Everything you need to know about homeschooling in North Dakota - a state with low-to-moderate regulation and two flexible monitoring options. Annual notification, 175 days of instruction, and testing at select grades. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
North Dakota has low-to-moderate regulation for homeschooling, with a clear legal framework under NDCC 15.1-23. The state offers two monitoring options, giving families flexibility in how they demonstrate educational progress.
The most common route is Option 1 (Testing Route), where families administer standardized tests at grades 4, 6, 8, and 10. The test results are private - kept by the parent, not submitted to the state, and there is no minimum score requirement.
North Dakota also has a notably shorter compulsory education age than most states: ages 7-16. This means children do not need to begin formal instruction until age 7, and the compulsory period ends at 16 rather than the more common 18.
North Dakota requires only 175 days of instruction, which is fewer than the typical 180-day requirement in most states. Combined with the shorter compulsory age range (7-16), North Dakota gives families more flexibility than many other states in the region.
North Dakota offers two monitoring options for homeschool families. The option you choose depends on your qualifications and preferences.
| Monitoring Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Option 1: Testing Route | Standardized testing at grades 4, 6, 8, and 10. Results kept private. No minimum score. Any parent can use this option. Most common choice. |
| Option 2: No Testing Route | No testing required, but parent must have a teaching certificate, bachelor's degree, or high school diploma/GED with 2 years of monitoring by a certified teacher. |
North Dakota's homeschool law is codified in NDCC Chapter 15.1-23, which establishes the notification requirements, monitoring options, required subjects, and instructional day minimums.
| Requirement | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | NDCC 15.1-23 |
| Notification | Annual (within 14 days or by October 1) |
| Attendance | 175 days minimum |
| Teacher Qualification | Depends on option chosen |
| Required Subjects | 7 subject areas |
| Testing | Option 1: Grades 4, 6, 8, 10 | Option 2: None |
| Record-Keeping | Course records and academic progress |
Option 1 (Testing) is the most popular because any parent can use it regardless of education level, and the test results are completely private. Option 2 (No Testing) is best for parents who already hold a teaching certificate or bachelor's degree and prefer to skip testing entirely. If you only have a high school diploma or GED, Option 2 requires two years of monitoring by a certified teacher before you can operate independently.
Starting homeschool in North Dakota involves a clear set of steps. The process depends on which monitoring option you choose.
Submit notification to your local school district superintendent. The deadline is within 14 days of beginning homeschool or by October 1, whichever comes first.
If your child is currently enrolled in public or private school, send a withdrawal letter to the school and request student records.
Select materials covering all seven required subjects. No curriculum approval is needed.
Start teaching and maintain records of courses and academic progress. Ensure you meet the 175-day minimum.
The notification deadline is within 14 days of beginning OR by October 1, whichever comes first. If you start homeschooling in September, you must file within 14 days. If you start before September, you still must file by October 1. This is an annual requirement - you must renew every year.
Blue Folder can generate your notification letter and send you annual renewal reminders so you never miss the October 1 deadline. Try it free →
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Generate your notification letter, track your 175 school days, and get annual renewal reminders.
North Dakota requires annual notification to your local school district superintendent.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Within 14 days of beginning OR by October 1 (whichever is first) |
| Submit To | Local school district superintendent |
| Frequency | Annual (must renew each year) |
| Approval Needed | No - notification only, not approval |
Unlike states with one-time notification, North Dakota requires you to renew your notification every year by October 1. Set a reminder each fall to ensure you stay in compliance. Missing the deadline could create issues with your school district.
North Dakota requires instruction in seven subject areas. Parents have complete freedom to choose their own curriculum and materials.
The English requirement encompasses reading, composition, grammar, and spelling. This is a broad requirement that can be met through a variety of curricula and approaches.
Music is one of North Dakota's unique required subjects. This does not require formal music lessons - it can be met through music appreciation, listening, singing, instrument exploration, or studying music history and theory.
While seven subjects may sound demanding, many naturally overlap in a well-designed curriculum. A nature study covers science and health. A history unit addresses social studies and reading. Physical education can be met through daily outdoor play or organized activities.
North Dakota requires a minimum of 175 days of instruction per year, with specific daily hour requirements based on grade level.
| Level | Days Required | Hours Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary | 175 days | 4 hours minimum |
| High School | 175 days | 5.5 hours minimum |
You set your own schedule within these minimums. You can school year-round, take breaks when you choose, and adjust your daily structure as needed, as long as you meet the 175-day and hourly requirements.
Track your school days from the start. With a 175-day requirement, you need to average about 35 weeks of instruction if you school 5 days a week. Blue Folder tracks your attendance automatically and shows you exactly how many days remain. Try it free →
Assessment requirements in North Dakota depend entirely on which monitoring option you choose.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grades Tested | 4, 6, 8, and 10 only |
| Test Type | Any nationally normed standardized achievement test |
| Results Submitted | No - kept by parent (private) |
| Minimum Score | None required |
| Who Administers | Parent may administer |
No testing is required under this option, but the parent must meet one of these qualifications:
This is a key point many families miss: under Option 1, your test results are completely private. You keep them at home, they are not submitted to the state or school district, and there is no minimum score requirement. Testing is for your own information only.
North Dakota requires parents to maintain records of courses taught and the child's academic progress. These records are kept at home and not routinely submitted unless specifically requested by the superintendent, which is rare.
| Record Type | Required? | Submit? |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Notification | Yes | Yes - to superintendent |
| Course Records | Yes | Only if requested |
| Academic Progress | Yes | Only if requested |
| Test Results (Option 1) | Yes - retain | No - kept private |
| Attendance Log | Recommended | No |
Use Blue Folder to maintain your course records, track the 175 required days, and store test results all in one place. When the superintendent requests records (which is rare), everything is organized and ready to share. Try it free →
North Dakota currently does not offer ESA programs, vouchers, or tax credits for homeschool families.
| Program | Available? |
|---|---|
| ESA | No |
| Vouchers | No |
| Tax Credits | No |
Access to public school sports and extracurricular activities is at district discretion in North Dakota. It is not guaranteed by state law, but some districts do allow homeschool student participation. Contact your local district to learn about their policies.
Parents create their own transcripts and issue their own diplomas. A parent-issued diploma is fully legal in North Dakota. For college-bound students:
If you choose Option 2 with a high school diploma or GED, the required monitoring by a certified teacher during the first two years is not supervision. It means periodic check-ins, not daily oversight. After two years, you operate fully independently.
North Dakota's homeschool law is manageable, but new families commonly make these avoidable mistakes.
The October 1 annual notification deadline is the most important date for North Dakota homeschool families. Unlike one-time notification states, you must renew every single year. Missing this deadline puts you out of compliance with NDCC 15.1-23.
Don't make these mistakes
Blue Folder tracks every requirement and keeps your records organized automatically.
Track North Dakota ComplianceOption 1 (Testing) is the most popular because any parent can use it and test results are private. Option 2 (No Testing) is best if you hold a teaching certificate or bachelor's degree and want to skip testing entirely.
Yes. Under Option 1, standardized test results are kept by the parent, not submitted to the state, and there is no minimum score requirement. They are for your information only.
No. Under Option 1, testing is only required at grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 - not every year. In non-testing years, you simply maintain your course and progress records.
North Dakota's compulsory education age is 7-16. Children are not required to begin formal instruction until age 7, which is later than most states. However, you can begin earlier if you choose.
If you have a high school diploma or GED and choose Option 2, a certified teacher provides periodic check-ins during your first two years. This is not daily supervision - it is occasional reviews of your educational program. After two years, you operate independently.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction or consult a qualified attorney. For legal support, see HSLDA North Dakota. Last updated February 2026.