Welcome to North Dakota Homeschooling Online, your gateway to quality education from the comfort of your home! Our primary goal is to provide students with an exceptional learning experience that prepares them for their future endeavors.

At North Dakota Homeschooling Online, we offer a diverse range of online high school diploma courses tailored to each student’s unique needs. Our curriculum adheres to the latest educational standards established by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. Our dedicated team of teachers comprises highly qualified professionals committed to delivering an outstanding education to our students.

We are proud to inform you that our institution is fully accredited by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, ensuring that our diploma holds weight and recognition among colleges, universities, employers, and other institutions.

As more and more students across the globe opt for online learning, why not join them? By enrolling with North Dakota Homeschooling Online, you can acquire a top-notch education at an affordable cost.

Homeschooling Law in North Dakota

There are two options in which you can legally homeschool your children in North Dakota. They are:

  1. Homeschooling under the home education law.
  2. Homeschooling as a private school.

a) Under the home education law

1. Ensure that you have the required instructor qualifications.

To homeschool your child in North Dakota, you must be the child’s parent and hold a GED or a high school diploma.

However, if you don’t have a diploma or GED, you can still supervise your child’s homeschooling if you are supervised by a certified teacher for the first two years.

During this monitoring period, if your child’s basic composite score on the standardized test is below the 50th percentile, you will need to be monitored for an additional year. The monitoring continues until your child achieves a test score equal to or above the 50th percentile.

Once you successfully complete the monitoring requirement for one child, you won’t need to be monitored again before homeschooling additional children.

2. File an annual statement of intent.

Before you begin homeschooling in North Dakota or within 14 days of relocating to a school district in the state, you are required to submit a statement of intent. This statement must be filed at least 14 days prior to the start of homeschooling or within 14 days of moving. The statement should be submitted to the public school district superintendent where your child resides.

The statement must be filed with the county superintendent when there is no district superintendent. In addition, you are required to submit this statement of intent once every year after the initial filing.

The following are the contents of the statement of intent:

  • Your child’s name and address
  • The date of birth of your child
  • The grade level of your learner
  • The address and name of the parent who’ll administer homeschooling
  • The credentials of the parent who’ll administer homeschooling
  • Extracurricular activities that your student wants to participate
  • Public school courses your homeschooled student wants to take
  • A copy of the immunization record of your child
  • Proof of the identity of your child (e.g., a certified transcript, birth certificate, etc.)

3. Teach the required number of hours and days

You are required to provide instruction for at least 175 days annually and a minimum of 4 hours each day.

4. Teach the mandatory subjects.

You are required to provide instruction in courses that public schools in North Dakota teach. They include:

Required middle and elementary school courses: 

  • Mathematics
  • English, including spelling, English grammar, creative writing, composition, and reading
  • Social studies, including government, geography, U.S. Constitution, and U.S. history.
  • Physical education
  • Science
  • Health, including disease control, hygiene, and physiology

Required high school courses:

  • Social studies, including economics, civics, and U.S. history;
  • Science, including physical science, chemistry, and biology;
  • Mathematics;
  • English language arts, including speech, composition, and literature; and
  • Career and technical education or fine arts or foreign languages.

5. Keep school records.

The homeschool law mandates parent to maintain their children’s academic records. You should keep the following on a file:

  • Results of standardized test
  • Student’s academic progress assessments
  • Courses taken by the student
  • Records that relate to the educational and instructional activities

Maintaining a well-organized system for recordkeeping can be highly beneficial during educational transitions and when preparing for college applications. Many parents choose to create a homeschool portfolio to demonstrate their child’s development and progress throughout their academic journey.

6. Have your student tested if applicable.

In grades 4, 6, 8, and 10, your child must take a standardized achievement test either provided by the local school district or a nationally recognized test. However, there are exemptions to this requirement. If you have a religious, moral, or philosophical objection to standardized tests, you can notify your school district and be exempted. Alternatively, if you are a licensed teacher, hold a bachelor’s degree, or have met the cutoff score of a national teacher examination, you can also claim an exemption.

If your child is required to take the test, it must be administered in their learning environment or at a public school if you prefer. A certified teacher from North Dakota must conduct the test. The test scores must be submitted to the local superintendent along with your annual statement of intent.

If your child’s basic composite score falls below the 30th percentile, a team of experts will assess your child for potential learning disabilities. If no disability is identified, you must work with a certified teacher to create a remediation plan to address your child’s academic weaknesses. The plan will remain in effect until your child achieves a basic composite score at or above the 30th percentile or demonstrates one year of academic progress compared to the previous year’s test score.

If a disability is identified, you must obtain a services plan that addresses your child’s special needs with the help of qualified individuals. This plan can be developed privately or through the school district. A copy of the remediation or services plan must be filed with the local superintendent.

7. If your student has a developmental disability, follow these requirements.

If you have a child with a developmental disability and you plan to homeschool them, there are specific requirements you need to follow. These requirements include the following:

  • Obtain a diagnosis of your child’s developmental disability from a licensed psychologist.
  • Submit a copy of the diagnosis and your statement of intent to homeschool.
  • Provide a services plan for your child, which can be developed by the school district or privately created as a substitute plan.
  • Submit progress reports prepared by the services plan team three times a year: on or before November 1, February 1, and May 1.

b) Homeschooling as a private school

If you choose to homeschool your child under the private school option, you need to follow the following guidelines:

1. Meet the necessary teacher qualifications

As a homeschooling parent, you must be a certified teacher in North Dakota. Additionally, you will be required to undergo a criminal history record check.

2. Cover the required subjects and ensure the appropriate days of instruction

It is important to teach the subjects mandated to be taught in public schools. Your child should receive education for the same duration as the public schools’ standard academic year.

3. Submit a yearly statement of intent

You need to file a notice of intent each year indicating your decision to homeschool your child under the private school option. This statement serves as formal notification of your intent to educate your child at home.

 

Are there any other specific laws I should be aware of?

Compulsory Attendance Requirement

The compulsory school attendance age in North Dakota age is between 7 and 16. Homeschooling student are exempted from this requirement.

Graduation Requirements

In North Dakota, homeschooling is regulated at the district level, and the state allows homeschooled students to receive high school diplomas. To obtain a diploma, parents need to provide certain documents and meet specific requirements. These include:

  • Describing the course material covered in each high school subject.
  • Explaining the course objectives and how they were achieved.
  • Submitting a transcript that shows the student’s performance in grades 9 to 12.
  • Providing any other reasonable proof required by the entity granting the diploma to demonstrate that the student has fulfilled the graduation requirements.

Alternatively, if parents submit the aforementioned documentation and the student has completed a minimum of 22 units of high school coursework, they may be eligible to receive a high school diploma. The diploma may also indicate that the child received education at home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Homeschooling in North Dakota

Is online homeschooling legal in North Dakota?

Yes, online homeschooling is legal in North Dakota. The state recognizes homeschooling as a valid educational option, including online homeschooling, as long as certain requirements are met. These requirements include filing a statement of intent to homeschool with the local school district and providing an annual assessment of the student’s progress.

What are the requirements for online homeschooling in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, the requirements for online homeschooling include filing a statement of intent to homeschool with the local school district at least 14 days before starting homeschooling. The statement should include basic information about the student and the homeschooling program.

Can I use an online curriculum for homeschooling in North Dakota?

Yes, you can use an online curriculum for homeschooling in North Dakota. Many families choose to use online curriculum programs that provide structured lessons, assignments, and assessments.

Do I need teaching credentials to homeschool my child in North Dakota?

Yes, North Dakota requires parents or guardians to have teaching credentials in order to homeschool their children. They must have a GED or high school diploma to supervise their children’s education.

North Dakota Homeschooling Online Statistics

Homeschooling in North Dakota has been experiencing a significant increase in recent years.

The Department of Public Instruction started keeping records in 2007 and reported 1,478 homeschooled students in that year. Over time, this number more than doubled, reaching 3,762 homeschooled students by the 2019-2020 school year.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions further fueled the rise, with the North Dakota Home School Association reporting a total of 5,343 homeschooled students for the 2020-2021 school year.

How to Do it: North Dakota Homeschooling Online

To homeschool in North Dakota using an online approach, follow these steps:

  • Research the legal requirements: Familiarize yourself with North Dakota’s homeschooling laws and regulations. Ensure you meet all the necessary criteria, including notification and record-keeping obligations.
  • Choose an online curriculum: Select an online homeschooling curriculum that aligns with your child’s grade level and educational goals. Various options, including accredited online schools such as High School of America, are available.
  • Establish a schedule: Create a daily or weekly schedule that provides structure and consistency for your child’s online homeschooling. Determine the optimal times for instruction, breaks, and extracurricular activities.
  • Set up a designated learning space: Create a dedicated learning environment in your home where your child can focus and engage in online lessons effectively. Ensure they have access to a reliable internet connection and necessary technology.
  • Stay connected with other homeschooling families: Join local homeschooling groups, online forums, or social media communities to connect with other homeschooling families in North Dakota. Share experiences, resources, and support.

Benefits of Homeschooling Online in North Dakota

Homeschooling online in North Dakota offers several benefits for students and their families. Here are some advantages of homeschooling online in North Dakota:

  1. Flexibility: Online homeschooling allows students in North Dakota to have a flexible schedule, allowing them to balance their education with other commitments and activities.
  2. Personalized Learning: Online homeschooling enables students to receive personalized attention and tailor their curriculum to their individual needs and interests.
  3. Individualized Pace: Students can learn at their own pace, ensuring they fully grasp concepts before moving on, or accelerating in areas they excel in.
  4. Safety and Security: Online homeschooling provides a safe and secure learning environment, eliminating concerns about bullying or negative social interactions.
  5. Parental Involvement: Parents can actively participate in their child’s education, monitoring progress, and providing one-on-one support.
  6. Access to Quality Resources: Online homeschooling in North Dakota offers access to a wide range of high-quality educational resources, including interactive materials and multimedia tools, enhancing the learning experience.

Conclusion

North Dakota has two online homeschool options, allowing students access to quality education opportunities. With the state’s laws in place to support parents and guardians wanting their children to learn from home, North Dakota makes an ideal state for students looking into homeschooling online.

Here at High School of America, we take great pride in providing homeschooled students access to quality online courses. Our staff is always ready to answer any questions or concerns throughout your journey with us.

As your child progresses along their curriculum path, you can rest assured they are guided by qualified educators and supported by our staff as you protect their individual learning abilities, interests, schedule preferences, and more!

Contact us today at High School of America to get started on providing the best experience for your child’s academic success.