Catholic Homeschooling in Nebraska
How to Homeschool in Nebraska
When you homeschool in Nebraska, you are considered a private school. The difference between a typical private school and a homeschool is the homeschool forgoes the accreditation or approval requirements. So, you set up a private school in your home, and then enroll your children in that “school.”
Each year, a form must be filed by a parent or guardian. The form asserts your right to homeschool your children and must be filed by July 15 each year. You also must file a Parent Representative Form and an Information Summary annually, showing a calendar for your homeschool, all instructional monitors, and a scope and sequence for each grade being taught.Â
Finally, you must teach the required subjects and comply with any vaccination requirements, unless you have an exemption.Â
Nebraska Department of Education Home School Information
Rule 13Â is the rule governing the procedures and standards for parents or legal guardians filing for an exemption to the compulsory attendance law.
Annual Filing Forms for Nebraska
Both parents must file several forms annually to stay in compliance. By filing for and receiving exempt status, parents elect to not have their children attend a school that meets state approval and accreditation requirements while also complying with mandatory school attendance law
How to Comply with Nebraska’s Homeschool Law
How to Withdraw Your Child from School in Nebraska
Special Education Provisions for Nebraska
The Importance of Recordkeeping in Nebraska
Lobbying & Advocacy Organizations
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
HSLDA is the nation’s largest homeschool advocacy organization. They protect the rights of homeschoolers in court, advocate for homeschool freedom in state legislatures, and work to advance homeschooling in the public arena.Â
Nebraska Christian Home Education Association
The NCHEA is a volunteer, non-profit organization founded in 1986 whose mission is to encourage and support Christian families in the education of their children at home and to support the rights of Christian parents to homeschool their children. NCHEA provides information and support to homeschoolers in Nebraska, conducts events, and monitors legislation pertaining to home education in Nebraska.
Catholic Homeschool Support Groups
Catholic Homeschool Association of Omaha (CHAO)
The Catholic Homeschool Association of Omaha (CHAO) is an organization of homeschooling families who support and encourage one another through monthly sharing in the Holy Mass and a variety of other educational, social and spiritual activities. They support the renewal of the family within the Church and the world.Â
Holy Child Catholic Homeschoolers
Lincoln, NE
Holy Child Catholic Homeschoolers is a homeschool group offering support and encouragement, social activities, and more.
Lincoln Catholic Homeschooling Moms
Lincoln, NE
This is a Facebook group that connects Catholic homeschool parents in the Lincoln area.Â
Do you know of any Catholic homeschool support groups near you? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
Catholic Homeschool Co-ops
Classically Catholic Memory Co-op
Lincoln, NE
Classically Catholic Memory is a memory work program that is both Catholic and classical in nature. It is designed for children ages 5 through 12, and each year of the program provides 18 weeks of memory work in each subject. CCM is run as a co-op model.
Our Lady of Trust Catholic Co-op
Omaha, NE
Our Lady of Trust Catholic Co-op is a collaborative venture among home-educating parents who are, by the nature of the Sacrament of Matrimony, the primary educators of their children. The focus of this co-op is authentic Catholic teaching in a classical education manner. They offer classes from preschool to high school. This co-op meets at St. John Vianney in Omaha.Â
Do you know of any Catholic homeschool co-ops near you? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
Hybrid Programs & Homeschool Academies
Catholic Schoolhouse
Lincoln, Lincoln 2, Lincoln 3, Omaha, NE
Catholic Schoolhouse is a supplemental program designed to help homeschool families enrich their educational experience through a flexible approach to learning inspired by classical elements presented in a structure environment. They serve students in grades K-8 and meet once a week during the school year.Â
Omaha Homeschool Learning Center
Omaha, NE
The Omaha Homeschool Learning Center is a Christian ministry, founded on ecumenical Catholic principles, which should be respected, but need not be accepted. Classes are open to all homeschoolers, regardless of religious orientation, but parents should be aware that classes may be taught from a Christian perspective. They do this by providing classes to supplement the home curriculum for all ages (3 through high school), bringing classes into one place and time and creating a community of learners and homeschool moms. Kids are free to study or socialize when not in class.
Regina Caeli Omaha
Omaha, NE
Regina Caeli Academy’s University-Style Hybrid approach offers both a strong family life enjoyed by homeschoolers and a formative, Socratic classroom experience for all students. They offer many extra-curricular activities, as well as college preparatory high school offerings. Students meet two days a week at the local campus with the remaining three days spent in learning at home.Â
Do you know of any Catholic hybrid homeschool programs or homeschool academies near you? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
Catholic Homeschool Conferences
The 2024 Catholic Homeschool Conference
Virtual Conference
June 7-8, 2024
Minnesota Catholic Home Education Conference & Curriculum Fair
St. Paul College, St. Paul, MN
May 31 – June 1, 2024
After a 3-year hiatus, the Minnesota Catholic Home Education and Curriculum Conference is back! This annual conference is one of the largest Catholic homeschooling conferences in the country. Listen to speakers from around the country and meet other homeschoolers from your area. Conference attendees can browse through the vendors hall, go to workshops and talks, and network with other homeschoolers. Keynote Speaker 2023: Pam Barnhill, Host of the Your Morning Basket Podcast
Rocky Mountain Catholic Home Educators Conference
Most Precious Blood, Denver, CO
July 12-13, 2024
This annual conference is independent and local, bringing in speakers from around the country. Featured speakers for 2023 include Maureen Wittmann of Homeschool Connections, Kerri Davison of Holy Heroes, Sara Masarik, and Ana Braga-Henebry. Conference attendees can browse through the vendors hall, go to workshops and talks, and network with other homeschoolers.
Kansas City Conference for Catholic Homeschoolers
Grandview, MO
Date TBA
This annual conference is offered to encourage homeschoolers in their vocations as Catholic home educators. Enjoy inspiring talks and presentations, a vendor hall with curriculum, books, and resources, and Mass, confession, and other devotions. Updates can be found on the Kansas City Catholic Homeschool Conference Facebook page.
Local Classes & Programs for Homeschoolers
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Lincoln, Hastings, Fremont, Omaha, North Platte, David City
CGS is a program focusing on the contemplation and enjoyment of God. It is shared in a place particularly prepared for the religious life of children called the Atrium.
National Catholic Committee on Scouting – Region 9
Catholic Scouting – Diocese of Lincoln
St. Joseph Catholic Church Scouting
Lincoln, NE
St. Peter’s Catholic Church Cub Scouts
Lincoln, NE
American Heritage Girls:
Troop NE1980Â
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Omaha, NE
Troop NE0508
St. Patrick Catholic Church, Omaha, NE
Troop NE1877
St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Papillion, NE
Troop NE2017
Cathedral of the Risen Christ Church, Lincoln, NEÂ
Do you know of any great local classes or programs for Catholic homeschoolers? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
Sports for Homeschoolers
Public School Access for Homeschoolers in Nebraska
Part-time enrollment students who are residents of the school district is allowed for participation in sports.Â
Homeschool Gym
YMCA of Lincoln, NE
Designed for homeschoolers, this gym program in Lincoln gives kids a chance to participate in age-specific sports and activities in an instructor-led setting.Â
Omaha Metro Warriors Homeschool Athletics
Omaha, NE
Metro Warriors is a Christian basketball and volleyball program for homeschooled girls.Â
Do you know of any great sports programs for Catholic homeschoolers? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
Diocese & Parish Resources
Shrines & Pilgrimages in Nebraska
Holy Family Shrine
Gretna, NE
Holy Family Shrine is a Catholic chapel located along I-80 near Gretna, Nebraska. Visitors are welcome at the Shrine for Mass, Adoration, and quiet contemplation.Â
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
Arapahoe, NE
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine was built by a former Polish chaplain as a result of a vow he made while a prisoner during WWII. Visitors will enjoy statues of the Our Lady of Fatima, angels, the three children of Fatima, and their flocks.Â
Dowd Memorial Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
Boys Town, NE
Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Grand Island, NE
Cathedral of the Risen Lord
Lincoln, NE
Cathedral of St. Cecilia
Omaha, NE
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church
Cedar Rapids, IA
Construction on St. Anthony’s was completed in 1919. The church was built in the beautiful Romanesque Revival style and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Â
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
Farwell, NE
This parish was founded in 1877 and claims to be the oldest Polish church in Nebraska.Â
Do you know of any Catholic pilgrimage sites or shrines that would be perfect for a homeschool field trip? Let us know by filling out our Resource Submission Form, and we’ll add it here.Â
Field Trips in Nebraska
The Homeschool Mom List of Nebraska Field Trips
Field Trips in Nebraska – Homeschooling in America
Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers in Nebraska:
EASTERN NEBRASKA
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium – Omaha
Omaha Children’s Museum – Omaha
Joselyn Art Museum – Omaha
Nebraska History Museum – Lincoln
NORTHEASTERN NEBRASKA
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park – Royal
Angel De Cora Museum and Research Center – Winnebago
CENTRAL NEBRASKA
MONA Museum of Nebraska Art – Kearney
Stuhr Museum of Prairie Pioneer – Grand Island
WESTERN NEBRASKA
Chimney Rock National Historic Site – Bayard
Fort Robinson History Center – Crawford
Smith Falls State Park – Valentine
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