Guide to Homeschooling in Nebraska

Resources

Homeschool Laws and Requirements in Nebraska

While homeschooling is legal across the country, each state’s laws differ a bit from one another. First, parents should know that homeschools in Nebraska are considered exempt schools, so parents must submit a set of forms as their notice of intent to homeschool to the Exempt School Program Office.

Researching Nebraska’s homeschool requirements will help you to abide by all necessary guidelines before transitioning to homeschool. We recommend that parents visit the Nebraska Department of Education’s site for thorough information about the state’s homeschool regulations. A summary of the homeschooling laws in Nebraska is also provided by the Home School Legal Defense Association.

RECORD KEEPING

While Nebraska does not require parents to keep homeschooling records and submit them to a government agency, it is always beneficial to keep things like transcripts, attendance records, and samples of coursework on file. Maintaining detailed records of a student’s home education will help them if they choose to pursue post-secondary education or transfer to a public or private school.

Power Homeschool’s program includes a parent portal where home educators can access transcripts, track progress, download attendance records, and print samples of course materials to keep on file. We also recommend that parents keep copies of paperwork and forms as well as any standardized assessments or evaluations.

HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS IN NEBRASKA

Nebraska does not require homeschool students to participate in standardized assessments; however, many parents use these tests to evaluate how their students are performing in comparison to traditionally schooled students of their grade level. These assessments can also provide insights to any holes in their curriculum or background knowledge. Nebraska’s most common standardized test is the Nebraska State Accountability Assessments (NeSA). We also encourage any high school students in Nebraska to take the ACT or SAT if they plan to attend college after graduation.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN NEBRASKA

Like most other states, parents are responsible for establishing the high school graduation requirements for their homeschoolers as well as issuing their high school diplomas. It is recommended that parents establish requirements based on what their students plan to do after high school, whether it be pursuing secondary education or employment.

Many colleges, universities, trade schools, and employers will share their eligibility requirements for homeschool students. Parents can use these to establish the graduation requirements for high school students.

Resources

Homeschool Support & Groups in Nebraska

For homeschoolers, finding support from other families in their area is very beneficial. Homeschool associations, support groups, and co-ops all function to enhance home education and help families along their journey.

Homeschoolers in Nebraska are lucky enough to have two homeschool associations:

• The Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association (NCHEA) is a non-profit that offers resources and support as well as sponsors events throughout the year, including a convention and graduation ceremony.
• Nebraska Homeschool–The Home Educators Networks, Inc. (NH-HEN) offers membership to any homeschooling families in the state. The organization also sponsors events and field trips while providing resources and support.

In addition to statewide organizations, homeschoolers in Nebraska can join support groups or co-ops. Homeschool support groups allow parents to exchange advice, tips, and stories about all things relating to homeschool. These groups can meet in person or communicate online. Homeschool co-ops are similar to support groups, but they are more academic-focused, allowing students to engage in group learning and other enrichment activities. Some co-ops focus on particular subjects or religious teachings, while others are general. Both homeschool support groups and co-ops allow homeschoolers to connect with other students their age. Many of these groups have Facebook pages or websites, so they are easy to find online; however, the following are a few examples of the support groups and co-ops in Nebraska:

• Central Nebraska Homeschoolers
• HOME (Homeschooling in the Omaha Metro for Everyone)
• Heartland Home Schoolers
• Valley Homeschool Association
• Bellevue Area Christian Homeschool Group (BACH)
• Catholic Homeschool Association of Omaha (CHAO)
• North Platte Area Home Educators (NPAHE)
• Omaha Homeschool Learning Center

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

Nebraska has many different field trip destinations across the state, but the following are just a few examples to give you an idea. 

EASTERN NEBRASKA

• Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha: As one of the largest zoos in the country, this zoo is home to hundreds of animal species, including gorillas, penguins, and tigers. Students have opportunities to learn about wildlife through field trips and day camps, as well.
• Omaha Children’s Museum in Omaha: Young children will have plenty of opportunities for educational play at this children’s museum. The museum has special and permanent exhibits focused on science, art, and more!
• Joselyn Art Museum in Omaha: By touring the Joselyn’s expansive collection, students will learn about art and culture from around the world. The museum also offers a special art school for homeschool students of all grade levels as well as various other educational art programs.
• Nebraska History Museum in Lincoln: This museum is a perfect field trip for Nebraska homeschoolers to learn about the state’s culture and history. Visitors will learn about life before and after Nebraska became a state and can participate in a number of educational programs.

NORTHEASTERN NEBRASKA

• Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park in Royal: Students can learn about natural history by viewing uncovered animal skeletons and watching paleontologists dig for fossils. The park offers educational programs, hiking trails, and campsites, as well.
• Angel De Cora Museum and Research Center in Winnebago: By touring a variety of exhibits, visitors will learn about the area’s Winnebago Tribe as well as the tribe’s culture, heritage, and relationship with European settlers.

CENTRAL NEBRASKA

• MONA in Kearney: Housing over 6,000 works of art created by artists from around the world, this art museum features paintings, sculptures, pottery, and much more! It even showcases student artwork from young artists in the area.
• Stuhr Museum of Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island: Students will learn about pioneer life in Nebraska during the late-1800s. With a variety of art and historical exhibits, including log cabins and railroad exhibits, visitors will gain an appreciation for the state’s history and culture.

WESTERN NEBRASKA

• Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Bayard: The Chimney Rock was a famous landmark for pioneers traveling along the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. Tour the visitor’s center to learn about the great western migration and see exhibits and presentations.
• Fort Robinson History Center in Crawford: Located in Fort Robinson State Park, this history center allows students to learn about the fort’s history through exhibits, artifacts, and historic buildings, such as a blacksmith shop and guardhouse.
• Smith Falls State Park in Valentine: With many different activities for the whole family, homeschoolers can spend the entire day at the Smith Falls State Park. In addition to camping, hiking, and fishing, this park is home to the highest waterfall at Smith Falls State Park.

In addition to our online homeschool curriculum, Power Homeschool offers many resources and tools for parents and students to help them throughout their homeschool experience. Please contact us if you have any questions about how Power Homeschool can help you get started today!