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Nebraska Homeschool-The Home Educators Network, Inc. (NH-HEN) is an information and resource network serving Nebraska and the surrounding areas.  We actively seek and build collaborative relationships within the homeschool community and with local resources that we feel are beneficial to homeschoolers.  Additionally, we offer mentoring to fellow homeschoolers through our services and programs.

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Yes, homeschooling became legal in Nebraska in 1984 and is currently legal in all 50 states.

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Families choose homeschooling for a variety of reasons which may include religious beliefs, other schooling options are not working, school environment is not good, child has special needs, etc. and the list goes on.  But there is a comment thread that runs through all of these reasons...the parents are deciding what content, method, and environment is best for their child's education.

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Yes, anyone who lives in Nebraska can elect to homeschool, but we must follow the Exempt (Home) School Rules established by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) which are based on Nebraska law Section 79-1601 R.R.S.

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No, Exempt (Home) Schools are not required to be accredited nor are the instructors (usually the parents) required to hold any degrees or teaching certificate.

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Yes, parents and instructional monitors are not required to hold any diplomas or degrees.  We encourage you to network with the homeschool community when you need help.

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Yes, Nebraska Homeschool has a New Homeschool Mentor program available at no cost to those who are just getting started.  Please sign-up for a mentoring opportunity within the next week or so.   If you need immediate assistance, please Contact Us now and we will try to reach you within the next 3-5 business days.

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Simply put, 6-18 years of age.   Specifically, according to Section 79-201 R.R.S., "(1) For purposes of this section, a child is of mandatory attendance age if the child (a) will reach six years of age prior to January 1 of the then-current school year and (b) has not reached eighteen years of age."  Feel free to Contact Us or refer to the NDE Exempt School FAQ if you are still uncertain if you need to file for exemption this year.

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According to Section 79-1201.01 R.R.S. a "2) Dual-enrollment course means a course taught to students for credit at both a high school and a postsecondary educational institution;..." 

This is a definition provided for accredited or approved schools. 

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They appear to be two different things. 

Section 79-2,136 R.R.S. discusses part-time enrollment.  This is the statute that is mentioned in the Exempt School Rule 13 Section 001.04.  When an exempt school student uses part of an accredited or approved school within the exempt school program of instruction.

Section 79-1201.01 R.R.S. discusses distant learning for K-12 and dual-enrollment for high school students. 

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Keep in mind that these sections apply to accredited and approved schools.  Exempt schools are free to use any material, any format, or any forum.

According to Section 79-1201.01 R.R.S. a "1) Distance education course means a course with at least one student in any of grades kindergarten through twelve who is in a different location than the teacher and taught by a teacher employed by an educational entity utilizing either two-way interactive video or the Internet without two-way interactive video. Distance education course includes a dual-enrollment course with at least one student who is in a different location than the teacher and taught by a teacher employed by an educational entity utilizing either two-way interactive video or the Internet without two-way interactive video;.."
 

Furthermore, the same statute defines criteria for what is a "qualified distant education course" and sets forth requirements for rules and regulations.  It also specifies "4) Elementary distance education course means a distance education course which is delivered utilizing two-way interactive video to students who are enrolled in any of grades kindergarten through eight;..."

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Yes, many children have attended public schools in the past and are now homeschooled.  There are some who started with homeschooling and now are in public schools.

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No, you can start homeschooling at anytime.  You will need to file paperwork with the Nebraska Department of Education before you can start.

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HSLDA advocates for homeschool freedom worldwide.  They provide legal advice and an attorney on-call 24/7.  They offer consultant services for Toddler thru Tweens (K-8), Struggling Learners, and Homeschooling through High School.  We encourage all homeschool families and supporters to join HSLDA.

Nebraska Homeschool members who are renewing HSLDA memberships can continue to enjoy a $15 discount on their HSLDA membership each year when they use our Discount Code: 291040.  To obtain our HSDLA Discount Code, contact [email protected].  If you want to use our Discount Code, we do ask that you subscribe to our Network News.  We will verify your eligibility a couple times a year with HSLDA.

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Yes, Nebraska Homeschool members receive a discount on membership with the Home School Legal Defense Association.  Just be sure to renew with our Discount Code: 291040.  For your own legal protection as you homeschool (in addition to many additional benefits), Nebraska Homeschool highly recommends membership with HSLDA.

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NCHEA is the longest standing homeschool group in Nebraska and was formed by our "pioneers" of homeschooling in Nebraska.  Founders of this group are responsible for helping secure our homeschooling freedoms in Nebraska and continue to advocate for our continued freedom.  NCHEA offers the largest conference in the state and is able to attract some of the major curriculum providers to their conference.  Additionally, as a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, NCHEA is able to actively lobby for homeschool freedoms with our legislature.  We encourage all homeschool families to support NCHEA through membership so they can continue to provide these services to all of us.  http://www.nchea.org/

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Yes, Nebraska Homeschool is continually networking with other homeschool groups in Nebraska and the surrounding area.  We seek to learn about other groups and what they have to offer so we can pass that information on to you.  While we don't know about all the groups, we'll do our very best to help you.  Feel free to Contact Us if you are looking for a particular type of group or a group in a specific location.

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Yes!  There are resources to help you plan the high school years (curriculum, grading, transcripts, etc.)  In fact, many colleges and universities are eager to accept homeschool graduates.  Nebraska Homeschool offers a High School & Beyond Workshop.  Please sign up for the next workshop.  If you need immediate assistance, please Contact Us now.

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During COVID and the year after, homeschooling spiked across the entire nation, including Nebraska.  Since that time we have not seen an official report from the Nebraska Department of Education - Exempt School Program.  Their website displays estimates only.  You can visit their website for more information.  NDE Exempt School Program