Homeschooling in Nevada offers families flexibility with low regulations. But funding options are limited, mainly relying on federal programs like Coverdell ESAs.
With approximately 12,000 homeschooled students, Nevada has a significant homeschool community that benefits from understanding available funding options (NCES estimates, 2023). As of 2024, 12 states have enacted universal or near-universal Education Savings Account (ESA) programs, with Arizona's program alone serving over 75,000 students — making state-funded homeschooling more accessible than ever (EdChoice, 2024).
Can I get paid to homeschool in Nevada?
In 2015, Nevada introduced an ESA law, which was the first of its kind in the U.S. Unfortunately, it hasn't been funded. So, for now, homeschool families mainly use federal programs like Coverdell ESAs, which give you $2,000 a year.
What happened to Nevada's ESA?
The story of Nevada's ESA is a lesson in what can go wrong with laws:
- 2015: Nevada passes SB 302, aiming to give families about 90% of state funding for education, with no income limits.
- 2016: The Nevada Supreme Court says the funding method is unconstitutional. The ESA stays, but the funds don’t.
- 2017-Present: Attempts to fund the program have failed. Budget issues and political challenges have kept it from happening.
So, while the law is still on the books, there’s no program to join.
What funding is actually available?
Without a working ESA, Nevada homeschool families rely mainly on federal options.
Nevada homeschool requirements
Good news: Nevada has low regulations for homeschoolers:
- Notification: You need to file a Notice of Intent to Homeschool with your school district.
- No curriculum requirements: Choose any curriculum you want.
- No testing: There’s no mandatory standardized testing.
- No oversight: No portfolio reviews or progress checks.
Nevada trusts parents to educate their kids without state interference, but you won’t get state help.
Virtual school options
If you want free curriculum, Nevada has public virtual schools:
- Nevada Virtual Academy (NVVA)
- Nevada Connections Academy
- District-operated virtual options
Keep in mind: These schools provide free curriculum, but you must enroll and follow their programs. This means you’ll have less independence, which is often why families choose homeschooling.
Nevada homeschool funding at a glance
Nevada's ESA is just a law on paper. There’s no money behind it. So, families mainly rely on federal programs and their own resources for funding.
Will Nevada ever fund its ESA?
The ESA law could be funded in the future, but it’s uncertain:
- Challenges: Political changes since 2015 and budget priorities often focus on other programs.
- Possibilities: The law is passed, just needs funding. If regional school choice gains momentum, that might help.
For now, Nevada homeschoolers should focus on current funding options instead of waiting for a program that’s been unfunded for years.
Community resources
Nevada's homeschool community is supportive:
- Nevada Homeschool Network: A state organization with helpful resources.
- Homeschool co-ops: Available in cities like Las Vegas and Reno.
- Support groups: Connect with others in regional networks.
- Used curriculum sales: Participate in community swaps.
These resources help families connect and share costs, which is especially important with limited state funding.
The bottom line
Nevada's ESA is a historic law that never got funding. So, the state offers no support for homeschool families. However, the low regulations mean you have the freedom to homeschool how you like, without strict rules.
The Coverdell ESAs are your main financial option. With Nevada's active homeschool community and minimal compliance, most families manage well—they just need to cover costs themselves.
