How to homeschool in North Carolina

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: Yes

ESA Option

: No

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North Carolina homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling in North Carolina is a regulated yet flexible option for families choosing to educate their children at home. Compulsory education laws require children aged 7-16 to attend school. Homeschooling is defined under the statutes as a single legal pathway where parents may operate a homeschool by registering with the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education (NCDNPE).

Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s required:

Notification: Parents must file a Notice of Intent to Homeschool with the Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE).
Parent qualifications: Parents must hold at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Required subjects: Homeschool instruction must include reading, writing, mathematics, and other areas of basic education. Parents have the flexibility to include additional subjects and tailor the curriculum to suit their child's needs and interests.
Standardized testing: Students must take annual nationally standardized tests to evaluate progress.
Recordkeeping: Parents must maintain records, including attendance and immunization records, as well as test results. These must be available for inspection upon request by DNPE.

By adhering to these laws and policies, families in North Carolina can homeschool while meeting state requirements.

Learn more in the homeschooling guide from the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in North Carolina

Getting started with homeschooling in North Carolina is easier with Time4Learning. Here’s a simple process to begin your homeschooling journey with confidence:

Submit your notice of intent. Visit the DNPE website and file your notice of intent to homeschool.
Plan your curriculum. Choose a curriculum that covers North Carolina’s required subjects. Time4Learning offers a comprehensive, easy-to-use curriculum that covers math, English, science, and social studies.
Set a schedule. Create a personalized schedule to ensure you meet the nine-month homeschooling requirement. Time4Learning’s flexible, self-paced platform allows your child to learn at a pace that suits them. Try out the Activity Planner tool to help schedule lessons.
Keep records. Maintain an attendance record, immunization records, and standardized test results as required by North Carolina law. Time4Learning makes this easier with built-in progress tracking and reporting tools.
Conduct annual testing. Time4Learning can also assist in your preparation for required standardized tests, helping you meet state guidelines.

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North Carolina’s high school graduation and diploma requirements

For homeschooled students in North Carolina, graduation requirements are determined by the homeschool administrator (typically the parent). Here are some general recommendations to ensure your child is prepared for college or career opportunities after high school:

Core subjects: Four years of English, three to four years of math, three courses in science, and three years of social studies.
Additional credits: Encourage foreign language study and electives like arts, technology, or physical education.
Diploma: Homeschools in North Carolina issue their own diplomas and transcripts. Time4Learning provides tools for tracking coursework and generating transcripts to simplify this process.

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Standardized test requirements for North Carolina homeschoolers

North Carolina requires homeschoolers to conduct nationally standardized achievement tests annually. The DNPE requires each homeschool to administer a nationally normed standardized test that covers English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics.

Parents are responsible for selecting the test and facilitating it annually. Some popular options for homeschoolers include:

Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
Stanford Achievement Test
California Achievement Test (CAT)

The results must be kept on record for at least one year, but they do not need to be submitted unless requested during an inspection.

Time4Learning provides practice tools and materials to help homeschoolers prepare for standardized testing and confidently meet this requirement.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in North Carolina

Homeschoolers in North Carolina stand out in the college admissions process with unique opportunities to showcase their strengths. Here’s how to make the most of your homeschool journey:

Create standout transcripts: Homeschooling allows for personalized course selections and flexibility to pursue academic passions. Keep detailed records of courses, grades, and achievements (Time4Learning can help!).
Excel in standardized tests: Homeschoolers often have the time to focus on preparing for the SAT/ACT, and strong scores can bolster applications—even at test-optional schools.
Showcase diverse experiences: Homeschooling often involves unique extracurriculars like community service, entrepreneurial projects, or specialized hobbies. Highlight these on your application.
Share your story: A strong essay can demonstrate how your homeschool experience has shaped your individuality, independence, and academic growth.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in North Carolina

Currently, North Carolina does not offer an Education Savings Account (ESA) program specifically for homeschool families. However, homeschoolers may qualify for other financial aid options, such as state scholarships or grants. It's important to explore and apply for these opportunities early in the college application process. To learn more about available programs and their eligibility requirements, visit the NCSEAA website.