North Dakota homeschool requirements and record-keeping, 2026-27
In North Dakota you file a statement of intent with your district superintendent (or county superintendent) at least five days before you begin, or within 14 days of moving into a district, and once each year after that. The statement includes your child's immunization record and proof of identity. Instruction runs at least four hours a day for at least 175 days a year, in the subjects taught in public schools. Your child takes a standardized achievement test in grades 4, 6, 8 and 10 unless you qualify for an exemption, and you keep an annual record of courses and progress assessments.
What you file and when
- Statement of intent: child's name, address, birth date, grade; parent's name, address and qualifications; any public school courses or extracurriculars planned; with immunization record and proof of identity
To: District superintendent (or county superintendent if none). When: At least 5 days before beginning, or within 14 days of establishing residence; then once each year - Standardized achievement test results (grades 4, 6, 8, 10)
To: District superintendent (or county superintendent). When: After testing - Notice of exemption from testing (objection, or parent licensed / bachelor's degree / passed a national teacher exam), with documentation
To: School district. When: With the statement of intent
What you keep
- Annual record of courses taken
- Academic progress assessments, including standardized test results
How long to keep it. The sources we read set no retention period. Keeping a record for at least a few years is a sensible habit.
Who evaluates. Tests are given by a person licensed or approved to teach by the ND Education Standards and Practices Board. A parent with only a high school diploma or GED is not monitored; a parent without one is monitored for the first two years.
Testing. Grades 4, 6, 8 and 10. A basic composite below the 30th percentile leads to a multidisciplinary assessment and possibly a remediation plan.
Hours, days and subjects
- 700 hours a year
- 175 days a year
- 4 hours a day
- Compulsory attendance ages: 7 to 16
At least 4 hours each day for at least 175 days (700 hours as a floor).
The subjects required by law for public school students.
Work out your hours for North Dakota with the free calculator.
Things people miss
- The lead time is 5 days before you begin, not 14 days; 14 days applies only after a move.
- A parent with a bachelor's degree or teaching license, or one who states a philosophical, moral or religious objection, can be exempt from testing, but must file that notice with the statement of intent.
- Children with a developmental disability under §15.1-23-14 have progress reports due November 1, February 1 and May 1.
- Whoever gives a test must notify the school district.
Official sources
- N.D.C.C. ch. 15.1-23 Home Education (N.D. Cent. Code §§ 15.1-23-01 to -19)
Verified checked on 2026-10-18 - N.D.C.C. § 15.1-20-01 Compulsory attendance (N.D. Cent. Code § 15.1-20-01)
Verified checked on 2026-10-18
How Schoolkeeper helps
A twenty-second daily log, and then an export in the shape North Dakota asks for:
- An attendance record showing the days you taught, counted against 175.
- Hours by subject, totalled for the year against 700.
- A portfolio of work samples, photos and what they read, in date order.
Questions parents ask
What do I have to file to homeschool in North Dakota?
Statement of intent: child's name, address, birth date, grade; parent's name, address and qualifications; any public school courses or extracurriculars planned; with immunization record and proof of identity, to District superintendent (or county superintendent if none). When: At least 5 days before beginning, or within 14 days of establishing residence; then once each year. Standardized achievement test results (grades 4, 6, 8, 10), to District superintendent (or county superintendent). When: After testing. Notice of exemption from testing (objection, or parent licensed / bachelor's degree / passed a national teacher exam), with documentation, to School district. When: With the statement of intent.
What records do I keep for homeschooling in North Dakota?
Annual record of courses taken; Academic progress assessments, including standardized test results.
How many hours or days does North Dakota ask for?
North Dakota asks for 700 hours a year; 175 days a year; 4 hours a day.
Does North Dakota require testing or an evaluation?
Grades 4, 6, 8 and 10. A basic composite below the 30th percentile leads to a multidisciplinary assessment and possibly a remediation plan.
This is a plain-English summary with its sources, not legal advice. Tell us if this is wrong.