Homeschooling in Nebraska: What You Need to Know

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The Cornhusker State has a lot of history to explore, and a lot to offer families who choose to home educate, although at first the requirements can seem confusing. What is it like homeschooling in Nebraska, and what do you need to know to get started? Let’s take a look!

What is it like homeschooling in Nebraska, and what do you need to know to get started?  Let's take a look!

Homeschooling in Nebraska

You might be surprised to learn that homeschooling is not recognized as an option for children in Nebraska; rather, if you choose to home educate, you must become your own private school (called an “exempt school”). When you do so, you are electing to not meet accreditation or approval requirements.

You can find the forms needed to begin this process on the Nebraska Department of Education website. You’ll want to submit the required forms when you begin homeschooling, and they’re also due each year by July 15.

Your child must begin school when they are 6 years old on or before December 31 of that year, and must remain in school until they are 18.

Required Homeschool Subjects

When homeschooling in Nebraska, you must provide instruction in math, language arts, science, social studies, and health. There are no specific qualifications required to teach, or regarding how you teach these subjects.

Key Homeschool Organizations

The homeschool community in Nebraska is wonderful. They work hard to support each other and have authentic connections through important organizations. Here are a few popular ones to look into for support.

Nebraska Christian Home Educators Association 

The NCHEA is a state-wide organization that works hard with families to provide the best resources as well as champion for the rights of homeschoolers on a legislative level. 

Nebraska Homeschool

Working to build networks “across the prairie lands”, Nebraska Homeschool offers many services to families homeschooling in the state.

Homeschool Co-ops and Groups in Nebraska

In Bellevue Area, there is the Bellevue Area Christian Homeschool Co-op. They hold 6 classes that are parent led in the fall then 6 more in the spring. They also hold monthly mom meetings as well as member support in order to supply kids with whatever needs they may have. 

Lincoln Friday Classes Co-op offers classes and community to over 50 families in the Lincoln and surrounding areas.

Omaha Homeschool Learning Center offers classes to supplement your regular homeschool curriculum.

The Panhandle Homeschool Connection in Sidney, NE is a non-profit Christian organization that offers field trips opportunities, parties, co-op classes, and more. 

Another group that would be fun to try would be Aventuras. It is a Spanish immersion class for young children up to grade 6. I love how it is a weekly, in person group in Lincoln for kids to socialize and learn words in person. (If you aren’t close to this group, another amazing option is the Homeschool Spanish Academy- which you can learn all about here).

Fun Homeschool Learning Opportunities

In the Omaha/Lincoln area, the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum has a special day every month designed specifically for homeschool families. 

For families that are focusing on science, this is a must-visit. Not only are you surrounded by other like-minded families, but the activities are educational and geared toward homeschooling families. 

Just be warned that this might become a monthly event! 

Art Classes

In Nebraska, there are some amazing programs to help encourage our children to be creative.

Art for All is a Arts For All, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable and accessible arts education throughout Greater Omaha. Offering classes in music, dance, voice, acting, painting, drawing, ceramics, and much more. Classes are conveniently offered from six different locations, including Benson, Bellevue, Elkhorn, Ralston, South Omaha, Westgate.

The Omaha Playhouse has some amazing classes for anyone interested in theatre, but they have one class that is designed specifically for kids that are being homeschooled. This class works to design the kids to be involved in everything from set design, the technical aspects of lighting as well as learning the art of acting.  

Homeschooling in Nebraska

Homeschooling anywhere is a great idea (in my opinion), and homeschooling in Nebraska is no different. Despite some different laws and regulations, the support systems and groups to help you along the way make it a breeze.

Are you homeschooling in Nebraska? Drop a comment below with any tips you have for first time homeschooling families! 

And if you’d love to have a printable resource to use to keep track of state homeschool requirements, key organizations, activities and field trip plans, and curriculum notes, grab a copy of my Curriculum & Activity Planner below (it’s free!):

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Interested in learning about homeschooling in another state? Check out the Homeschooling in 50 States Series.

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