them to homeschool. In many cases, sending a withdrawal letter by certified mail to your school district will suffice.
Special Education Provisions
North Dakota has unique requirements for families homeschooling children with developmental disabilities. Parents of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities may need to submit a copy of the diagnosis and a service plan with their annual intent to homeschool. Furthermore, parents of homeschooled children with developmental disabilities must submit progress reports by the first day of November, February, and May each year.
Record Keeping
North Dakota requires homeschool parents to keep records of their children’s coursework and academic assessments and evaluations. Furthermore, it is wise to keep a file for each student containing:
- Attendance records
- Information on subjects taught and curriculum used
- School district correspondence, including forms filed
- Immunizations
- Samples of student work
- Standardized test scores and evaluations
With a clear understanding of North Dakota homeschool laws and the wide availability of resources, homeschooling doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. LightSail’s comprehensive language arts platform provides children with the tools to grow reading, writing, and vocabulary skills. At the same time, LightSail’s built-in assessments and progress-tracking capabilities give parents peace of mind about meeting North Dakota’s homeschool requirements.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. State laws are constantly changing. Consult an attorney or call your state’s Department of Education for any questions regarding the legalities of homeschooling.
