Welcome to North Carolina Homeschooling Online, your gateway to an exceptional education from the comfort and convenience of your home! Our mission is to provide a comprehensive and flexible homeschooling program that prepares students for their future endeavors.

At North Carolina Homeschooling Online, we offer a wide range of online high school diploma courses tailored to meet each student’s unique needs and interests. Our curriculum adheres to the rigorous standards of the North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education, ensuring that your child receives a high-quality education that aligns with state requirements.

Our team of dedicated teachers consists of highly qualified professionals passionate about delivering an excellent education to our students. They provide personalized support and guidance throughout the learning process, fostering an environment conducive to academic success.

Continue reading to learn more about homeschooling requirements in North Carolina and the benefits of this learning option.

Homeschooling Laws in North Carolina

According to North Carolina homeschooling law, a homeschool is defined as a nonpublic school that consists of students of not more than two households or families, where legal guardians, parents, or members of either family determine the sequence and scope of educational instruction, determine resources of instruction, and provide academic education to the students.

There are two options of nonpublic schools from which you can choose to operate your homeschool:

  1. a school of religious charter or a private religious school
  2. a qualified nonpublic school

The requirements are similar irrespective of the form of homeschooling, and they include the following:

Notice of Intent (NOI)

The homeschool law mandates that you submit a notice of intent to homeschool to the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE). You are only required to submit the notice once you want to begin homeschooling. The NOI must include your home school’s name and address and the name of the chief administrator or the owner of your homeschool.

Instructor Qualifications

The North Carolina law mandates that you ensure the person teaching your homeschooling children meets the required qualifications. Ensure that they have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.

 

Are there any other specific laws I should be aware of?

Required Courses

Grades 9-12

In order to graduate high school in North Carolina, students are required to complete the following credits:

  • English (4 credits)
  • Mathematics (4 credits)
  • Science (3 credits)
  • Social studies (4 credits)
  • Physical education/health (1 credit)
  • Electives (6 credits)

Class Attendance Requirements

The homeschool law in North Carolina requires that you teach your students on a regular basis for a minimum of nine months annually, except for “reasonable vacations and holidays.” It’s recommended that you teach children for at least 5 hours a day on 180 days per annum.

Immunization and Attendance Records

The law requires that you keep immunization and attendance records.

You can download a homeschool attendance form from the DNPE’s website, but it is not required to use that specific form.

To obtain immunization records for your child, you can contact their healthcare provider. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website provides information on medical and religious exemptions from immunizations.

Annual Assessment

Every school year, homeschooling parents in North Carolina are required to administer a nationally standardized test or an equivalent measurement to their child. This test should assess the child’s proficiency in mathematics, English grammar, spelling, and reading.

After the testing, parents must keep their child’s test scores available at their home school’s principal office for one year. During this time, authorized representatives from North Carolina may inspect the test scores upon reasonable request.

The Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) has the authority to conduct record review meetings, but parents are not obligated to attend these meetings, and DNPE officials do not have the right to enter homes or inspect any records other than the test scores.

Graduation Requirements

The state does not determine graduation high school graduation requirements. Homeschools have the autonomy to set their own graduation requirements. After homeschooling teenagers have completed their course work, prescribed goals, and tests, you can offer them a homeschool diploma.

Consider the post-high school goals of your homeschooling student. Students who want to join the workforce should concentrate on apprenticeships and vocational coursework. In contrast, those who wish to join a university or college should research the expectations of the college that they wish to attend and align them with their homeschooling goal.

Terminating a Homeschool

If you decide to stop homeschooling your children for any reason, it is essential to contact the North Carolina DNPE (Division of Non-Public Education). If you choose to resume homeschooling in the future, you will need to submit another Notice of Intent.

FAQs About Homeschooling Online in North Carolina

Is it ever too late to start homeschooling my children?

It is never too late to begin homeschooling your children. While there may be some challenges to overcome, starting homeschooling at any point can still benefit your children’s education.

How can I remove my child from public school?

To withdraw your child from public school, you should inform the school through a letter stating that you have opened a homeschool and will withdraw your child. Make sure to include the date when you plan to start homeschooling.

How many days do I have to homeschool in a year?

The homeschooling laws in North Carolina do not specify a minimum number of days. However, homeschools must operate regularly for at least nine months of the year, excluding reasonable holidays and vacations. This allows flexibility in creating your homeschooling schedule.

Can someone else teach subjects to my child if I feel inadequate to teach them?

Yes, according to the law, homeschool administrators can choose additional sources of academic instruction for their children. This can include tutors, online classes, and outside classes to cover subjects you may feel less confident in teaching.

How can I determine the right curriculum for my homeschool?

Selecting the appropriate curriculum requires research and consideration. There are various resources available for homeschoolers, and parents need to study and explore different options. Talking to other homeschool parents can provide valuable insights and recommendations. It is crucial to choose learning materials that suit your child’s learning style and your family’s needs.

North Carolina Homeschooling Statistics

According to estimates from the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE), there are approximately 160,528 homeschooled students in North Carolina, with an average of 1.6 students per homeschool. However, the North Carolina Home Educators (NCHE) organization believes that a more realistic estimate is 201,808 students, assuming an average of 2.0 students per homeschool. This represents around 11% of the total K-12 student population in North Carolina.

Out of the homeschools that registered, 47.1% identified as “Independent” schools, while 52.9% identified as “Religious” schools. While many counties had homeschooled student numbers in the hundreds, 45 out of the 100 counties in the state reported enrollment in the thousands. Wake County had the highest number of homeschooled students, with 14,408, followed by Mecklenburg with 11,429 and Guilford with 6,101.

How to Do it: North Carolina Homeschooling Online

To homeschool in North Carolina using an online method, you can follow these steps:

  • Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements: Understand the laws and regulations regarding homeschooling in North Carolina. In the state, homeschooling is considered a private school, and parents must comply with certain regulations. Visit the North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education (DNPE) website to learn about the specific requirements.
  • Submit a Notice of Intent: Notify the DNPE of your intention to homeschool by submitting a “Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School” form. This form is available on the DNPE website. Include all the required information, such as the parents’ names, the home school’s name, and the students’ names and ages.
  • Choose an online curriculum: Research and select one that aligns with your educational goals and meets the state’s requirements. There are several online homeschooling programs available, both free and paid, that offer comprehensive curricula for various grade levels. Some popular options include High School of America.
  • Create a schedule: Establish a daily or weekly schedule for homeschooling activities. Determine the subjects and topics to be covered, allocate time for online lessons and assignments, and set aside time for breaks and extracurricular activities.
  • Set up a suitable learning environment: Designate a quiet and comfortable area in your home for homeschooling. Ensure your child has access to a computer or device with a reliable internet connection. Set up any software or tools required for your chosen online curriculum.
  • Monitor progress and keep records: Keep track of your child’s progress by maintaining records of completed assignments, grades, and any other relevant information. North Carolina requires parents to keep attendance records and a record of immunizations. Regularly review your child’s work to ensure they are meeting educational standards.
  • Supplement with offline activities: While homeschooling online, it’s essential to incorporate hands-on and offline activities to provide a well-rounded education. Include field trips, experiments, art projects, and physical education activities to enhance your child’s learning experience.
  • Join homeschooling communities: Connect with other homeschooling families in your area. Join homeschooling support groups, online forums, or social media communities where you can share experiences, get advice, and participate in group activities. This can provide valuable support and resources for your homeschooling journey.
  • Comply with assessment requirements: In North Carolina, homeschooled students must undergo an annual standardized test or participate in an alternative assessment method, such as an evaluation by a qualified individual. Familiarize yourself with the assessment options and ensure you meet the state’s requirements.

Remember, staying organized, dedicated, and adaptable is crucial when homeschooling online. Regular communication with your child, monitoring their progress, and providing a supportive learning environment will contribute to a successful homeschooling experience in North Carolina.

Benefits of Homeschooling Online in North Carolina

Homeschooling in North Carolina can be an attractive option for many parents and students. With the increasing popularity of online learning, homeschooling has become an even more attractive alternative to traditional schooling. Here are the top benefits of homeschooling online in North Carolina:

  1. Flexible Learning Environment: Homeschooling offers a flexible learning environment that allows students to learn at their own pace and according to their individual academic needs. With online learning, parents can customize the curriculum and educational experiences for their children in a way that traditional schools cannot.
  2. Lower Costs: Homeschooling can be a much cheaper option than traditional schooling in North Carolina, as the cost of tuition and materials are typically far lower. This allows families to save money on long-term costs associated with school fees, uniforms, books, and other supplies.
  3. Increased Parental Involvement: Parents have more control over their child’s education when they homeschool online in North Carolina, allowing them to pick courses, design curriculums around certain interests or topics of study, and ensure that their child is receiving an education that fits their individual needs.
  4. Improved Academic Performance: Numerous studies have shown that homeschooled children tend to perform better academically compared to their peers who attend public or private schools, as they can receive a tailored education specifically designed for them based on their age, interests, and abilities. This often leads to better test scores and higher educational attainment in the long term.
  5. Socialization: Socialization is one of the most commonly cited concerns about homeschooling; however, it can be a positive experience in many cases. Homeschooled children often have more opportunities to socialize than their peers in traditional school settings, as they can build meaningful relationships with adults and children from various backgrounds.

Additionally, when homeschooled, families are able to choose activities that will promote social growth for their children, such as local co-op classes and field trips.

Conclusion

Online homeschooling in North Carolina offers families a flexible and personalized educational option. It allows students to learn at their own pace, explore individual interests, and receive tailored instruction. In addition, homeschooling online fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where students can connect with peers and educators through virtual communities.

However, parents must ensure compliance with North Carolina homeschooling regulations and maintain regular communication with appropriate authorities.

Contact High School of America to learn more about our online homeschool programs in North Carolina.