Are you thinking about homeschooling your children in North Carolina? You are not alone! Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly popular choice for families who want to tailor their children’s education to their individual needs, interests, and learning styles and luckily for you, North Carolina is known for being homeschooling-friendly, with a range of resources to help you along the way.
So, whether you’re a first-time homeschooling family or are just looking for some guidance, Dailies is excited to help you embark on your homeschool adventure in the Tar Heel State! This blog covers everything you need to know, from legal requirements to education resources; any other questions you may have? Feel free to reach out to us directly! Our team is more than prepared to ensure that you are fully prepared for your homeschool experience.
Let’s take a look at some North Carolina homeschool tips and tricks!
Considerations Before Getting Started with Homeschooling in North Carolina
Before you jump into the world of homeschooling, there are some key questions that you need to consider both as a parent and as a family; “Why do you want to homeschool?” “What’s your homeschooling style?” and the ever important: “How much time can you commit?”
Why Do You Want to Homeschool?
Understanding your motivations will help guide your educational choices. Are you deciding to homeschool to provide a customized education experience, are you addressing special needs, or are you giving your child more freedom to explore interests outside of a traditional school curriculum?
What’s Your Homeschooling Style?
There are so many approaches to homeschooling; Dailies is just one of them! We offer a variety of options and programs within our platform that we’ve found beneficial for families across the country who are both new to homeschooling and seasoned homeschoolers.
How Much Time Can You Commit?
Homeschooling is a big time commitment. While there is flexibility, it requires planning and consistency. Are you able to dedicate the necessary time to teach and guide your child, or will you look into additional support from tutors, co-ops, or other educational platforms?
Specific Requirements for Homeschooling in North Carolina
State law allows parents to homeschool their children, but there are still certain requirements that parents must meet in order to stay compliant with educational regulations.
Notifying the State
You must notify the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) within 30 days of beginning homeschooling. This can be done by submitting a “Notice of Intent” form which includes basic information about yourself, your child, and your homeschooling intentions. This notice must be filed every year that you are homeschooling.
Teacher Qualifications
Parents who choose to homeschool do not need a teaching degree, but they must have a high school diploma or its equivalent to be eligible to homeschool their children.
Required Subjects
Parents must teach the following core subjects:
Reading/Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
You are also free to add other subjects based on your child’s interests, such as arts, music, languages, or physical education
Record Keeping
You do not have to submit lesson plans to the state of North Carolina, but maintaining records of attendance, instructional hours, and subjects taught is highly recommended!
Testing Requirements
North Carolina requires that homeschooled children undergo annual standardized testing starting in 3rd grade. The test must be one that is accepted by the state. Parents can either administer the test themselves or have an approved third-party test administrator handle it.
Additional Resources for Homeschooling Families
North Carolina offers a collection of state specific resources to help homeschooling families succeed. The North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE) advocates for homeschooling families, hosts conferences, provides legal support, and connects families to local homeschool groups. Local homeschool groups provide children (and their parents) with the opportunity to socialize with other children, share resources, and organize group classes and field trips.
So, Are You Ready to Start Your Homeschooling Adventure?
Homeschooling in North Carolina offers a wonderful opportunity to create a personalized learning experience for your child. While there are legal and educational requirements to keep in mind, the process is designed to empower families to make the best educational decisions for their children.
By understanding the state’s guidelines, connecting with the homeschooling community, and utilizing the wide variety of resources available, you can create an enriching, well-rounded education for your child.
Remember, homeschooling is a journey—not a destination—and every family’s path looks a little different. With the right planning, support, and dedication, your homeschooling experience in North Carolina can be a rewarding and fulfilling adventure for both you and your child.
Check out Dailies today to set up your first class!
Written by
Meghan Bouboulinis Read all posts by this author