When it comes to raising a family that is right for you, many consider homeschooling their children. The choice to do so provides a much deeper involvement with the child and their education and can help to shape their education in a way that better matches the needs of the child.
With so many options for homeschooling, it can be a bit confusing to understand how to go about it. Here are fifteen questions answered about how to homeschool in North Carolina.
1. Do I Need to Have a Teaching Certificate to Homeschool in North Carolina?
No, you do not need to have a teaching certificate to homeschool in North Carolina. All that is required to homeschool is for the parent to provide a basic education for the child.
This can involve providing an education that meets the criteria laid out by the state which is usually meant to fall in line with public school expectations. It is up to the parents to decide whether they are able to adequately teach a course or subject to their child or if they need to purchase specialized curriculums.
2. What Are the Requirements for Homeschooling in North Carolina?
The requirements from the North Carolina Department of Administration are mainly to provide a sound basic education for the child including instruction in Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and English. The instruction for each subject should be in-depth, challenging and done with an expected level of proficiency by the student. In addition to these four subjects, the instruction should also include physical education, health and safety, and citizenship.
3. Do I Have to Follow the Public School Curriculum?
No, you are not required to follow the same curriculum as public schools use. Homeschool parents have the freedom to tailor their children’s education to their own interests and beliefs.
In addition, many homeschooling parents prefer to use courses or materials created specifically for homeschoolers and are specific to their particular approach to homeschooling.
4. Can I Teach My Child At Home Through an Online Program?
Yes, it is possible to teach your child at home through an online program. There are many online homeschooling programs that provide curricula specifically designed for homeschoolers. These programs offer a variety of courses and can be tailored to the needs of each individual student.
Parents can find online homeschooling programs through research on the internet.
5. Do I Have to Register My Child for Homeschooling in North Carolina?
Yes, all homeschoolers in North Carolina are required to register with the NCDOE (North Carolina Department of Education). The forms to do this can be found on the NCDOE website and must be done within 15 days of beginning homeschooling. Failure to register may result in penalties, such as a $200 fine per student every three months, if the student is found to be homeschooling without valid registration.
6. When Should My Child Begin Homeschooling?
It is best to start homeschooling as soon as possible after a family has decided to go down this route. The early education of any child is important, and having the support and consistency of one’s family from the beginning is essential.
In North Carolina, homeschoolers can legally begin homeschooling when their child is five years old.
7. How Will I Know If My Child Is Ready for Homeschooling?
Parents can use several different methods to assess their child’s readiness for homeschooling. For example, a parent can create a learning style inventory to find out which methods of learning work best for the child, or explore different homeschooling curricula to find which one may be the most appropriate. It is also a good idea to discuss the decision with other homeschooling parents to get their perspectives.
8. What Are the Socialization Requirements for Homeschoolers in North Carolina?
The state of North Carolina does not have any specific socialization requirements for homeschoolers. However, homeschool parents in the state are encouraged to provide their children with opportunities for relevant age-appropriate activities to ensure they have the opportunity to socialize with peers.
Examples of such activities may include joining a homeschool group, engaging in extracurricular sports, or attending clubs or classes that specialize in homeschoolers.
9. Are There Any Financial Implications to Homeschooling in North Carolina?
Generally speaking, homeschooling does not come with any additional financial responsibility for the parents. Parents should, however, budget for any associated costs of homeschooling materials and other expenses related to educational resources.
In addition, parents may be able to receive Financial Aid from private organizations to help with the cost of homeschooling.
10. What Are the Laws Concerning Homeschoolers Taking Part in Public School Activities?
Homeschoolers in North Carolina are allowed to take part in public school-sponsored activities if approved by the local school board. Homeschoolers must not only follow the same academic eligibility guidelines as public school students, but they must also pay any associated fees and have the necessary insurance in order to participate.
11. Are Homeschoolers Able to Take State Assessments?
Yes, homeschoolers in North Carolina are able to take state assessments. The North Carolina End-of-Grade Assessments are available to homeschoolers at no cost.
To take these tests, families must contact the school district where they live and register for the tests in advance.
12. Are Private Schools Required to Follow the Same Homeschooling Laws in North Carolina?
No, private schools in North Carolina are not subject to the same homeschooling laws. Private schools are subject to their own guidelines. It is important to research the private school’s rules and regulations before enrolling your child.
13. Are There Homeschool Co-ops in North Carolina?
Yes, there are several homeschool co-ops in North Carolina. Homeschool co-ops are groups of parents who come together to teach their children at home.
These co-ops often provide additional resources, such as classes and field trips, for homeschoolers and can provide a much-needed support system for homeschool families.
14. What Are the Graduation Requirements for Homeschoolers in North Carolina?
The graduation requirements for homeschoolers in North Carolina vary based on the student’s age. Generally speaking, students must have 24 credit hours for grades 6 through 8 and 24-25 credit hours for grades 9 through 12, including four credits in English, three credits in science, three credits in math, three credits in social studies, and one credit in health/safety.
15. Are Homeschoolers Allowed to Receive a High School Diploma?
Yes, homeschooled students in North Carolina are allowed to receive a high school diploma. In order to do so, they must complete all the necessary credits as well as any other requirements outlined by the state, such as passing the end-of-grade assessments.
Once they have done so, they may apply for their diploma and receive it from their local school district.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is a wonderful way to give your child the education that best suits their needs and interests. In North Carolina, homeschooling parents must take on the responsibilities of providing a sound basic education for their child and are required to register with the NCDOE within 15 days of beginning homeschooling.
By taking into consideration the questions answered here, homeschoolers in North Carolina can better prepare themselves for the journey ahead.