GETTING STARTED

The Law:

• Familiarize yourself with the North Dakota homeschool law.

• Parental qualifications are a high school diploma or a G.E.D.; if you have neither you may still homeschool by having a North Dakota certified teacher monitor you successfully for two years.

• Required subjects are to be taught according to North Dakota Law.  Elemmentary (grades 1 - 8 ) requirements are as follows.  Please see the High School Section for guidelines in those grade areas.

As required by the North Dakota Century Code include English Langrage Arts (reading, composition, creative writing, English grammar and spelling), Mathematics, Social Studies (including the U. S. Constitution, U. S. History, geography and government, and ND studies with an emphasis on geography, history, and agriculture of this state and including the federally recognized Indian tribes in the state in grades 4 & 8) Science (including agriculture), Physical Education, Health (Including physiology, hygiene, disease control, nature and effects of alcohol, tobacco and narcotics).

             *Be aware that each of these subsections in parentheses do not need to be included in each grade…just at some point in grades 1 – 8.

• Consider joining Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).

Support:

• Become a member of the North Dakota Home School Association (NDHSA). See benefits under “Membership”.

• Attend the annual convention.

• Find a support group in your area. For a listing, click on the “Support Group” button and scroll down until you find a town near you.

• Request our free monthly e-newsletter, The Eclectic Report, by contacting our editor at [email protected]

• Consider subscribing to a homeschooling magazine or e-zine.

• Talk to other homeschoolers. You may want to ask a veteran home educator to be your mentor.

Philosophy and Goals:

• Write out the reasons why you want to home educate.

• Read books on homeschooling. These will encourage you and strengthen your resolve.

• Write a list of goals for each child. Reevaluate these annually.

Curriculum and Resources:

• Decide what method you will use. Look over the list of common teaching approaches.

• Look at websites; attend the annual convention or a curriculum fair to see materials. There are various links listed under “Resources”.

• Consider your child’s learning style as you look at curriculum (visual, auditory, hands on).

• If teaching multiple children, would it be possible to combine some grades in certain classes?

• Work at building a good home library.

• Cost for materials will vary according to what you have available and used resources you locate.

Organization:

• Be sure to file your paperwork (beginning August 1, 2023) at least 5 days before you begin. A Statement of Intent must be filed annually for each child between the ages of 7 and 16.  Other documentation only needs to be filed once unless there are updates.

• Organize a place for school whether it be an entire room or a cupboard and bookshelves for supplies.

• Keep records of attendance, progress reports and a listing of curriculum used. It is also nice to keep a book list and sampling of student work in each subject area.

• Find a routine that works with your family and stick to it. You may have to give up other activities for a time as you teach your children.

Discipline:

• Having a foundation of respect and obedience is essential for successful homeschooling.

• You may need to discipline yourself to maintain an organized home and schedule. This will make homeschooling much easier.

• Set up chores for the entire family so everyone pitches in.

Other Tips:

• Plan on taking the first year to adapt; it may take time to correct gaps in your child’s learning and to get your routine established.

• Naming your school helps give your child a sense of belonging.

• Homeschooling is as individual as each family. Find what works for you.

• Be flexible. There may be another curriculum or approach that works better, especially in an area your child is struggling.

• Don’t feel like your homeschool needs to look like the public school. If using traditional textbooks, adapt them for homeschooling.

• Remember, if God has called you to this, He will help you accomplish it! (I Thessalonians 5:24)