In North Carolina, withdrawing your child from public school to homeschool is a relatively simple process if the right steps are followed. Research and preparation are key to not only ensuring a smooth transition, but also to setting your child up for success in their home education journey.
Understanding the basics of the process, such as what paperwork needs to be filed and what steps need to be taken to begin homeschooling, is essential to understanding how to withdraw from public school in NC. In this article, we answer fifteen questions that cover the basics of the withdrawal process, providing readers with a thorough guide on how to withdraw your child from public school in NC for homeschool. All readers need to do is follow the steps outlined here and with a bit of preparation and research, parents can easily transition their child from public school to homeschool.
1) Do parents need to inform the public school that they plan to homeschool?
Yes, it is important for parents to inform their public school if they plan to transition their children to homeschool. In North Carolina, the law requires that the local public school district be notified that a student intends to withdraw and plans to homeschool. This notification must be in writing and can be provided to the school in the form of a letter, or through a Form W-E.
The purpose of notifying the school is to allow them to keep accurate records of which students have withdrawn from the district. Additionally, the school may provide access to a variety of resources to support homeschooling families, such as access to certain student databases, curriculum materials, and even professional development.
2) Does the local public school need to approve the withdrawal?
No, the local public school does not need to approve the withdrawal of a student from their school in order for families to homeschool. While the school will need to be notified of the withdrawal in order to keep accurate records of which students have left the district, they do not have the authority to deny or approve the withdrawal request. Parents can decide when to notify the public school of their intent to homeschool, but it is recommended that they do so as soon as possible to ensure the district is aware of their plans.
3) Does homeschooling require separate enrollment or registration?
No, when transitioning from public school to homeschool in North Carolina, enrollment or registration for homeschooling is not required. The only paperwork that needs to be filed is a formal written notification of intent to homeschool, which can be done either with a letter addressed to the school principal or the school district superintendent, or through a Form W-E.
By submitting the written notification, parents will ensure that the school district is aware of their plans and will be able to keep accurate records of which students have withdrawn from the district. This will also provide the district with the opportunity to offer additional resources to parents who choose to homeschool their children.
4) What should be included in the written notification?
The written notification should include the name and address of the parents, the names and birth dates of the students who are withdrawing, and the date that the student began homeschooling. Additionally, the written notification should provide an address for the school district to mail their records and any other pertinent information pertaining to the student, such as health records and academic records. It is important to note that in North Carolina, the law does not require the notification to include any additional information, such as reasons for homeschooling.
However, in some cases, schools may require additional information on why the students are withdrawing.
5) How long does a written notification have to be filed?
The written notification needs to be filed no later than 15 days after parents begin homeschooling their children, or within 15 days of the beginning of the school year, whichever is later.
6) Is there any additional paperwork that must be filed in order to homeschool?
No, in North Carolina, there is no additional paperwork that needs to be filed in order to begin homeschooling. The only paperwork that needs to be filed is the written notification of intent to homeschool, which can be done either with a letter or with a Form W-E.
7) Are there any resources available to help parents transition from public school to homeschool?
Yes, there are a variety of resources available to help parents transition from public school to homeschool. Some resources may be offered through the local public school district, such as access to certain student databases and curriculum materials.
Additionally, there are a variety of online resources that can be accessed to support the homeschool journey, such as websites, home education groups and forums, and homeschool-related publications.
8) Are there any regulations that need to be followed regarding curriculum and instruction when homeschooling?
Yes, in North Carolina, the regulations regarding curriculum and instruction in homeschools are outlined in the NC General Statutes. The statutory requirements include requirements for instructional materials, the curriculum content and standards, and assessment and evaluation of student progress. Additionally, a record of the instruction of the student shall be maintained, and homeschoolers are required to submit semi-annual assessment results to the local public school district.
9) What types of assessments are allowed to be used to evaluate student progress?
In North Carolina, homeschoolers can use a variety of assessment instruments to evaluate student progress, such as standardized tests, portfolio assessments, achievement tests, or other locally developed assessments. The type of assessment used to evaluate student progress should be determined by the parents in consultation with the student.
10) Are there any other legal requirements for homeschoolers in North Carolina?
Yes, in addition to the curriculum and instruction requirements for homeschooling in North Carolina, there are a few other legal requirements that must be followed. These requirements include mandating that students attend homeschool for at least nine months out of the year, and providing instruction in the English language.
Additionally, criminal background checks are required for all individuals who provide instruction to homeschooled students, and all instruction must be conducted by a parent, guardian, or tutor who is at least 18 years of age.
11) What are the age requirements for homeschooling in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the age requirements for homeschooling are typically determined by the local public school district. Generally, homeschooled students must be between the ages of 7 and 1
Additionally, parents must provide evidence of their child’s age, such as a birth certificate or immunization record, when they file the written notification of intent to homeschool.
12) Are there any restrictions on homeschooled students participating in extracurricular activities?
No, in North Carolina, homeschooled students are allowed to participate in extracurricular activities offered by their local public school district. In order to do so, parents should contact the student’s local public school and inquire about their policies on student participation in extracurricular activities.
13) Does homeschooling require that students take state tests?
No, in North Carolina, homeschooled students are not required to take state tests. However, parents are required to maintain records of their child’s instruction and submit semi-annual assessment results to their local public school district.
14) Are there any resources available to help parents with the homeschooling process?
Yes, there are many resources available to help parents with the homeschooling process in North Carolina. These resources include curriculum materials, websites, home education groups and forums, and homeschooling-related publications. Additionally, the local public school district may offer access to certain student databases, or even provide professional development opportunities, to support homeschooling families.
15) Can homeschoolers still take field trips?
Yes, in North Carolina, homeschooled students are still able to take field trips. In order to do so, parents should check with the local public school district to ensure that they follow any regulations regarding field trips. Additionally, parents should contact any organizations or destinations they plan to visit to ensure they are willing to accept homeschooled students on their field trips.
Conclusion
Withdrawing your child from public school to begin homeschooling in North Carolina is a relatively simple process if the right steps are followed. Notifying the local public school district of your intent to homeschool is the only paperwork that needs to be filed and there is a variety of resources available to help support this transition for families.
By following the steps outlined in this article and conducting adequate research and preparation, parents can easily transition their child from public school to homeschool. With a bit of preparation and planning, parents can ensure their child will have a successful homeschool journey.