HOMESCHOOLING IN NORTH CAROLINA & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering homeschooling your child in North Carolina, but don’t know where to start regarding state regulations and requirements. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to successfully set up your own homeschool program legally in North Carolina. We’ll cover the history of and requirements for homeschooling in North Carolina, current laws and regulations, required notifications and filings, curriculum and testing choices, transcripts, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services.
History of Homeschooling in North Carolina
In the 1970s and 1980s, as home schooling gained traction in North Carolina, educational options were limited to public and private schools overseen by the Department of Non-Public Education (DNPE). Legal battles ensued in the early 1980s, initially unfavorable to home schooling until North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE) emerged in 1984 to organize homeschoolers and advocate for their rights under homeschool laws in North Carolina. A significant victory came with the 1985 Delconte v. State ruling, permitting homeschools to operate akin to a private school.
In 2013, proposed NC homeschool laws to grant homeschoolers access to public school sports and offer tax credits did not pass due to concerns about undermining public education funding and integrity. Despite having a relaxed homeschool law, North Carolina remains cautious about measures potentially compromising public education.
Current North Carolina Homeschool Laws and Regulations
North Carolina’s compulsory state laws require all children between the ages of 7 and 16 to attend an educational institution. However, home schooling is a legally recognized alternative to public or private schooling. A home school is defined as a nonpublic educational institution where one or more children from up to two families or households receive academic instruction from a parent, legal guardians, or a member of either household, as outlined in the homeschool law.
Any new home school must send a notice of intent to operate to the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education. Notice must be provided when the home school is terminated in accordance with the homeschool law.
Upon establishment, home schools must choose to operate as either a Private Church or Nonpublic School of Religious Character, or a Qualified Nonpublic School consisting of not more than two families or households where the members of either household determine the scope and sequence of academic instruction. A parent must meet the following homeschool requirements in North Carolina under the homeschool law:
Hold at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Operate the home school on a regular schedule for at least nine calendar months per school year, excluding reasonable holidays and vacations.
Maintain annual attendance logs.
Maintain immunization documents for each child.
Administer a nationally standardized achievement test annually to each child and retain the results for at least one year.
Instruction must take place in the English language and must include the following subjects: English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics. The state law does not mandate specific hours of instruction or grade levels.
Children who are properly homeschooled under these requirements are exempt from the compulsory attendance law, per the homeschool law.
It’s important to note that NC homeschool law provides a great deal of flexibility and autonomy to a parent. The state does not specify curriculum requirements, mandate specific qualifications for teachers beyond a high school diploma or require routine submission of attendance or testing records under the homeschooling law in North Carolina.
How to Set Up a Homeschool In North Carolina
If you’re ready to start homeschooling in North Carolina, here’s a step-by-step guide to start your homeschool journey:
Select a name for your school.
Choose a curriculum.
Ensure that the parent or guardian who will be teaching holds at least a high school diploma or GED.
Submit one Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School to the NC Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE). This notice can be filed online here before the next coming June at least five days prior to the initial opening date.
The notice should include:
The homeschool’s name and mailing address.
The name and address of the homeschool’s owner and chief administrator (usually the parent/guardian).
The date the new homeschool will begin operating.
A description of the school’s purpose and mission.
Confirmation that the required subjects will be taught.
The administrator’s signature.
Wait to receive an acknowledgement letter from the DNPE, which serves as the official recognition of your homeschool. This letter will include a non public school identification number to be used on subsequent correspondence with DNPE. You can legally begin homeschooling as soon as you receive this acknowledgement.
Start instruction, following the requirements of the homeschool law regarding regular operation, maintenance of attendance and immunization records, and annual standardized testing.
If your student attends or attended an institution in the previous or present school year, you must officially withdraw them by providing to the registrar a copy of your registration form. Failure to officially notify may result in truancy violations.
For families moving to North Carolina from another state, the process is the same as above. Just file the Notice of Intent form once you have established residency in the state and can provide a NC mailing address. There is no required waiting period before a child can receive instruction. Importantly, teacher certification is not required to learn how to homeschool in North Carolina beyond the parent holding a high school diploma or equivalent.
Maintaining Your North Carolina Homeschool
To maintain a legally operating established homeschool in North Carolina, there are a few key requirements under the homeschool law:
Provide academic instruction on a “regular schedule” for at least nine calendar months each year. Different laws do not define “regular schedule,” but most homeschools operate on a traditional 9-month academic calendar, but year-round schooling is also permissible.
Maintain records of attendance for each student. These records do not need to be submitted to the state routinely but must be available for inspection in the principal office of your homeschool at all reasonable hours for annual inspection by a duly authorized representative of the state of NC. An attendance calendar or log noting days of academic instruction is sufficient.
Ensure each student has the required immunizations for their grade level, or claim a legal exemption. Maintain each student’s immunization records on file.
Administer a nationally standardized achievement test annually. Retain these test results on file for at least one year. Tests must be administered under standardized conditions by a qualified test administrator. Many North Carolina homeschool groups offer group testing opportunities for common tests.
Teach, at minimum, the required subjects of grammar, reading, spelling and mathematics. Most homeschools offer a much broader range of subjects, but these are the minimum required by the homeschool law.
North Carolina Homeschool Reporting Requirements
Compared to many other states, North Carolina has very minimal legal requirements regarding reporting for homeschools.
The only times you are required to file documentation with the state are:
Filing the initial Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School.
Notifying the DNPE when you terminate or stop operating. This can be done online at Opening, Closing, Reopening NC Home Schools | NC DOA or by mailing in a Termination of Home School form.
The state does not require homeschools to submit attendance records, test scores, immunization records, student transcripts, or any other educational documentation to the state, as long as proper records are being maintained by the home schooling administrator.
Similarly, there are no ongoing reporting requirements for homeschooling parent/teacher qualifications. The only time you must affirm your qualification is on the initial Notice of Intent, where you certify that you hold at least a high school diploma.
This makes recordkeeping fairly simple for NC homeschools. You just need to make sure you are keeping:
Attendance records
Immunization records
Yearly standardized test scores
Many families find it helpful to maintain additional records like student transcripts, course descriptions, portfolios of student work, and extracurricular achievements. While not legally required, these records can be useful when applying for jobs, college, or scholarships.
Overall, North Carolina trusts home schooling families to educate their children and maintain appropriate records with very little government oversight or reporting requirements. This freedom is a major draw for many families who choose to home educate in the state. It offers a parent-friendly process, requiring at least nine months of instruction per school year as per state regulations. The flexibility allows families to hire tutors, let their children participate in group settings and be instructed by an expert that is not part of the household such as a homeschool doctor teaching biology, etc.
Homeschool Testing In North Carolina
Some states require homeschooled students to participate in standardized testing or academic evaluations, but North Carolina leaves the choice of annual testing entirely up to the home schooling administrator, as long as a nationally standardized test is administered each year in the required subjects of English grammar, reading, spelling and mathematics.
These tests must be administered under standardized conditions by a qualified test administrator. Many local support groups and organizations offer group testing opportunities where homeschoolers can take the tests in a controlled setting with their peers. The North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE) maintains a list of testing resources and group testing sites.
The test results must be kept on file for at least one year and made available for inspection by state officials upon request, but they do not need to be routinely submitted to any state agency.
While the annual testing requirement adds a small administrative and financial burden, many families appreciate the flexibility to choose a test that works for their family and the lack of additional government oversight of the testing process.
Funding Your North Carolina Homeschool
In North Carolina, the responsibilities of home schooling, including the financial responsibilities, fall to the families. The state does not provide any specific funding for homeschooling expenses.
Common expenses for homeschooling families may include:
Curriculum materials
Supplies
Educational technology
Standardized testing fees
Extracurricular activities
Educational services (tutoring, classes, workshops)
Field trips and educational travel
Home schooling association membership fees
Self-employed parents may be able to deduct some educational expenses as business expenses on their federal tax returns. It’s best to consult with a tax professional to determine what homeschooling costs may be tax-deductible in your situation.
Overall, while the state doesn’t provide funding, many families find creative ways to provide a rich, well-rounded education on a budget by connecting with the broader homeschooling community and taking advantage of low-cost educational resources.
Federal Tax Breaks
Homeschooling families may be eligible for certain federal tax benefits to help offset educational expenses. One option is a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which allows money to grow tax-free when used for qualified education costs. Parents might also be able to deduct a portion of mortgage interest or rent if part of the home is used regularly and exclusively for homeschooling. Finally, tax credits or deductions could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curricula used for instruction. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, homeschooling families should review the information and resources provided by the IRS.
North Carolina Immunization Requirements
Homeschooled students are subject to the same immunization requirements as public and private school under state laws. The full immunization schedule by grade level is available on the NC Department of Health and Human Services website.
Parents are responsible for ensuring their children receive the required immunizations and for maintaining each child’s immunization records. These records must be made available for inspection by state and local health officials upon request, but do not need to be routinely submitted to any state agency.
North Carolina does allow two types of legal exemptions from the immunization requirements:
Medical Exemption: If a physician licensed to practice medicine certifies that a required immunization is contraindicated for a child due to a medical condition, that child is exempt from the requirement.
Religious Exemption: If a parent has a bona fide religious objection to immunization, they can claim a religious exemption for their child.
It’s important to note that claiming an exemption may limit a child’s ability to participate in certain group activities or classes outside the home where proof of immunization is required.
North Carolina State Graduation Requirements
In North Carolina, parents have the authority to issue their own homeschool diploma when they believe their homeschooled student has fulfilled graduation requirements. The state does not mandate specific graduation requirements for homeschools.
However, most parents choose to follow North Carolina public school graduation requirements as a guideline to ensure their child is well-prepared for college or career. To graduate from a public high school in NC, students must earn a minimum of 22 credits in the following areas:
4 credits in English
4 credits in Mathematics
3 credits in Science
4 credits in Social Studies
1 credit in Health and Physical Education
2 elective credits of any combination from either Career and Technical Education, Arts Education or World Languages
4 additional elective credits from any subject area
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction provides more detailed information on the content standards for each required course.
For homeschoolers, the parent determines which coursework fulfills these credit requirements. This allows flexibility in terms of curriculum, approach, and pacing. Some homeschoolers may complete graduation requirements at an accelerated pace, while others may take longer.
While not legally required, keeping detailed records and transcripts of a home educated student’s coursework can be beneficial when applying to college. Most four-year colleges in NC will also accept a diploma and transcript as long as the student has met their specific admissions requirements, which often include a minimum GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and completion of certain core academic courses.
Many support groups and organizations offer transcript templates, portfolio guides, and advice on creating a strong homeschool high school record for college admissions. The North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE) website has extensive resources on homeschooling through high school: About NCHE – North Carolinians for Home Education
While homeschool parents have a lot of flexibility in defining their student’s path to graduation, following the state’s public school requirements can help ensure a smooth transition to college or career.
North Carolina Homeschool Charters
Unlike some other states, North Carolina does not currently have any charter schools or public school programs specifically designed for homeschoolers.
The state does have an online public school option called the North Carolina Virtual Academy (NCVA) which serves only students in grades K-12. However, students enrolled in NCVA are considered public school students and must follow the public school curriculum, calendar, and testing requirements. NCVA is not a homeschooling option.
Local North Carolina Homeschooling Resources
While North Carolina doesn’t provide any direct government funding for homeschooling, the state has a vibrant and active homeschool community with many organizations and groups offering support, activities, and resources for homeschooling families.
Some key state-level resources include:
North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE): NCHE is the largest statewide homeschooling organization in NC. They provide support, advocacy, and resources for homeschoolers, including an annual conference, athletic commission, graduation ceremony, and local support group listings.
North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE): While not specifically for homeschoolers, the DNPE oversees all non-public education in the state, including homeschools. Their website provides legal information, forms, and FAQs about homeschooling requirements.
In addition to these state-level resources, there are hundreds of local homeschool support groups, co-ops, clubs, and enrichment programs across North Carolina.
Some ways to find local homeschool resources and connect with other homeschoolers include:
Searching online databases and lists of local co-ops and groups, like those maintained by NCHE.
Checking social media, especially Facebook, for local homeschool groups and events.
Attending a local homeschool curriculum fair, conference, or event.
Visiting your local library or community center for research purposes. Many libraries offer educational events and have information on local homeschool groups.
Asking at your local place of worship. Many faith communities have homeschool groups or know of local resources.
Searching for local chapters of national homeschool organizations or curricula, such as Classical Conversations, Scouts, 4-H, or Wild + Free.
In addition to homeschool-specific resources, many homeschooling families take advantage of the wealth of educational opportunities available to all children in their communities, such as:
Public library programs and events
Museums, zoos, and historical sites (many offer homeschool days with discounted admission)
Parks and recreation department classes and sports
Art, dance, and music schools
Community theater and performance groups
Scouting and 4-H clubs
Community college courses
Volunteer and community service opportunities
One of the benefits of homeschooling laws in North Carolina is the flexibility to tailor your child’s education to their interests and your family’s values. Plugging into the broader community and taking advantage of the many enrichment opportunities can help provide a well-rounded, engaging North Carolina homeschool experience.
North Carolina’s large and active homeschool population means there are abundant resources and opportunities for connection with other homeschoolers. New home schooling families can feel confident that they’ll find the support and resources they need to successfully educate their children at home and start their homeschooling journey.
