Is Homeschooling Legal in North Dakota After the 2026 Policy Reforms?

Yes, homeschooling is legal in North Dakota under state statute NDCC §15.1-23. Parents must file an annual enrollment notice with the local public school district superintendent by September 1 or within 12 days of withdrawing a child from public school. The state does not require standardized testing or curriculum approval but mandates instruction in core subjects equivalent to public school standards. Local school boards retain oversight authority, including the discretion to request periodic progress reports.


Key Regulations for Homeschooling in North Dakota

  • Annual Notice Requirement: Parents must submit a signed affidavit to the local superintendent by September 1 each year, confirming compliance with state homeschool laws. Failure to file may trigger truancy investigations by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI).
  • Instructional Equivalency: Homeschool curricula must cover the same subjects as public schools—mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies—though instructional methods remain unregulated. Local districts may review materials upon request.
  • Teacher Qualifications: No formal teaching credentials are required, but parents must ensure instruction is provided by a qualified individual. The NDDPI may audit records to verify compliance during the 2026 academic year as part of a new statewide monitoring initiative.