Starting a Private School in Nebraska
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Our team has curated the best resources and information available about starting a private school in Nebraska. Enjoy!
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Starting a School Guide
See what else you need to know about starting a private school. From your curriculum to your marketing, and everything in-between.
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Nebraska State Regulations
General Regulations
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In Nebraska, a nonpublic school must be (a) accredited; (b) approved; or (c) receive an exemption from the Commissioner of Education from the requirements for the operation of approved private schools.
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The Nebraska Department of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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In Nebraska, “home schools” are referred to as exempt schools and are considered private non-approved and non-accredited schools.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Nebraska.
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The Nebraska DOE has no published requirements for school insurance — consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
Nebraska does not provide funding for private education.
Curriculum Requirements
Teacher Certification & Hiring
Accredited and approved schools must have certified teachers. Schools that are not accredited or approved do not have to have certified teachers, but do need to be able to prove subject area competence through some other means.
Food Services / Lunch
In Nebraska, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Department of Education.
Length of School Year
A school year must be no less than 1,032 instructional hours for elementary school and 1,080 instructional hours for high school. Kindergarten’s school term must be at least 400 clock hours.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Schools must maintain student enrollment and attendance records. These reports must be passed along to the state each year.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Schools must get immunization records or documentation of medical or religious exemption from all students. Approved or accredited schools must conduct monthly fire drills.
Transportation
School boards providing transportation for children attending public schools must also provide transportation on the regular public school bus routes without cost for children attending nonprofit private schools within the district
Testing
Accredited and approved schools are required to administer a standardized norm-referenced test in at least one grade in each of the following three levels: grades four to six, grades seven to nine, and grades 10 to 12.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters

Nebraska State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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Independent Schools Association of the Central States: ISACS leads schools to pursue exemplary independent education.
Government Websites
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Guide Quick-Nav

Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.

School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.

Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.

Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.

Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.

Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.

Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.

Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?

Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures

Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.

Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.