Microschool laws in Nebraska

A Rule 14 Approved Nonpublic School model where your school assumes full legal responsibility for enrolled students. Unlike many states, Nebraska requires every teacher of record to hold a valid Nebraska teaching certificate appropriate for grade level and subject. Curriculum documentation must be submitted to NDE. Rule 14 approval enables state recognition as a nonpublic school; separate accreditation is optional. This is a higher-touch pathway than most states — plan for state review of teacher credentials and curriculum before opening.

A shared-resource model where families file their own Rule 13 Exempt School statement by July 15 each year and retain full responsibility for their children's education. Your organization provides space, curriculum support, and programming; families remain the legally responsible exempt-school operators. LB 1027 (2024) simplified Rule 13 by eliminating state testing and visits, making cooperative operation easier.

Nebraska does not provide a standalone certified-tutor exemption. A tutor serving a single family would typically operate under the Rule 13 Exempt School pathway (with the family as the responsible operator) or, if meeting all Rule 14 requirements including Nebraska teaching certification, could operate as a Rule 14 Approved Nonpublic School. There is no superintendent-approved tutor pathway analogous to Virginia's.

Rule 13 (92 NAC 13) explicitly accommodates religious-objector schools — parents may elect exempt status because Rule 14 approval and accreditation requirements would violate sincerely held religious beliefs. This is the traditional pathway for small religious community schools in Nebraska. Alternatively, a religious community school meeting Nebraska teacher certification requirements can operate under Rule 14 for state recognition.

A pre-compulsory-age program for children under age 6 operates under Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Title 391 child care licensing. Categories include Family Child Care Home I (in-home, smaller), Family Child Care Home II (in-home, larger), and Child Care Center (non-residential). Regulations were updated in 2024 with a 12-clock-hour annual training requirement for licensees and staff working more than 20 hours per week.

A part-time program where families file their own Rule 13 Exempt School statement by July 15 and your organization provides 2-3 days per week of on-site programming. Families retain legal responsibility for their exempt schools. If on-site days expand to 4+ per week and you direct curriculum, reclassify as Rule 14 Approved Nonpublic School (requiring certified teachers and curriculum review).

Nebraska does not have a statutory or practical framework for umbrella-school satellite arrangements. Rule 14 Approved Nonpublic Schools receive individual NDE approval and Rule 13 Exempt Schools are parent-filed — neither pathway supports operating a "satellite" under another school's approval. Each nonpublic school operation must file independently under its chosen rule.