Homeschool in North Dakota — Laws, Requirements, and How to Start
North Dakota is a moderate-to-strict homeschool state with a defined set of requirements: annual notification to the local school district superintendent, instruction in seven specified subjects, standardized testing in grades 4, 6, 8, and 11 with a minimum score at or above the 30th percentile, and a two-year monitored period for parents who do not hold a high school diploma or GED. Despite these requirements, North Dakota has a well-established homeschool community and clear legal pathways for families in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, and across the state’s rural counties.
North families looking for structured, faith-based education can explore Zion Academy’s full range of North Dakota curriculum and programs serving students in all 50 states.
What Are the North Dakota Homeschool Legal Requirements?
North Dakota’s homeschool statute is found in the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) Chapter 15.1-23. The law establishes five core requirements: notice of intent, required subjects, standardized testing, a minimum score threshold, and a two-year monitoring provision for certain parents. Understanding each requirement before you begin ensures full compliance.
Notification Requirement
North Dakota parents must file a notice of intent with the local school district superintendent by October 1 of each school year, or at least 14 days before beginning instruction, whichever comes first. If a family begins homeschooling after October 1, the 14-day advance notice rule applies. The notice of intent must include the names and ages of each child to be homeschooled, a list of the instructional materials to be used, and a description of the curriculum. This notice must be filed annually.
Required Subjects
North Dakota requires instruction in seven subject areas: mathematics, English (which includes reading, composition, creative writing, and English grammar), social studies, science, health and physical education, and music. These seven areas must be included in the curriculum each school year. North Dakota does not prescribe specific courses or textbooks within these subject areas, but the breadth of the requirement means families must address all seven categories.
Standardized Testing
North Dakota requires homeschooled students to take a standardized test in grades 4, 6, 8, and 11. The test must be a nationally standardized assessment. The minimum required score is at or above the 30th percentile in each tested subject. Testing is arranged and paid for by the homeschooling family. Results are submitted to the local school district superintendent.
Remediation for Scores Below the 30th Percentile
If a student’s standardized test scores fall below the 30th percentile in any subject, the parent must submit a remediation plan to the local school board. The remediation plan describes the steps the family will take to improve the student’s performance. The school board reviews the plan. If scores remain below the 30th percentile in subsequent testing, additional intervention steps may follow. A structured, rigorous curriculum significantly reduces the risk of falling below this threshold.
Two-Year Monitoring Provision
For the first two years of homeschooling, North Dakota law requires that at least one parent hold a high school diploma or GED, OR that the homeschool instruction be supervised or monitored by a North Dakota licensed teacher. After two years of successful homeschooling, the monitoring requirement no longer applies. Parents who hold a high school diploma or GED are exempt from the monitoring requirement from the start.
Attendance Requirements
North Dakota does not specify a minimum number of instructional days or hours for homeschoolers in its statute. Families establish their own school calendar.
Teacher Qualifications
Beyond the two-year monitoring provision described above, North Dakota does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or college degree.
How to Start Homeschooling in North Dakota
Starting homeschool in North Dakota requires filing timely notice, selecting a curriculum that addresses all seven subject areas, and planning for standardized testing at the appropriate grade levels.
Step 1 — Withdraw from Public School
If your child currently attends a North Dakota public school, notify the school in writing that your child is withdrawing. Include your child’s name, grade, and effective withdrawal date. Request academic records for your home file. Coordinate the withdrawal date with the filing of your notice of intent to ensure the 14-day advance notice requirement is met.
Step 2 — File Notice of Intent with the Superintendent
Submit your notice of intent to the local school district superintendent by October 1, or at least 14 days before you begin instruction. Include the names and ages of all children to be homeschooled, a list of instructional materials, and a curriculum description covering all seven required subjects. File this notice annually each school year.
Step 3 — Confirm the Monitoring Requirement
If you do not hold a high school diploma or GED, arrange for a North Dakota licensed teacher to monitor your homeschool during the first two years of instruction. If you hold a diploma or GED, the monitoring requirement does not apply, and you may proceed independently from the start.
Step 4 — Select a Curriculum
Choose a curriculum that covers all seven required subjects: math, English (reading, composition, creative writing, grammar), social studies, science, health, physical education, and music. Zion Academy of America provides a fully accredited, faith-based K-12 online curriculum covering all required North Dakota subjects with rigorous instruction designed to support strong standardized test performance. North Dakota online homeschool
Step 5 — Plan for Standardized Testing
Schedule standardized testing in advance for students in grades 4, 6, 8, and 11. Choose a nationally normed test — commonly used options include the Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test, or CAT/5. Arrange testing through an approved testing center or proctor, and submit results to the local school district superintendent.
Homeschool Funding and Resources in North Dakota
North Dakota does not currently offer a statewide Education Savings Account (ESA), voucher program, or homeschool-specific tax credit. Homeschool families bear the cost of curriculum, testing fees, and materials. Several organizations support North Dakota homeschoolers with community and legal resources.
North Dakota Organizations
North Dakota Home School Association (NDHSA) is the primary statewide organization for homeschoolers in North Dakota. NDHSA provides legislative advocacy, an annual convention, co-op resources, and legal monitoring. The organization tracks developments in NDCC Chapter 15.1-23 and alerts members to any proposed legislative changes. NDHSA also maintains information on approved standardized tests and testing resources for North Dakota families.
Co-ops and Support Groups
Homeschool co-ops operate in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, and other North Dakota communities. Co-ops provide group instruction in subjects like science labs, physical education, fine arts, and music — helping families meet North Dakota’s seven-subject requirement with shared resources. Contact NDHSA for a regional co-op directory.
HSLDA Membership
The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) provides legal support for North Dakota homeschoolers, particularly for navigating the standardized testing requirement, the remediation plan process, and any disputes with school district superintendents.
Frequently Asked Questions — Homeschooling in North Dakota
The following questions address the most common concerns North Dakota families raise when starting or continuing a homeschool program.
When is the notice of intent due in North Dakota?
The notice of intent must be filed with the local school district superintendent by October 1 of each school year, or at least 14 days before beginning instruction. The annual notice must include the names and ages of all children, a list of instructional materials, and a curriculum description covering all seven required subjects.
What standardized tests are required in North Dakota, and when?
North Dakota requires standardized testing in grades 4, 6, 8, and 11. The test must be nationally normed. Commonly used tests include the Iowa Assessments, Stanford Achievement Test, and California Achievement Test. Scores must be at or above the 30th percentile. Results are submitted to the local school district superintendent. Testing is arranged and paid for by the homeschooling family.
What happens if my child scores below the 30th percentile in North Dakota?
If standardized test scores fall below the 30th percentile in any subject, the parent must submit a written remediation plan to the local school board. The plan describes the corrective steps the family will take. Continued low scores may lead to additional oversight. A rigorous, structured curriculum significantly reduces the likelihood of this outcome.
Does the two-year monitoring requirement apply to all North Dakota homeschoolers?
No. The monitoring requirement applies only during the first two years of homeschooling when neither parent holds a high school diploma or GED. Parents who hold a high school diploma or GED are exempt from the monitoring requirement. After two years of successful homeschooling, the monitoring requirement no longer applies to any family.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects our understanding of current homeschool laws as of 2026. Homeschool laws, regulations, and funding programs change frequently at the state, county, and district level. This page does not constitute legal advice. Families should verify current requirements directly with their state’s department of education, consult HSLDA.org for up-to-date legal guidance, or speak with a qualified attorney before making educational decisions based on this information.
Zion Academy Is Accepted in North Dakota
Zion Academy of America is a fully accredited, K-12 Christian online homeschool academy serving families throughout North Dakota. Zion’s structured curriculum covers all seven of North Dakota’s required subjects — mathematics, English, social studies, science, health, physical education, and music — and provides the rigorous academic instruction that supports strong performance on North Dakota’s standardized testing requirement. North Dakota families receive complete academic records, progress reports, and an accredited diploma upon graduation.
Families in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Mandan, West Fargo, and across North Dakota’s rural counties choose Zion Academy for its accredited academics, Christian foundation, and structured approach to meeting North Dakota’s testing and curriculum requirements.