Homeschooling FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is homeschooling legal in North Carolina?
- What are the requirements in North Carolina?
- Why must I register my Homeschool?
- How do I know what to teach?
- What about socialization?
- Will my child receive a high school diploma?
- Where can I find more homeschooling FAQs?
Is homeschooling legal in North Carolina?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, but the requirements vary by state.
What are the requirements in North Carolina?
In NC, children who are at least 7 to but not yet 16 must be enrolled in some type of school. You must either send in your “Letter of Intent to Homeschool” 2 weeks before withdrawing your child from public or private school, or during the month before your first homeschooling child turns 7 years old. For those with children older than 16, you may want to check on the regulations for drivers’ permits and being enrolled in school.
A complete list of laws and regulations can be found at The Division of Non-Public Education website: http://www.ncdnpe.org/index.asp
In short, first notify the Division of Non-Public Education that you intend to homeschool by filling out the Letter of Intent to Homeschool found at the site and mailing it to:
The Division of Non-Public Education
530 North Wilmington Street
Raleigh, NC 27604-1198
The department will send you an information packet upon receiving your intent to homeschool.
One parent must show proof of a high school diploma or equivalent.
You must maintain disease immunization or a religious exemption statement for each student.
You must maintain annual attendance records indicating that you operate ol on a regular schedule, excluding reasonable holidays and s, during at least nine calendar months of the year ailable at DNPE’s website.)
You must test your children (or have them tested) annually using a nationally standardized achievement test (lists available at DNPE’s website).
Why must I register my Homeschool?
At this time, it is mandatory so the state can comply with compulsory education laws for children aged 7 to 16.
How do I know what to teach?
It is up to you. NC law only states that you must operate the school on a regular schedule during at least nine calendar months of the year. There are so many different ways to help your child learn. There are homeschoolers that range from schooling at home to unschooling. Follow your child(ren)’s needs. There are several books available at the library and bookstores about homeschooling to help guide you along your way.
What about socialization?
There are many answers for this depending on one’s viewpoint about what socialization means. If you are looking for on-going interaction with other children, homeschool groups, like this one, will provide it. Cary Homeschoolers is one of many groups in the area. Please see our Support Groups article for a list of other groups we know about. There are also many different classes available in the community to homeschoolers.
Will my child receive a high school diploma?
Your child will not receive a high school diploma issued by the State of North Carolina. Your school is a private school and will be able to issue its own diploma upon graduation.
Where can I find more homeschooling FAQs?
