North Carolina Homeschool Requirements
North Carolina requires notification, attendance records, and annual testing with straightforward compliance procedures.
North Carolina Quick Facts
- • Notice of Intent to Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE)
- • Principal/chief administrator must have high school diploma or GED
- • Annual standardized testing required (grades 3-12)
- • Maintain attendance records for 12 months
- • Must operate 9 calendar months per year
What North Carolina Law Requires:
Notice of Intent
Submit to Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) when you begin homeschooling. This establishes your home as a non-public school.
Chief Administrator Qualification
The parent serving as principal/chief administrator must have at least a high school diploma or GED
Operate 9 Months Per Year
Homeschool must operate at least 9 calendar months per year (you choose which 9)
Attendance Records
Maintain attendance records and make available to DNPE upon request for 12 months after creation
Annual Testing (Grades 3-12)
Administer nationally standardized test annually and maintain results for 12 months
Immunization Records
Maintain immunization records per NC law (religious exemptions available)
Good News:
NC does NOT require you to submit test results to the state, use approved curriculum, teach specific hours per day, or have teaching credentials beyond a high school diploma.
North Carolina does not mandate specific subjects, but most families teach standard academic subjects. Recommended core subjects include:
Approved Tests:
Any nationally standardized test that measures achievement in English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics. Common choices include:
- • CAT (California Achievement Test)
- • Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
- • Stanford Achievement Test
- • TerraNova
- • Woodcock-Johnson
Important Testing Notes:
- • Tests can be administered at home by the parent
- • No minimum score required
- • Results do NOT need to be submitted to DNPE
- • Keep results on file for 12 months in case of audit
- • Tests typically cost $25-50
Submit Notice of Intent
Mail or submit online to Division of Non-Public Education. Include:
- • Name of school (can be "[Last Name] Home School")
- • Address of school (your home)
- • Name of chief administrator (parent with HS diploma/GED)
- • Names and ages of students
Withdraw from Public School (if applicable)
Send withdrawal letter to current school. Keep a copy for your records.
Set Up Record Keeping
Create a simple attendance tracking system (calendar, planner, or spreadsheet). Mark days when school is in session.
Choose Curriculum & Begin
Select your curriculum and start homeschooling! Plan to test students in grades 3-12 annually.
Attendance Records (Required)
Simple calendar showing which days school was in session
Test Results (Required - Grades 3-12)
Keep standardized test results for 12 months
Immunization Records (Required)
Maintain current immunization records or exemptions
Work Samples (Recommended)
Keep examples of student work for your own records
High School & Graduation
Parents can issue diplomas and transcripts. For college admission, NC homeschoolers typically provide:
- • Parent-created transcript with course descriptions
- • Homeschool diploma
- • SAT/ACT scores
- • Portfolio or course syllabi
Special Education
Children with disabilities can be homeschooled in NC. Once withdrawn from public school, parents are not entitled to IEP services but can access private therapies and specialized homeschool support groups.
Sports & Activities
North Carolina does not require public schools to allow homeschoolers to participate in athletics. Many areas have homeschool sports leagues, co-ops, and community programs.
Driver's Education
Homeschool students can get driver's licenses. Parents must sign a "Homeschool Driving Eligibility Certificate" confirming the student is being homeschooled and making satisfactory progress.
Connect with other North Carolina homeschool families for support, co-ops, and field trips.
Find North Carolina GroupsBrowse NC Field TripsDo I need to submit test results to DNPE?
No, you only need to keep test results on file for 12 months. They do not need to be submitted unless DNPE specifically requests them (rare).
How many days must we homeschool?
NC requires 9 calendar months of operation, but does not specify a minimum number of days. Most families aim for 160-180 days as a guideline.
Can I homeschool if I don't have a high school diploma?
The chief administrator (parent) must have at least a high school diploma or GED. If one parent doesn't, the other parent can serve as chief administrator.
Can I use online curriculum?
Yes! Online programs are widely used and accepted in North Carolina. You have complete freedom in curriculum choice.
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