Homeschool Laws for North Carolina
An Overview of the Homeschooling Regulations
To begin homeschooling in North Carolina is really quite easy, but make sure you know the laws before you start. Read this general overview.
This article is a basic overview of the regulations for homeschooling in North Carolina. Please be sure to check with the NC Division of Non-Public Education to get specific requirements, or your local homeschooling organization to connect with other homeschoolers who share your values and goals for homeschooling your children.
Home School Parent Education Requirements
A traditional home school is allowed in North Carolina. A home school can have one or more children from no more than two families. A parent, legal guardian, or family member from one of those two households can be the instructor. A home school can choose to register under the title of a nonpublic school, or a private church school or school of "religious character." The person that provides home school instruction is only required to have a high school diploma or a GED in order to be considered qualified to teach.
Forms and Paperwork Required
A notice of intent must be submitted to the State Division of Non-Public Education once home school has begun. The name and address of the school must be included, as should the name of the chief administrator and the name of the school owner. A home school is also required by law to maintain attendance records as well as keep immunization records. The attendance records must indicate that every home school child attends the equivalent of nine months of school with only a reasonable amount of holidays taken off.
Kindergarten Home School Requirements
A home school Kindergarten is not required since compulsory school attendance begins at age seven in North Carolina.
Testing Requirements
Standardized testing must be completed for homeschoolers. The test results must be kept in a secure location in the "office" of the nonpublic school for one year so that they can be presented upon request to be analyzed by an appropriate representative of the state of North Carolina. Results can also be requested to be mailed to the State Department of Non-Public Education. The standardized test must make sure to measure achievement in grammar, spelling, reading, and math.
Other Useful Information
All safety and sanitation requirements for a traditional school are waived whenever a school resides inside someone’s home. There are no actual subjects required to be taught in a home school, but since testing must make sure to measure spelling, reading, grammar, and math, it makes sense that these subjects should be included in the curriculum. North Carolina has passed a law that requires in-state universities to consider potential freshman no matter if their education was received at a public or a non-public institution. This differentiation would also include home schools. The North Carolinians for Home Education can offer you support and ideas for your home school.
This article provides a basic overview of homeschool regulations in the State of North Carolina and is not intended to be considered as legal advice. A full copy of the NC statutes for homeschooling is available at NC Division of Non-Public Education and should be consulted by those planning to homeschool in this state. Also consult the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) for more information regarding legal updates.
