Education (Early Childhood)

HB 1472 would have created a legal framework for microschools in North Dakota - defined as educational programs serving no more than 50 students, operated by parents, entrepreneurs, or teachers. The bill would have allowed microschools to operate in homes, community spaces, or public venues without special zoning approvals, while exempting them from standard teacher certification, building codes, and childcare regulations. Parents would have needed to notify school districts of their child’s enrollment, but students would have still met school attendance requirements and been required to take standardized tests in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10. The bill also ensured microschool students could not face discrimination in public school admissions or activities. (Note: The bill failed to pass in February 2025 with 41 votes in favor and 49 against.)

HB 1497 amends North Dakota law to adjust age requirements for four-year-old early childhood programs and update eligibility for the "Best in Class" program. It allows school districts to enroll children who turn four by December 1st (instead of August 1st) based on developmental assessments, directly affecting preschool programs and families of young children. To qualify for "Best in Class" designation, programs must meet specific standards including 400+ hours over 32 weeks, 10+ hours of family engagement, and quality benchmarks. The law affects school districts, early childhood providers, and families seeking program access or state-funded recognition.