Nevada Homeschool Requirements

NRS §388D.020(1) states: 'If the parent of a child who is subject to compulsory enrollment and attendance wishes to homeschool the child, the parent must file with the superintendent of schools of the school district in which the child resides a written notice of intent to homeschool the child.' The Nevada Department of Education (DOE) has developed a standard form. Notice must be filed annually. NRS §392.070 provides the attendance exemption for homeschooled children who have filed such notice.

NRS §388D.050 requires the parent of a homeschooled child to develop and maintain an educational plan of instruction for the child covering 'the subject areas of English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, including history, geography, economics and government, as appropriate for the age and level of skill of the child as determined by the parent.' NRS §388D.060 prohibits state regulations from infringing on parental educational rights based on religious preference.

Nevada's homeschool statutes under NRS Chapter 388D do not establish a minimum number of instructional hours or school days. The educational plan required by NRS §388D.050 allows parents to determine the appropriate amount of instruction based on the child's age and skill level. This is a significant area of parental flexibility in Nevada's homeschool law.

Nevada's homeschool statutes do not impose an assessment requirement on currently homeschooled students. NRS §388D.040 addresses admittance or entrance to school for formerly homeschooled students and permits schools to use 'commonly used practices in determining the academic ability, placement or eligibility of the child.' No annual testing or portfolio submission is required of homeschooling families.

NRS §388D.050 requires maintaining an educational plan of instruction covering required subject areas. NRS §388D.030 requires the district superintendent to process requests for the child's school records within 5 days when requested. There is no state mandate for parents to maintain grades, attendance logs, or portfolios beyond the educational plan.

Nevada's homeschool statutes do not require parents to hold teaching credentials, degrees, or any other educational qualification. NRS §388D.060 states that 'No regulation or policy of the State Board, any school district or any other governmental entity may infringe upon the right of a parent to educate his or her child based on religious preference' unless narrow conditions are met. This broad protection reinforces parent autonomy.

NRS Chapter 388D does not contain immunization requirements for homeschooled children. Nevada's general immunization laws (NRS Chapter 392) apply to children attending public and private schools; home school students are not subject to school-based immunization requirements. Parents who re-enroll their child in a public school would then be subject to NRS §392.435 immunization requirements.

Nevada's homeschool statutes do not impose special education requirements on home school families. Federal IDEA Child Find obligations require the school district to identify, locate, and evaluate children with disabilities, including those homeschooled in the district. Under NRS §388D.050, the educational plan must be appropriate for 'the age and level of skill of the child as determined by the parent,' which includes children with disabilities.

NRS §388D.020 requires filing a written notice of intent before homeschooling begins. Nevada law does not specify a formal withdrawal procedure from public school beyond filing this notice and notifying the school. NRS §388D.040 provides that when a homeschooled child seeks entrance to any school, the school may use 'commonly used practices in determining the academic ability, placement or eligibility of the child.'

NRS §392.040 requires attendance for children from age 7 through 18 (or graduation). NRS §392.070 states that attendance must be excused when 'a parent of the child chooses to provide education to the child and files a notice of intent to homeschool the child with the superintendent of schools of the school district in which the child resides in accordance with NRS 388D.020.' Children under 7 are not subject to compulsory attendance.

Nevada's homeschool statutes under NRS Chapter 388D do not establish graduation requirements or provide for state-issued diplomas. The educational plan required by NRS §388D.050 does not reference graduation standards. The Nevada System of Higher Education institutions set their own criteria for homeschooled applicants. NAC 389.680 provides credits for correspondence courses for secondary curriculum.

NRS §388D.070 establishes a form for participation in programs and activities at public schools or through the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association for homeschooled students. This provision allows homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities. Specific eligibility conditions and forms are governed by NIAA rules and individual school district policies.