Homeschooling in North Carolina
Discover guidelines and helpful information on how to homeschool in NC.
Author
Lisa Luciano
Published:
May 2025
Key takeaways
- • Homeschooling is popular in North Carolina.
- • North Carolina is a homeschool-friendly state.
- • There is a lot of support for families homeschooling in North Carolina.
Homeschooling grew rapidly in North Carolina after 1988 when a favorable homeschool law was passed. According to a recent report, homeschooled students represent around 13% of the K-12 student population in North Carolina, which is twice the national average. By the beginning of 2025, 96,529 homeschools existed in North Carolina. There’s a lot of local and online support for families who want to homeschool in NC. If you are wondering how to jump in, here is some helpful information about state guidelines and how to homeschool in NC.
Homeschooling in North Carolina: requirements
If you are a parent wondering how to start a homeschool in NC, it might seem overwhelming. However, North Carolina’s homeschooling laws are more favorable and parent-friendly than those of other U.S. states. In the legal sense, North Carolina’s unique homeschooling laws treat a family homeschool as any other non-public school, and homeschooling is regulated by the state’s Division of Non-Public Education.
How to register for homeschool in NC
Any parent desiring to start a homeschool in North Carolina must have a high school diploma or GED. In addition, here is a list of the legal requirements for how to start homeschooling in NC:
- Announce your intent to homeschool by sending your name and homeschool’s name (yes, you must pick a name!) to the Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE).
- Record attendance and keep immunization records for each student.
- Test your students annually, using a standardized test that measures core school subjects, and keep test records for at least one year.
- If you relocate or stop homeschooling, you need to inform the DNPE.
Table of contents
Homeschooling in North Carolina: how to get started
After taking care of the legal requirements, there are a few more things to consider if you are just starting out in homeschooling.
Choose your teaching method
One of the best things to do before diving into a curriculum hunt is to explore various teaching methods. Your child has a unique learning style and will best learn according to that unique style. Some teaching methods involve lots of structure and planning, while others do not, so understand more about teaching methods before choosing your curriculum. Some of the most popular teaching methods are: traditional, eclectic, unit studies, classical, Waldorf, Worldschooling, unschooling, and Montessori.
Make a schedule
Establish a routine that will work for your homeschool – weekly, monthly, and yearly. Having a plan will help you make school a consistent, top priority. Even if you have to tweak your schedule along the way, at least you will have your plan in place.
Have a system
Paperwork, paperwork; or will you go digital? Either way, record-keeping is good for homeschooling. Documenting work allows you to track progress, see students’ weak and strong areas, and have information ready when needed. Good record-keeping gives your students “proof” of education if they attend college, join the military, or need the records for future employment. In North Carolina, parents must keep records of student attendance and immunizations. Also, consider tucking away the following proof-giving documents:
- Samples of student work
- Communication with local schools or state departments
- Standardized test results
- Any other proof that demonstrates your child is receiving an education that complies with state law.
Get support
- NCHE (North Carolinians for Home Education) is the state’s homeschooling organization, and it hosts an annual homeschooling conference with popular speakers, curriculum sales, and activities for children and teens.
- Check Facebook to find a homeschool group or learning co-op in your area of the state.
Homeschooling in North Carolina: curriculum requirements
Like any private school, the graduation requirements are determined by the school administrators. In North Carolina, as the parent administrator, you choose the courses, curriculum, and graduation requirements for your students.
How to choose a curriculum
There are countless curriculum options out there, and none of them are “perfect.” The best materials are the ones that will engage your child and work for your family and budget. When choosing, consider these questions:
- What are the core subjects you need for your student’s level? Most curriculum packages include language arts, science, history, and a homeschool math program.
- Are you looking for a secular or faith-based curriculum?
- What are the student’s strengths and weaknesses?
- Do you want your students to learn online or with traditional textbooks?
- Are you preparing your student for college, vocational school, work, or business?
- What other resources will you need to prepare your student for this path?
Where to purchase homeschool curriculum in North Carolina
As a 28-year homeschooling mom, I have always found it easier to purchase a curriculum online. My two favorite places for decades have been Rainbow Resource Center and Timberdoodle Co. If you have already been homeschooling, you probably have your favorite sellers. But if you want to buy from a local NC seller (in-person, online, or both) there are some great local places to purchase books, educational materials, and more, including:
Take homeschool field trips in North Carolina
Sometimes the simplest, cheapest field trip is the winner. Years ago, we took advantage of the local water treatment plant’s open house. I paraded my little ones through the facility and it is still considered one of our favorite field trips. That said, there are some amazing opportunities for educational field trips in North Carolina, so check these out and see if there might be one near you:
- Asheville Art Museum – Asheville
- Island Express Ferry – Beaufort
- Art & History Museum – Blowing Rock
- Transylvania Heritage Museum – Brevard
- Conservators Center’s Animal Park – Burlington
- Mount Mitchell State Park – Burnsville
- Carolina Ocean Studies – Carolina Beach
- Acklund Art Museum – Chapel Hill
- Billy Graham Library – Charlotte
- Hubb’s Farm – Clinton
- Moore’s Creek National Battlefield – Currie
- Equine Epiphany Farm – Denton
- International Civil Rights Museum – Greensboro
- Piedmont Wildlife Center – Durham
- Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site – Flat Rock
- Historic Johnson Farm – Hendersonville
- Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum – High Point
- Wright Brothers National Memorial – Manteo
- N.C. Transportation Museum – Spencer
- Cape Fear Museum of History and Science – Wilmington
- Old Salem Museum & Gardens – Winston-Salem
Conclusion
If you started out wondering about how to homeschool in NC, by now you have had some of your questions answered. North Carolina is an accommodating state for homeschoolers, offering incredible support and resources for families. Now that you have discovered more about how to enroll in homeschool in NC, enjoy your learning adventure in this beautiful, homeschool-friendly state.
FAQs
Parents who homeschool in North Carolina must provide all the resources for their homeschool. The state does not offer assistance, loans, or scholarships.
Homeschools in North Carolina must operate at least nine calendar months of the year.
There are no state-mandated subjects required in North Carolina.
North Carolina’s homeschool law has made it easy for parents to homeschool their children. In North Carolina, a homeschool is treated as any other non-public school. Parents who desire to homeschool must inform the state’s Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) of their intent to homeschool, then fulfill a few non-public school requirements.
Many states do not restrict homeschooling someone else’s child, and this is not specifically regulated in North Carolina. Anyone considering this would be wise to consult a local education attorney to confirm that you are complying with the law.
North Carolina law requires that children must attend school between the ages of 7 – 16 years.
