State laws change from time to time and though we try to keep the laws up-to-date at all times please check with the department of education for any changes that may have occurred.
You live in North Carolina and you’re considering educating your children at home, or perhaps you plan to move there and want to continue offering your children the best home-based education; if you want to know how to start homeschooling in NC, you’ve come to the right place! Read on and you’ll find specific details related to North Carolina homeschool requirements and, to make sure you’ll be informed all the way, a selection of the best North Carolina-related homeschooling websites and a useful infographic and video to create a homeschool that thrives.
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Old North State
North Carolina boasts some of the US’ best views, and its culture is just as amazing. Regardless of your children’s educational tastes, the Old North State has something for you – pack up and start exploring right now!
With more than 25 million visitors in 2013 alone, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are two of the US most famous natural landmarks. Hike through the scenic Appalachians and recharge your batteries, or go surfing or fishing on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
There’s something here for history buffs, too. The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort is a great place to explore the naval traditions of the state, and the North Carolina Museum of History covers everything, from the Civil War to contemporary times.
Are you children interested in arts and sciences? Take them to the exquisite North Carolina Museum of Art, or show them the amazingly fun Greensboro Science Center – they’ll love the dinosaurs and the aquarium!
North Carolina Homeschool Laws
The requirements for homeschooling in NC are pretty detailed, but you shouldn’t have much problems if you take them one step at a time.
If you plan to start homeschooling in NC, you’ll have to file a one-time North Carolina homeschool registration online form with the DNPE, notifying it of your intent to homeschool.
Homeschool laws in North Carolina require you to have at least a high-school diploma or the equivalent, but there are no compulsory subjects that you need to teach.
When it comes to assessment, your children will need to undergo annual standardized tests, but you don’t have to provide the results to any educational body. Apart from the test results, you’ll also have to keep track of your children attendance and of their immunization status. Overall, homeschool testing in NC shouldn’t be particularly demanding.
If a homeschool is reported via the online DNPE form, the division will ask the parent to provide assessment, attendance and immunization records. Failure to do so will result in closing the school.
You’ll be able to enroll your children part-time in the local public school, if your local district allows you to. Your children will also be able to take part in extracurricular activities, and they can benefit from special needs services offered by the public school.
North Carolina Homeschool Friendliness Grade: C
There’s really nothing wrong with the NC homeschool laws, but they do tend to be a bit demanding, and the intervention procedure is a bit too drastic. However, if you’re determined to offer your children the best education possible, there’s nothing to worry about – homeschooling in North Carolina will be pleasant, and your children will love it!
Conclusion
You might have a bit of paper work to do if you’re going to homeschool in North Carolina, but once you’ve finished the NC homeschool registration process, you won’t have to worry too much about any significant paper work. True, you’ll have to assess your children annually – but wouldn’t you have done that anyway? The NC homeschool requirements are down-to-earth, and you’ll find them helpful in keeping track of your children’s progress.
Homeschool laws in North Carolina shouldn’t deter you from getting started. You’ll have a great time exploring the many attractions of the Tar Heel State while simultaneously education your children, and you’ll soon find those family bonds growing stronger than ever. The active and diverse NC homeschooling community will always help you with advice and materials, and you can also contact us for any additional details.
How to Homeschool in NC: Requirements and Online Resources
Here’s a selection of websites related to homeschooling in North Carolina:
http://www.responsiblehomeschooling.org/policy-issues/current-policy/
http://nche.com/ - the North Carolinians for Home Education offers you everything you need, from tips on how to start homeschooling in North Carolina, to high school scholarships
http://www.triangleeducationassessments.com/main/ - since the NC homeschool law requires you to use standardized tests annually, you may want to check out this website – it will help you deal with the NC homeschool testing requirements