All About Homeschooling in North Carolina

What Age Should You Start Homeschooling In North Carolina?

Your child’s homeschooling journey can start at any age. Many parents begin homeschooling in North Carolina from Kindergarten, while others transition to homeschooling in later years. Schoolio provides the support and resources you need to begin homeschooling in North Carolina at any age! Note: It is required that children in North Carolina aged 7 to 16 receive an education.

Click here to learn more about Schoolio: The Homeschool Program for Families in North Carolina.

How To Homeschool Without A Curriculum In North Carolina?

To homeschool without a curriculum in  North Carolina you will need to submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool to the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education. Additionally, you should notify your local school of your decision to homeschool, and formally withdraw your child. Next, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive in! Click here to learn more about homeschooling without a curriculum, otherwise known as unschooling.

What Are The Best Homeschool Programs In North Carolina?

Choosing the best homeschooling curriculum in North Carolina for your family involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your educational goals and your child’s learning style. Start by assessing your child’s individual needs including their learning preferences, areas of need, and interests. Next, research different homeschooling curriculums available in North Carolina, considering factors such as educational philosophies, format, and the scope of subjects covered. Evaluate the cost, including any additional materials or resources required, and consider your budget for homeschooling. Take advantage of free trials or sample lessons to assess how well the curriculum fits with your child’s learning style and your teaching approach. Click here to learn more about Schoolio’s free two week trial.

There are numerous homeschooling curriculums to choose from, but there is only one homeschooling curriculum that offers an all-in-one program specifically designed for students in North Carolina. Click here to learn more about Schoolio: the curriculum for families homeschooling in  North Carolina.

What Are The Accredited Homeschool Programs In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, there are several accredited and reputable homeschool programs that provide structured curriculum options and support. While it is not required to affiliate with an accredited homeschooling program, some families choose these programs for added structure and to ensure their children receive a comprehensive and enriching education. Some well-regarded accredited homeschool programs in North Carolina include Schoolio, Time4Learning, and K12.

Are There Free Online Homeschooling Options In North Carolina?

Yes. There are many free options and resources available for families homeschooling in North Carolina. Click here to learn more about free homeschooling options in North Carolina.

Can You Switch To Homeschooling In The Middle Of The Year In North Carolina?

Yes. You can switch to homeschooling at any time during the academic school year. You will need to submit a Notice of Intent to Homeschool to the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education. Additionally, you should notify your local school of your decision to homeschool, and formally withdraw your child; this can be done with an email or written letter. Schoolio is here to make the transition from learning at school to learning at home seamless. Click here to learn more about Schoolio: the curriculum for families homeschooling in North Carolina.

What Are The Homeschooling Subject Requirements In North Carolina?

There are no subject requirements for families homeschooling in North Carolina. This autonomy in subject selection allows for the exploration of topic areas not typically covered in traditional schools, such as financial literacy and emerging technologies. To explore Schoolio’s courses click here.

Legalities & How to Get Started

How Do I Legally Start Homeschooling in North Carolina?

Legal Requirement #1: Notify The North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education with a Notice of Intent to Homeschool. This letter formally notifies The North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education of your decision to homeschool and states that you are taking responsibility for your child’s education. Click here for more information. Additionally, you should notify your local school of your decision to homeschool, and formally withdraw your child; this can be done with an email or written letter.

Legal Requirement #2: Families must maintain attendance and immunization records for each homeschooled student.

Legal Requirement #3: Homeschooling must operate on a regular schedule, excluding holidays and vacations, during at least nine months of the year. This law provides significant flexibility in your homeschooling schedule.

Legal Requirement #4: Families must administer a nationally standardized test each year to assess academic achievement in grammar, reading, spelling, and math for every student. Results must be kept on file for one year.

Legal Requirement #5: Parents must have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent) to homeschool.

Legal Requirement #6: Notify The North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education  when you are no longer homeschooling.

That’s it. Now it’s time for the fun part: creating an educational program for your child that is engaging, personalized, and ignites their love of learning! Click here to learn more about Schoolio: The Homeschool Program for Families in North Carolina.

What Forms Are Needed For Homeschooling In North Carolina?

You need one form and one form only for homeschooling in North Carolina: A Notice of Intent to Homeschool. This letter formally notifies The North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education of your decision to homeschool and states that you are taking responsibility for your child’s education. Click here to learn more.

Are Any Tests Required For Homeschoolers In North Carolina?

Yes. Families must administer a nationally standardized test each year to assess academic achievement in grammar, reading, spelling, and math for every student. Results must be kept on file for one year.

Is Unschooling Legal In North Carolina?

Yes. Unschooling is legal in North Carolina. Click here to learn more about unschooling in North Carolina.

What Is A Notice Of Intent To Homeschool In North Carolina And Do I Need One?

A Notice of Intent to Homeschool is a letter that formally notifies The North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education of your decision to homeschool and states that you are taking responsibility for your child’s education. A Notice of Intent to Homeschool is required in North Carolina. Click here for more information.

Can Someone Else Homeschool My Child In North Carolina?

Yes. Someone else can homeschool your child in North Carolina. While you, as the parent, are responsible for ensuring your child’s education, you can delegate the instruction to others, such as a tutor, a grandparent, a co-op, or an online course.

What If I Want My Kids To Re-Enter The Public School System After Homeschooling?

It’s okay to change your mind! For your child to re-enter public school you will need to contact your local school district to organize which school your child will be attending and when they will re-enter the public system. Your child may be assessed to determine their grade level.

Are There Deadlines I Need To Be Aware Of For Homeschooling In North Carolina?

There are some important dates to be aware of when submitting your Notice of Intent to Homeschool to The North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education.

Here is a list of those important dates:

• Submit your Notice of Intent five days prior to your homeschooling start date.
• No Notices of Intent will be accepted in May and June.

North Carolina’s homeschooling year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. File your Notice of Intent after July 1.

What Are The Public School Access Provisions For Homeschoolers In North Carolina?

North Carolina does not have a law granting homeschooled students the right to participate in public school classes and activities. Individual schools decide whether to provide homeschoolers with participation opportunities.

Homeschooled students may have the chance to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and the arts at their local public school. Additionally, some public schools offer part-time enrollment options or allow homeschoolers to join specific classes and programs. Homeschooled students can also benefit from access to public school libraries and facilities. These provisions help enrich the homeschooling experience and provide valuable resources and opportunities.

What Are The Special Education Provisions For Homeschoolers In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, while homeschoolers don’t automatically receive special education services from public schools, there are valuable opportunities for support available. If your child has special education needs, you can request an evaluation from your local public school district to explore eligibility for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Should your child qualify, the district can offer specialized instruction, support, and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to their unique needs. Additionally, some districts provide valuable support services such as counseling or therapy, and there are many community resources and private providers that offer further special education services. Engaging with advocacy groups can also provide helpful guidance and support.

Click here to learn more about how Schoolio can support your neurodivergent learner.

How Many Days/Hours Are Required For Homeschooling In North Carolina?

There are no specific day or hour requirements for homeschooling in North Carolina. However, homeschooling must operate on a regular schedule, excluding holidays and vacations, during at least nine months of the year. The state’s homeschooling laws provide flexibility, allowing parents to adjust academic scheduling to meet the unique needs of their child, tailoring the educational experience to align with their individual learning style, pace, and interests.

Funding and Costs

Is There Funding For Homeschooling In North Carolina?

No. Currently, there is no funding for families homeschooling in North Carolina.

While the state does not provide financial support for homeschooling in North Carolina, families can take advantage of  various resources and strategies to manage their educational expenses. By participating in homeschooling groups, taking advantage of community programs, and choosing low-cost educational resources, such as Schoolio, families homeschooling in North Carolina can provide a rich educational experience without breaking their budget.

Click here to learn more about Schoolio: The Homeschool Program for Families in North Carolina.

How Much Does It Cost To Homeschool In North Carolina?

Homeschooling is priceless, but at what cost? The cost of homeschooling in North Carolina ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars per year based on numerous factors, including subscriptions to online programs, supplies, books, extra-curricular fees, field trips, etc. By choosing a low-cost educational resource, such as Schoolio, families homeschooling in North Carolina can provide a rich educational experience without breaking their budget. Schoolio is a great option for parents looking for a high impact program at a low cost.

Is There A Tax Credit For Homeschooling In North Carolina?

No. There is no tax credit for homeschooling in North Carolina.

Where to Find Community and Encouragement

What Are The Homeschooling Associations In North Carolina?

The North Carolinians for Home Education and The Home School Legal Defense Association are prominent homeschooling associations in North Carolina that provide guidance, advocacy, and information for families homeschooling in North Carolina.

Are There Homeschooling Conferences In North Carolina?

Yes. North Carolina hosts numerous conferences for families homeschooling in North Carolina. Click here to learn more about one of the largest homeschooling conferences in North Carolina: The NCHE Homeschool Conference.

What Are The Homeschooling Support Groups In North Carolina?

North Carolina has many homeschooling support groups that offer resources, advice, and support. Click here to learn more about homeschooling groups in your area.