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North Dakota Homeschool Curriculum by Grade Level: K-12 Guide
One of homeschooling’s biggest questions is scope: “What should my 3rd grader be learning? How does that compare to a 7th grader? When do we introduce algebra?”
North Dakota doesn’t prescribe specific grade-level standards, but the state does expect students in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 to test at the 50th percentile, which implies age-appropriate depth at each level. This guide outlines what each grade level should cover, what your curriculum needs to include, and how to ensure you’re progressing appropriately.
Key Takeaways
- K-3: Foundational skills and broad exposure; no testing requirement
- 4-6: Increased depth; testing in grades 4 and 6 requires 50th percentile benchmark
- 7-9: Subject complexity increases; testing in grade 8
- 10-12: College-prep rigor; testing in grade 10; clear transcript needed for high school
- ND-specific content (history, geography, science) should be integrated throughout, not isolated
Kindergarten & 1st Grade: Foundation & Love of Learning
Primary Goal: Build foundational skills in reading and math while fostering curiosity and joy in learning.
What to cover:
| Subject | K Focus | 1st Grade Focus |
|—|—|—|
| Reading | Letter recognition, phonemic awareness, oral language | Phonics, sight words, early fluency, read-alouds |
| Math | Number recognition (0-10), counting, patterns, basic shapes | Addition/subtraction within 10, number sense to 20, measurement concepts |
| Science | Nature observation, five senses, seasons, simple living/nonliving | Weather patterns, plants and animals, basic human body, safety |
| Social Studies | Family, community helpers, neighborhood, holidays | Community, basic maps, holidays, simple history (long ago vs. now) |
| PE | Gross motor skills, play, movement | Organized play, basic sports skills, fitness habits |
| Extras | Art, music, read-alouds | Same, plus beginning phonics workbooks |
Recommended curriculum:
- Reading: Phonics curriculum (Orton-Gillingham based like Barton, or traditional like Horizons) + lots of read-alouds
- Math: Saxon K/1, Singapore Math Earlybird, or Horizons (mastery-based, not spiraling)
- Science: Narration-based (Charlotte Mason approach) or observation journals
- Social Studies: Simple literature about communities, families, basic maps
- Cost estimate: $500-$800/year
Time requirements:
- ND requires 175 school days and 4 hours daily
- K/1st grade: Realistic = 2-3 hours actual instruction (includes read-alouds, play-based learning)
- Ramp up to closer to 4 hours by end of 1st grade
ND-specific additions:
- Local community field trips (fire station, farm, library)
- Read-alouds about prairie life, pioneers, Native Americans (age-appropriate)
- Observation of seasonal changes in ND (snow, spring thaw, summer growth)
—
2nd & 3rd Grade: Skill Consolidation & Reading Independence
Primary Goal: Solidify reading fluency, master single-digit computation, and begin independent learning habits.
What to cover:
| Subject | 2nd Grade | 3rd Grade |
|—|—|—|
| Reading | Reading fluency (100+ words/min), comprehension, beginning chapter books | Reading fluency (120+ wpm), more complex stories, early chapter books independently |
| Math | Two-digit addition/subtraction, basic multiplication introduction, measurement | Three-digit operations, skip counting, early multiplication facts, fractions intro |
| Science | Life cycles, habitats, weather patterns, human body systems | Ecosystems, simple physics (forces, energy), Earth systems, human body detail |
| Social Studies | ND history (Native Americans, pioneers), geography skills, state/local | US history (early settlers), geography (maps, resources), state symbols/government intro |
| PE | Organized sports skills, movement patterns, fitness | Team sports basics, individual sports, fitness routines |
| Extras | Art projects, music, memory work (states, capitals, poems) | Same, plus beginning writing compositions |
Recommended curriculum:
- Reading: Phonics completion + literature (Sonlight, Story of the World read-alouds)
- Math: Saxon 2/3, Singapore Math 2/3 (continue mastery approach)
- Writing: Copywork, narration, simple compositions (not formal grammar yet)
- Social Studies: Story of the World Vol. 1 + ND-specific history books
- Cost estimate: $600-$900/year
Time requirements:
- Realistic: 3-4 hours including transitions and read-alouds
- Increase structured work as reading fluency improves
ND-specific additions:
- Read-alouds: Pete’s Pond (Lewis and Clark), Native American stories
- Field trips: ND Heritage Center (FREE), local history museums
- Seasonal nature study: Migratory birds, plant growth, weather patterns
- Geography: ND rivers, borders, regions, resources
Testing note: Not a tested grade, but skills here determine 4th-grade readiness.
—
4th & 5th Grade: Increased Depth & Independent Study
Primary Goal: Deepen reading comprehension and written expression; strengthen math and problem-solving; introduce research and independent thinking.
What to cover:
| Subject | 4th Grade (TESTED) | 5th Grade |
|—|—|—|
| Reading | Comprehension strategies, 150+ wpm fluency, literary analysis, diverse genres | Chapter books independently, literary devices, fiction and nonfiction analysis |
| Math | Multi-digit multiplication/division, fractions (halves, thirds, fourths), decimals | Division mastery, fractions (all), decimals (addition/subtraction), early algebra concepts |
| Writing | Paragraph writing, simple essays, editing basics, handwriting | Multi-paragraph compositions, research basics, revision, grammar rules |
| Science | Earth science (rocks, water cycle, weather), life science (ecosystems, cells intro), physical science | Expanded ecosystems, human body systems detail, simple machines, states of matter |
| Social Studies | US history (Colonial through early 1800s), ND history, map skills, government basics | US history (westward expansion—Lewis & Clark key!), ND focus, geography, civics |
| PE | Team and individual sports, fitness understanding, movement | Same, plus health concepts |
Recommended curriculum:
- Reading: Novel study + read-alouds (Sonlight, Notgrass, or literature units)
- Math: Saxon 4/5 or Singapore 4/5 (deepen mastery as spiraling increases)
- Writing: IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) or Writing With Ease
- Social Studies: Notgrass Exploring the Great Plains or Story of the World Vol. 2
- Science: Apologia or Sonlight science (inquiry-based)
- Cost estimate: $900-$1,500/year
4th Grade Testing (Required):
- Assessment: ITBS, DIBELS, SAT, or approved alternative
- Benchmark: 50th percentile or higher
- Timeline: Administer spring of 4th grade; report to local school district
- Coverage: Reading, math, possibly language arts and science depending on assessment
- Parent prep: Practice tests available; ensure curriculum aligns with assessment standard
ND-specific additions:
- Exploring the Great Plains textbook and reader
- Lewis and Clark research projects (primary sources at ND Heritage Center)
- Native American history: Mandan, Hidatsa, Dakota, Cheyenne tribes
- Field trips: Fort Abraham Lincoln, Knife River Indian Villages, Theodore Roosevelt NP
- Geography: ND rivers, oil formation, prairie ecosystem
—
6th & 7th Grade: Growing Complexity & Middle School Mindset
Primary Goal: Transition to independent note-taking and research; introduce essay writing; expand math to pre-algebra.
What to cover:
| Subject | 6th Grade (TESTED) | 7th Grade |
|—|—|—|
| Reading | Literary analysis, multi-perspective texts, reading level 750-850L | Thematic analysis, literary criticism, diverse authors and genres |
| Math | Division mastery, fractions/decimals/percentages, early ratio and proportion | Ratios, proportions, introduction to pre-algebra concepts, integers |
| Writing | Five-paragraph essays, research papers (5-8 pages), citation basics | Longer research papers (8-12 pages), persuasive writing, rhetoric introduction |
| Science | Earth science (geology, weather systems), life science (ecology, cells), physical science | Biology emphasis, taxonomy, evolution introduction, chemistry basics |
| Social Studies | US history (Westward expansion through Civil War), ND focus, geography, civics | US history (Civil War through 1900s), world history intro, government, economics intro |
| PE | Sport skills, fitness testing, health/nutrition concepts | Same, plus personal fitness planning |
Recommended curriculum:
- Math: Pre-algebra track begins (Saxon 6, Singapore 6, or forward-thinking program like Beast Academy)
- Writing: IEW (continues), formal essay structure
- History: Notgrass Exploring the Great Plains continuation, Story of the World Vol. 3
- Science: Life science focus (biology prep)
- Cost estimate: $1,000-$1,600/year
6th Grade Testing (Required):
- Similar to 4th grade but increased depth expectation
- Reading comprehension more complex
- Math requires multi-step problem-solving
- Science and social studies often included
ND-specific additions:
- Dakota history deep-dive (settlement, statehood 1889)
- Native American tribes as complex societies (not “historical” but present)
- Geography: climate zones, resources, Bakken oil formation
- Ecology: prairie restoration, Missouri River ecosystem
—
8th & 9th Grade: High School Preparation Begins
Primary Goal: Introduce high school-level rigor; begin building transcript; explore interests for high school direction.
What to cover:
| Subject | 8th Grade (TESTED) | 9th Grade |
|—|—|—|
| Reading | Advanced literary analysis, research skills, academic writing | Literature survey, AP-prep reading, college-level texts |
| Math | Algebra I (most students) or advanced 8th-grade concepts | Algebra I completion or Geometry (student dependent) |
| Writing | Academic essay, research papers (10+ pages), MLA citation | Persuasive, analytical, research writing; AP essay introduction |
| Science | Earth science, life science, physical science concepts | Biology (often) or general high school science; lab-based |
| Social Studies | US history (Reconstruction through present), government, geography, economics | World history OR continued US history; civics/government; possible AP prep |
| Electives | Begin foreign language if planning college prep | Foreign language (recommended 2-3 years for college); art or music |
Recommended curriculum:
- Math: Algebra I program (Saxon, Singapore, Art of Problem Solving)
- History: Advanced American history or world history
- Science: Comprehensive biology or earth science
- Writing: Continued advanced instruction
- Cost estimate: $1,200-$2,000/year
8th Grade Testing (Required):
- More rigorous than grades 4 and 6
- Algebra I concepts likely included in math
- Reading at high school level expected
- Science and social studies depth increases
Transcript considerations (starting now):
- Begin keeping transcript records (credits, grades, courses)
- Document reading lists and major assignments
- Plan high school course sequence
ND-specific additions:
- Advanced ND history and government
- Environmental science connections (prairie ecology, oil/water resources)
- Possible college audits if near Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks universities
—
10th, 11th, & 12th Grade: High School Rigor & College Prep
Primary Goal: Build rigorous transcript; prepare for college or career; develop independent learning; test in grade 10.
What to cover:
| Subject | 10th (TESTED) | 11th | 12th |
|—|—|—|—|
| English | English 10 (Literature) or AP Language | English 11 (Comp/Rhetoric) or AP Lit | AP Language, AP Lit, or senior seminar |
| Math | Geometry or Algebra II | Algebra II or Pre-Calc | Pre-Calc, Statistics, Calculus, or AP |
| History | US History or AP US History | World History, AP European, or electives | Government, AP US Gov, economics, electives |
| Science | Biology or Chemistry | Chemistry or Physics | Physics, environmental science, AP science |
| Electives | Foreign language, arts, CTE | Same options; depth increases | Same, with AP options |
| Other | Plan SAT/ACT timing | SAT/ACT testing | College applications if college-bound |
10th Grade Testing (Required):
- Standard setting high; college prep expected
- Reading, math (algebra expected), science, social studies
- SAT or ACT prep often begins this year
- For special needs: Alternative assessment possible if IEP in place; contact ND Dept. of Public Instruction for modifications
Recommended curriculum (high school):
- Math: Geometry (Art of Problem Solving, Saxon, or online)
- English: Books of historical/literary significance + formal literature analysis
- Science: Biology (first science) progressing through chemistry, physics
- History: US History (grades 10-11) + electives
- Electives: Foreign language (2-3 years minimum), arts, coding, engineering
- Cost estimate: $1,500-$2,500/year
Transcript requirements:
- Course name, credits, grade/completion
- Reading lists for literature classes
- Major assignments or portfolio for each course
- College-ready documentation clear
ND-specific additions:
- ND Government requirement: Civics or Government course (typically 10th-11th grade)
- Economics elective (increasingly expected for college prep)
- Environmental science connections: Sustainable agriculture, energy resources, prairie restoration
- Internships or real-world learning in career-interest areas
College preparation (10-12):
- SAT/ACT testing (grade 10-11 ideally; free SAT offered in many ND schools)
- AP courses (if available online or through local schools)
- College audits (many ND universities allow free audits by high schoolers)
- Transcripts prepared for college applications
—
Special Situations: Grade Acceleration & Remediation
If your child is advanced:
- Move math 1-2 years ahead (common and encouraged)
- Advanced readers: Literature depth increases faster than grade level
- Don’t feel obligated to accelerate every subject
- ND testing still uses child’s actual grade, not math level
If your child needs additional support:
- Retain grade-level framework but allow extra time
- Build in tutoring or additional instruction before testing grades
- Use specialized curriculum (Orton-Gillingham for dyslexia, for example)
- Contact special education coordinator at local school district for guidance
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Building Your Year: Practical Planning
- Identify your child’s current level across subjects (may vary by subject)
- Choose curriculum that targets appropriate grade level Best homeschool curriculum north dakota
- Map out 175 days across 4-hour school days (about 36 weeks)
- Plan for tested years (grades 4, 6, 8, 10):
- Add 4-6 weeks of test prep starting in January
- Choose assessment by July previous year
- Register and pay for testing by February
- Track progress monthly and adjust pacing if needed
- Document everything: Courses taken, books read, major assignments
—
Final Word
Grade-by-grade progression isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your child may be advanced in reading but on-level in math. That’s normal and fine. ND’s flexible framework lets you customize grade-level expectations to your child’s actual development.
The key: By grades 4, 6, 8, and 10, your child needs to demonstrate learning at or above 50th percentile on a standardized measure. Working backward from that ensures you’re building skills appropriately each year.
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Related Resources
- Best homeschool curriculum north dakota
- North dakota homeschool curriculum requirements by subject
- Online homeschool programs north dakota
- Homeschool methods explained north dakota
More homeschooling resources: Homeschooling by State (All 50 States) | Complete North Dakota Homeschooling Guide