This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system.
In North Dakota, the law specifies that a home school is specifically for a parents’ child to be taught in their own home. This is important because it means that you can only school your own children and not anyone else’s. It is also important to note that if you are a state certified teacher, you can also home school under the private school law. While home schools are exempt from compulsory attendance laws, they must fulfill the following requirements:
1. Every parent shall retain an attendance log, progress reports, annual assessments including standardized test results.
2. The parent must file an annual letter of intent with the local superintendent. The statement must be filed at least 14 days before the beginning of home school or within 14 days of establishing residency within the district.
3. Special needs children may be home schooled as well, but the home school has to meet special, additional requirements.
Compulsory Attendance: Ages 7 to 16.
Required Days of Instruction: Teaching must occur at least 4 hours every day, 175 days of the year.
Teacher Qualifications: There are no teacher qualifications under the home schooling law. However, to home school as a private school, you must be a state certified teacher.
Standardized Testing: Standardized testing is required in grades 4, 6, 8 and 10. The test must be administered by a state certified teacher. Results must be provided to the local superintendent. If your child gests a composite score lower than the 30th percentile, you must have a professional assessment for learning problems. You also will need to submit a plan of remediation to the local superintendent.
Helpful Resources:
North Dakota Division of Independent Study
State Support Groups
North Dakota Homeschool Association