How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in Nebraska

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Nebraska requires to start

   A parent files a Statement of Election and Assurances and an Authorized Parent Representative form with the Commissioner of Education at the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), online or by mail; the election takes effect when NDE receives the signed statement, so it is notice rather than approval. NDE also requires the child's certified birth certificate if it is not already on file. Statute 79-1601 was amended in 2024 (LB1027) and 2026 (LB937, effective July 18, 2026), and NDE lists a revised Rule 13 effective 06/28/2026, which are changes since 2023.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The NDE filing does not itself withdraw the child; NDE notifies the resident district of the filing, and parents may also notify the school. NDE says instruction can begin once NDE receives the submission, that it is highly advisable to withdraw after NDE receives it, and that parents should communicate with local school officials before withdrawing. Mid-year filings are allowed with prorated hours, and a new 14 day hold under 28-711.01 makes a new filing invalid during an active child abuse investigation hold.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   The filing deadline is July 15 each year. A parent of a child about to be or presently enrolled in an approved school who elects exempt school after July 15 must file promptly, and NDE accepts filings after the deadline.

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   NDE says recordkeeping is not addressed in Rule 13 and the parent keeps the exempt school's own records. Under federal FERPA (34 CFR 99.10) a parent has the right to inspect and review the child's education records, and the school must respond within 45 days of a request.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   NDE advises a parent of a child with an IEP to contact the resident public school about the special education services still available when home schooling. Under 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) a parent can revoke consent for special education services in writing, after which the school must give prior written notice and may not continue the services.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for Nebraska: the items Nebraska asks to be included are listed in it. The state also has an official form, so send that with the letter. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The Commissioner of Education, Exempt School Program Office, Nebraska Department of Education [name and address]

Re: Notice of intent to home school, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 79-1601 and 79-201, I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Nebraska asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Parent, guardian or decisionmaker name, address and school district of residence [fill in]
- Each child's name, age and date of birth [fill in]
- Exempt school name and physical address [fill in]
- Statement electing not to meet approval and accreditation requirements [fill in]
- Reason selected: religious beliefs or interference with parental decisions [fill in]
- Parent representative designation and Authorized Parent Representative form [fill in]
- School start and end dates, and any partial year or dual enrollment [fill in]
- Certified birth certificate if not already on file with NDE [fill in]
- Wet signature and date [fill in]

I am also submitting the state form, Statement of Election and Assurances and Authorized Parent Representative Form (2026/27 Instructions and Forms Packet), with this letter.

Please also treat this letter as my notice that my child is withdrawn from [name of current school] effective [start date].

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in Nebraska

Nebraska Department of Education, Exempt School Program Office, 402-471-0336, [email protected], last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions