North Carolina Homeschool Information

Homeschool Summary

Here are the key legal requirements for homeschooling in North Carolina:

📋 Definition & Scope

• A “home school” is defined as a non‑public school consisting of no more than two families/households

• Parents or guardians from those households set the curriculum, provide instruction, and can bring in tutors or expert-led co‑ops

✅ Parent Qualifications

• Instructors (parents or others) must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED)

📝 Notice of Intent

• Must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the NC Division of Non‑Public Education (DNPE) when starting a home school.

• Only one NOI per household, valid until you formally close the school

• Submit at least 5 days before starting, and ONLY between July 1 & April 30 each year

• File a re‑open notice if you previously closed the school

📅 Calendar & Attendance

• Must operate on a regular schedule for at least 9 calendar months/year, excluding holidays/vacations

• Maintain attendance records for each student

📚 Subjects & Curriculum

• No specific subject mandates; parents have flexibility but are expected to teach the scope and quality similar to public schools (e.g., reading, writing, math, science)

💉 Health & Immunization

• Keep immunization records or exemption documentation; records must be available upon request

📊 Standardized Testing

• Administer a nationally standardized achievement test annually covering English grammar, reading, spelling, and math

• Keep test results on file for at least one year, available for inspection

North Carolinians Home Ed