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North Dakota Homeschool Curriculum Requirements by Subject
North Dakota’s homeschool law is straightforward: you must teach five core subjects, maintain documentation, and if your child is in a tested grade (4, 6, 8, 10), they must score at or above the 50th percentile on a standardized assessment. Beyond that, the state doesn’t mandate specific curricula, textbooks, or teaching methods.
Here’s what you need to know about each required subject and how to ensure compliance.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota requires: English, math, social studies, science, and PE
- Social studies MUST include US history, government, and geography—plus ND-specific content recommended
- Students in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 must test at 50th percentile or higher
- No state-prescribed textbooks or curricula; flexibility in methods and materials
- Documentation matters: keep records of curriculum used, assignments, and assessments
North Dakota’s Five Required Subjects
1. English Language Arts
Minimum Requirements:
- Reading comprehension and fluency
- Writing (composition, grammar, mechanics)
- Speaking and listening skills
- Literature and vocabulary development
What this looks like in practice:
- Elementary: Read-alouds, independent reading, copywork, narration exercises, basic composition
- Middle school: Literature analysis, essay writing, research skills, presentation
- High school: Literature analysis, persuasive writing, research papers, public speaking
Popular ND curriculum choices:
- IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing): Structured writing instruction with strong ND following
- Homeschool+: Comprehensive English covering all components
- Sonlight: Literature-rich with integrated writing
- Write & Improve/Bravewriter: Student-centered approaches
Testing consideration: Standardized assessments (DIBELS, ITBS, or state-approved alternatives) test reading fluency, comprehension, and written expression.
2. Mathematics
Minimum Requirements:
- Number sense and operations
- Patterns and algebra
- Geometry and measurement
- Data analysis and probability
Grade-level progression:
- K-3: Foundational computation, place value, basic operations
- 4-6: Multi-digit operations, fractions, decimals, introduction to algebra
- 7-9: Algebra I, geometry, statistics
- 10-12: Advanced algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or higher
Popular ND curriculum choices:
- Saxon Math: Traditional, drill-based, highly sequential
- Beast Academy: Game-based math for elementary/middle
- Singapore Math: Visual, problem-solving focused
- Art of Problem Solving: Enrichment and competition prep
- Khan Academy: Free, self-paced, works as primary or supplement
Testing consideration: Math is heavily weighted on standardized tests. Ensure curriculum aligns with grade-level standards. Practice with multi-choice assessments for tested grades (4, 6, 8, 10).
3. Social Studies (Must Include US History, Government, Geography)
Mandatory components:
- US History: Colonial period through modern era; westward expansion particularly relevant to ND
- Government: Federal system, separation of powers, state and local government
- Geography: Physical and human geography; North Dakota geography and resources
North Dakota-specific content (highly recommended):
- Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) and its impact
- Native American tribes: Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara (MHA Nation), Standing Rock Sioux, Turtle Mountain Chippewa
- Theodore Roosevelt’s connection to the Dakota Territory and conservation legacy
- Dakota Territory settlement and homesteading
- Scandinavian immigration and cultural heritage
- Agriculture and ranching in the Great Plains
- Badlands geology and Bakken oil formation
Grade-level organization (typical scope):
- K-3: Civic skills, holidays, simple history, community helpers
- 4-6: State history (ND), US history foundations, geography skills, government basics
- 7-9: US history in depth, civics, world history, map skills
- 10-12: US government, civics, advanced history, economics
Popular ND curriculum choices:
- Notgrass History: Hands-on, literature-rich; Exploring the Great Plains covers ND/western expansion specifically
- Grapevine Studies: Thematic approach integrating history, literature, science
- Sonlight: Chronological world history with American history emphasis
- Crash Course: Free YouTube history for high school
- ND Heritage Center materials: Free, ND-specific curriculum units
Testing consideration: Social studies is sometimes included on state assessments. ND focus areas (Native American history, prairie ecology, westward expansion) often appear. Integrate rather than isolate.
4. Science
Minimum Requirements:
- Life science (biology, ecology, health)
- Physical science (physics, chemistry)
- Earth science (geology, weather, space)
- Scientific method and inquiry skills
Grade-level progression:
- K-3: Observational science, living things, seasons, simple machines
- 4-6: Ecology, human body, states of matter, simple physics
- 7-9: Biology, chemistry, physical science, earth systems
- 10-12: Biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy/physiology, advanced topics
North Dakota-specific content:
- Badlands geology and formation
- Prairie ecosystems and native plants/animals
- Missouri River ecology
- Bakken oil formation and extraction
- Glaciation history of the Great Plains
- Native plants and sustainable agriculture
Popular ND curriculum choices:
- Apologia Science: Conceptual, observation-based
- Sassafras Science Adventures: Hands-on, narrative-driven for elementary
- Liberty Science: Online, accredited, structured
- Khan Academy Science: Free, video-based
- Homeschool+: Comprehensive, flexible science modules
Testing consideration: Science is tested in some grades. Ensure hands-on observation and lab work, not just reading. Real-world ND science connections strengthen comprehension.
5. Physical Education
Minimum Requirements:
- Regular physical activity (typically 150+ minutes/week recommended)
- Movement skills and fitness
- Health and wellness concepts
- Organized sports or physical activities
How to document PE:
- Sports participation (soccer, basketball, swimming, track)
- Homeschool PE programs (fitness videos, structured workouts)
- Martial arts, dance, gymnastics
- Outdoor activities (hiking, biking, skiing)
- Family fitness activities
- School sports through a non-public school or co-op
ND Special Note: Homeschoolers can participate in NDHSAA (ND High School Activities Association) sports if enrolled at a non-public school. Many participate through private academies or district enrollment while homeschooling.
Popular options for ND families:
- Local sports teams and leagues (minimal cost)
- Cross-fit or fitness programs
- PE curriculum: Apologia’s Faith & Fitness, GoNoodle, or YouTube fitness channels
- Homeschool PE co-ops (often free or low-cost through groups)
- Outdoor activity logging (hiking, biking, skiing—abundant in ND)
Honest assessment: PE is the easiest subject to document. Active outdoor play, family bike rides, and sports participation all count.
Grade-Level Depth Expectations
Elementary (K-3)
Breadth over depth. Introduce all subjects, develop foundational skills, build curiosity.
- English: Phonics, reading fluency, simple writing
- Math: Computation and number sense
- Social studies: Community, simple history, geography awareness
- Science: Observation and natural world exploration
- PE: Play, basic movement skills
Upper Elementary (4-6)
Foundational skills solidified; deeper concepts introduced.
- English: Comprehension, paragraph writing, research basics
- Math: Multi-digit operations, fractions, early algebra
- Social studies: ND and US history in depth, civics, geography skills
- Science: Systems (human body, ecosystems, weather)
- PE: Organized sports or structured activities
Middle School (7-9)
Complexity increases; independent thinking emerges.
- English: Essay writing, literature analysis, public speaking
- Math: Algebra I, early geometry
- Social studies: US history, world history, government
- Science: Comprehensive biology, physical science, earth science
- PE: Preferred sport or regular fitness activity
High School (10-12)
Academic rigor and depth for college preparation.
- English: AP-level literature, research, rhetoric
- Math: Algebra II, geometry, trigonometry, or higher
- Social studies: Government, economics, history electives
- Science: Biology, chemistry, physics, plus specialized electives
- PE: Sustained activity or sports participation
Assessment & Documentation
What you must keep:
- Curriculum titles and materials used
- Reading lists and literature titles
- Assignments and projects completed
- Test scores and assessment results
- Records of PE activities
- Log of subjects covered and hours per subject
Testing in grades 4, 6, 8, 10:
- Use a ND-approved standardized assessment: ITBS, DIBELS, SAT, ACT, or similar
- Score must be 50th percentile or higher in subjects tested
- You arrange and pay for testing (typically $50-$150 per assessment)
- Report results to your local school district (copies kept for records)
If your child doesn’t meet 50th percentile:
- Work with school district on remediation plan
- Document interventions and progress
- Retest may be required or alternative assessment used
- Most families see improvement with targeted instruction in weak areas
Practical Compliance: Building Your Curriculum Map
- Choose your core curriculum (boxed program, eclectic mix, or unschooling framework) Best homeschool curriculum north dakota
- Map it against ND requirements to ensure all five subjects are covered
- Add ND-specific content to social studies and science (about 10-15% of instruction)
- Create a documentation system: Spreadsheet, binder, or digital portfolio showing subject coverage
- Plan for testing: If grades 4, 6, 8, or 10 approach, select assessment and build practice into curriculum
- Keep receipts and records of curriculum purchases and assessment costs for tax documentation
Final Word
North Dakota’s requirements are learner-focused and flexible. The state trusts you to choose appropriate curriculum as long as all five core subjects are covered and tested students meet the 50th percentile benchmark. The requirement to include North Dakota history, government, and geography is actually an advantage—it makes education locally relevant and memorable.
Start with a solid curriculum covering all five subjects, integrate ND-specific content where it naturally fits (especially in social studies and science), and document your choices. You’re not just meeting compliance—you’re building an educated child who understands their state.
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Related Resources
- Best homeschool curriculum north dakota
- Free homeschool curriculum north dakota
- Online homeschool programs north dakota
More homeschooling resources: Homeschooling by State (All 50 States) | Complete North Dakota Homeschooling Guide