North Carolina — At a Glance
Official Resources
North Carolina has a relatively streamlined homeschool process, but it does require formal registration as a nonpublic school and mandatory annual testing. The state does not review curriculum or approve teaching methods.
Legal Basis
North Carolina homeschooling is governed by N.C.G.S. § 115C-563 through § 115C-565, which allow homeschools to operate as nonpublic schools.
Step 1 — Register as a Nonpublic Home School
Before you begin homeschooling, you must register with the NC Division of Non-Public Education (NCDNPE). This is not optional and must be done before your child's first day of home instruction.
Register online at: ncdnpe.org/homeschools.aspx
You will need:
- School name (you choose — can be your family name + "Academy")
- Your name and address
- Names and ages of students
- Intended start date
Registration is free. You will receive a school code number — keep this on file.
Step 2 — Annual Notice to NCDNPE
Each year, typically by September 1st, you must file an annual notice with NCDNPE confirming you are continuing to operate. This is done through the NCDNPE online portal.
The annual notice includes:
- Updated student count and ages
- Statement that you are maintaining the required records
Step 3 — Required Subjects
North Carolina requires instruction in:
- English / Language Arts (including reading and grammar)
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
No specific curriculum, textbook, or instructional method is required.
Step 4 — Attendance Requirements
North Carolina requires home schools to operate for at least 9 months or 180 days per year. Keep a simple attendance log to document compliance.
Step 5 — Annual Standardized Testing
North Carolina requires annual standardized testing in:
- English grammar
- Reading
- Spelling
- Mathematics
Testing requirements:
- The test must be nationally standardized and administered annually
- You choose the test — NC does not mandate a specific one
- You administer the test yourself (or use a testing service)
- Results are kept in your own files — you do not submit them to NCDNPE or the school district
- Records must be kept for at least 1 year
Popular tests: Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Stanford Achievement Test, CAT, and others.
Required Records
North Carolina requires home schools to maintain:
- Attendance records
- Immunization records for each student
- Annual test results
These must be kept for at least 1 year and may be requested for review.
Immunization Requirements
North Carolina requires homeschooled students to maintain immunization records. You must keep the same immunization records that public schools would maintain, but you do not submit them anywhere unless specifically requested.
Compulsory School Age
North Carolina's compulsory attendance age is 7 through 16.
Umbrella School Option
Some North Carolina families register under a church school rather than as a standalone home school. Church schools operate under a slightly different statute (N.C.G.S. § 115C-555) and may have different administrative requirements. Many families prefer the standalone home school registration for its simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool in NC? No. North Carolina requires only that the teacher have at least a high school diploma or GED. No teaching credential is required.
Can my child participate in public school activities? North Carolina does not have a state law requiring public schools to allow home-educated students in extracurriculars. Some districts do it voluntarily; others do not.
What if I want to stop homeschooling? Notify NCDNPE that you are discontinuing your home school. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.
Key Resources
- NC Division of Non-Public Education (NCDNPE)
- North Carolina Home Educators (NCHE)
- HSLDA — North Carolina
Enate helps North Carolina homeschool families stay organized
Track attendance, plan lessons, and manage your curriculum — all in one place.