North Carolina is widely considered a friendly state for homeschoolers, offering a balance of autonomy and oversight. In NC, a homeschool is legally classified as a non-public school. The state’s Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) oversees these schools, ensuring that they meet basic statutory requirements while allowing parents to control the curriculum and educational philosophy.

The Legal Landscape

Homeschooling in North Carolina is governed by Article 39, Chapter 115C of the General Statutes. The law defines a home school as a non-public school in which one or more children of not more than two families or households receive academic instruction from parents or legal guardians, or a member of either household.

Compulsory Attendance

Children in North Carolina must attend school from age 7 until they reach their 16th birthday. While you do not need to file paperwork for a 5- or 6-year-old, the moment your child turns 7, you must have a Notice of Intent on file with the state.

Step-by-Step Compliance Guide

1. Qualification of the Instructor

At least one person providing instruction in the home must hold at least a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED). You will be required to upload proof of this diploma when you file your initial paperwork.

2. Filing the Notice of Intent (NOI)

You must notify the state of your intent to homeschool by filing an NOI through the DNPE website. This is a one-time filing; you do not need to renew it annually. However, if you move or decide to close your school, you must update the DNPE portal. The DNPE only accepts new NOIs during specific windows (usually July through April).

3. Choosing Your ‘School Type’

When filing, you must choose between a “Religious” (Part 1) or “Secular/Qualified Non-Public” (Part 2) school. For the vast majority of families, the requirements are identical. The choice simply reflects the statutory category under which your school operates.

4. Instructional Time

North Carolina law requires that your homeschool operate on a regular schedule for at least nine calendar months of the year. The law does not specify a certain number of hours per day, but it expects a consistent educational effort.

5. Annual Standardized Testing

This is the most critical annual requirement. Once per year, every student must take a nationally standardized achievement test. This test must measure achievement in:

• English Grammar
• Reading
• Spelling
• Mathematics

Popular tests include the IOWA, Stanford Achievement Test, and the California Achievement Test (CAT). You are not required to send these scores to the state automatically, but you must keep them on file for at least one year.

6. Record-Keeping Requirements

As the administrator of a non-public school, you are required to maintain the following records at your home:

• Attendance Records: A simple log showing the days the school was in session.
• Immunization Records: Proof that the child has received state-required immunizations or a valid medical/religious exemption.
• Test Results: The results of the annual standardized test.

DNPE officials may occasionally request an “inspection” of these records. These are typically held at a local library or government building, or via a remote meeting, rather than in the home.

Special Education Funding (ESA+)

North Carolina offers the Education Student Accounts (ESA+) program. This is a life-changing resource for families of students with disabilities. It provides a scholarship of up to $17,000 per year that can be used for homeschooling expenses, including specialized curricula, tutoring, and therapy. To qualify, the student must have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) and be identified as a student with a disability. Note that participating in ESA+ involves significant record-keeping regarding how funds are spent.

Common Questions

Can I homeschool someone else’s child?
In NC, a homeschool can consist of children from no more than two households. If you are teaching children from a third household, you are legally considered a private school and must meet different regulations.

Do I need to teach specific subjects?
While the law requires testing in English, Reading, Spelling, and Math, it does not explicitly list a required curriculum for other subjects like Science or History. However, most families include these to ensure a well-rounded education.

How do I graduate my student?
As the administrator of your non-public school, you are responsible for determining graduation requirements and issuing a diploma. The state of North Carolina does not issue diplomas to homeschoolers; the homeschool itself does.

Important Links

• NC Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE)
• ESA+ Program Details
• North Carolina General Statutes Article 39