Homeschooling in Nevada

Legal Basis for Homeschooling

Homeschooling in Nevada is governed by NRS 388D.010 through 388D.100 (the Alternative School Choices chapter) and NRS 392.070 (which excuses attendance for homeschooled children). These statutes establish homeschooling as a recognized educational option and outline the basic requirements families must meet.

Compulsory Attendance

Nevada's compulsory attendance law covers children ages 7 through 18. Under NRS 392.040, children between these ages must attend school unless they are receiving instruction through a compliant homeschool program. Children who are 6 years old and enrolled in public school are also subject to attendance requirements, but children who have never been enrolled and are under 7 are not required to attend.

Notice of Intent

Before you begin homeschooling, you must file a Notice of Intent to Homeschool with the superintendent of schools in the school district where your child resides (NRS 388D.020). This is a one-time filing — you do not need to refile annually unless you move to a different school district or your child re-enrolls in and then leaves a public school.

The school district will provide you a written acknowledgment confirming your notification, which serves as legal proof that your child is in compliance with Nevada's compulsory attendance law. Keep this acknowledgment in a safe place.

Educational Plan

Under NRS 388D.040, you must prepare an educational plan of instruction for your child in the following subject areas:

• English (including reading, composition, and writing)
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies (including history, geography, economics, and government)

The plan should be appropriate for your child's age and skill level, as determined by you, the parent. Importantly, the law does not require you to teach every subject every year — you have flexibility to emphasize different subjects in different years.

You are not required to submit your educational plan to the school district or any government agency. It is for your use in directing your child's education.

Teacher Qualifications

Nevada has no teacher qualification requirements for homeschool parents. You do not need a teaching certificate, college degree, or any specific educational credential to teach your children at home.

Recordkeeping

While Nevada law does not explicitly mandate specific recordkeeping practices, maintaining organized records is a best practice. Keep your Notice of Intent acknowledgment, educational plans, attendance records, work samples, and any test results. These documents protect you legally and are useful for college applications.

Withdrawing from Public School

If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, file your Notice of Intent with the school district and submit a written withdrawal to your child's school. The district must release your child's educational records to you upon request.

Nevada's ESA: Passed but Not Funded

Nevada made national headlines in 2015 by passing the first universal Education Savings Account (ESA) program in the nation. However, the Nevada Supreme Court blocked the funding mechanism in 2016, and the legislature has never appropriated money to implement the program. As of 2026, there is no application, no funding, and no operational ESA program in Nevada.

The 2025 legislative session included SB 252, which attempted to revive the ESA program with approximately $6,000–$7,000 per student annually. The bill did not advance past its deadline, leaving the ESA program dormant.

Nevada Opportunity Scholarship

Nevada offers the Nevada Educational Choice Scholarship Program (also known as the Opportunity Scholarship). This is a tax-credit scholarship program where businesses receive a credit for donating to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations. Families can apply for scholarships to offset educational costs. Eligibility and availability vary — check with Nevada SGOs for current information.

Federal Options

Without a functioning state ESA, Nevada homeschool families primarily rely on federal savings vehicles:

• Coverdell Education Savings Account: Save up to $2,000 per child per year with tax-free growth. Qualified withdrawals cover curriculum, tutoring, computers, supplies, and more.
• 529 Plan (Nevada's SSgA Upromise 529): While primarily for college savings, federal rules allow up to $10,000 per year for K-12 tuition expenses. Nevada has no state income tax, so there is no state tax deduction, but growth is still tax-free.

Looking Ahead

School choice advocates continue to push for ESA funding in Nevada. If the legislature eventually funds the existing ESA law, it could provide thousands of dollars per student annually for homeschool expenses. Watch for developments in the 2027 legislative session.