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Homeschool laws · North Dakota

How to homeschool in North Dakota

The testing years are 4, 6, 8 and 10.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for North Dakota. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

North Dakota requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. A statement of intent to the local superintendent at least 5 days before starting (or within 14 days of moving into a district), then every year.

Minimum school time

4 hours a day for at least 175 days.

Required subjects

English language arts, math, social studies, science, physical education and health, plus more choices in high school.

Parent qualifications

A high school diploma or GED, or monitoring by a certified teacher for the first two years.

Testing or evaluation

A standardized achievement test in grades 4, 6, 8 and 10, given by a certified teacher, with scores sent to the superintendent. Exemptions exist.

Records to keep

A yearly record of courses and academic progress, including test scores.

Compulsory school ages

7–16

Legal ways to homeschool in North Dakota

  • Home education statute
  • Private school (certified teacher)

Each option has its own rules. The table above mainly describes the first option listed; read the source before choosing.

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    A statement of intent to the local superintendent at least 5 days before starting (or within 14 days of moving into a district), then every year.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan 175 school days

    4 hours a day for at least 175 days. Pick your start date and breaks, and the calendar shows the exact day you reach 175 days.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records North Dakota asks for: a yearly record of courses and academic progress, including test scores. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Plan the test or evaluation

    A standardized achievement test in grades 4, 6, 8 and 10, given by a certified teacher, with scores sent to the superintendent. Exemptions exist.

    Log test scores
  5. 05

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

North Dakota homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in North Dakota?

A statement of intent to the local superintendent at least 5 days before starting (or within 14 days of moving into a district), then every year.

How many days do you have to homeschool in North Dakota?

4 hours a day for at least 175 days.

What subjects are required in North Dakota?

English language arts, math, social studies, science, physical education and health, plus more choices in high school.

Does North Dakota require testing for homeschoolers?

A standardized achievement test in grades 4, 6, 8 and 10, given by a certified teacher, with scores sent to the superintendent. Exemptions exist.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in North Dakota?

A high school diploma or GED, or monitoring by a certified teacher for the first two years.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for North Dakota and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states