Pulling a child out of school to begin homeschooling in North Carolina is an important decision to make. It should be taken seriously with research into the homeschooling laws and regulations, as well as a consideration of the unique needs and wants of both the student and the family.
This article will provide key questions to ask in order to make an informed decision when considering a child’s withdrawal from public or private school to begin homeschooling in North Carolina.
What Are the Requirements for Homeschoolers in North Carolina?
To homeschool legally in North Carolina, homeschoolers must meet the minimum requirements listed in the General Statutes of the North Carolina, Chapters 115C and 7B. These two chapters set the criteria for what homeschools must meet to be legal in the state.
The minimum requirements are: the student must be taught by a competent teacher and instruction must be covers the basic instructional areas. Further, homeschools must provide documentation to the county board of education that outlines the homeschool plan and materials being used and they must keep attendance and progress records.
Who Can Act as a Teacher for a Homeschooled Student?
There are three options available for North Carolina homeschoolers; North Carolina General Statute outlines all three options with the student’s parent or guardian can act as the teacher head of school; the parent or guardian can hire a tutor; and the student can keep enrolled in a public or private school, while they are homeschooled curriculums offered by that school. However, the student must meet A-F letter grades or regular satisfactory attendance requirements and demonstrate mastery or standardize test or other assessment materials. For additional information and resources, families should contact the state’s homeschool organization.
How Many Hours Per Week Must Homeschoolers Spend on Learning?
Homeschoolers are typically required to spend 900 hours of instruction per school year in the state of North Carolina. The law does not specify a breakdown of hours per subject or day, so long as 900 hours of instruction are completed in the school year.
It is important to note that instruction does not have to take place within a traditional school day.
What Are the Requirements for Withdrawing a Child From a North Carolina School?
A parent or guardian who wants to withdraw a child from school in North Carolina must first give notification to the school principal within 5 days of the withdrawal. Then, the parent or guardian must file paperwork with the local district superintendent and the county board of education.
The paperwork includes a letter containing the names of the student, their present school, the parent’s signature, and reasons for withdrawing.
Are There Notification Requirements After the Child Is Withdrawn?
Yes. Once a child is withdrawn from school, the parents or guardian must complete notifications to local district superintendent and the county board of education of their intent to homeschool the child. The notification must include a copy of a recent physical exam and immunization record, and a copy of county board of education form to document approval of a student’s withdrawal.
Are Home Visits Required For Homeschoolers in North Carolina?
No. Home visits are not required for homeschoolers in North Carolina. Home visits may be required if a district has reason to believe that a homeschool is not in compliance with state regulations.
These may include cases of truancy, neglect, or abuse.
How Will My Child’s Progress Be Monitored?
Parents of homeschoolers in North Carolina must complete and submit a Home Education Annual Evaluation Form to their county board of education. The form requires that the parent provide a description of the educational program; information about the student’s academic performance (using either a traditional A-F grading system or another form of evaluation); and a portfolio that includes samples of the student’s work. Progress is monitored through the submission of this documentation.
Is My Child Eligible to Participate in Local Public School Activities?
Yes. Homeschooled students in North Carolina are eligible to participate in local public school activities.
However, they may need to meet extra requirements, including taking a proficiency test and/or obtaining approval from the local superintendent and school board. It is important to check with the student’s school to determine what requirements may need to be met in order to participate.
Do I Need to Contact the Local District Superintendent When I Begin Homeschooling?
Yes. It is important for parents of homeschooled students to contact their local district superintendent when they begin homeschooling. The superintendent will provide information about state laws and regulations and offer assistance in understanding the requirements for homeschooling in the state.
Will My Child Need to Take Standardized Tests?
Yes. Homeschooled students in North Carolina must take a nationally standardized test every year and submit results to the local district superintendent. The results are used as a measure of the student’s academic progress.
The test must be administered by a qualified professional, such as a certified teacher, psychologist, or school administrator.
Do I Need to Notify the School District of My Child’s Progress Every Year?
Yes. Homeschooled students in North Carolina must notify their local district superintendent of their academic progress each year.
This is done by submitting the Home Education Annual Evaluation Form, which must include a description of the student’s educational program, a report of the student’s academic performance, and a portfolio of the student’s work.
Can My Child Re-enter The Public School System after Homeschooling?
Yes. Homeschooled students in North Carolina can re-enter the public school system after having been homeschooled.
The student’s parent or guardian must inform the local district superintendent and the county board of education of their intent to enroll their student back into the public school system. Depending on the circumstances, additional documentation may be required.
Conclusion
Making the decision to pull a child out of school to begin homeschooling in North Carolina is a big one. It is important to ensure that the family has done adequate research into the homeschooling laws and regulations and taken into consideration the unique needs and wants of the student and family.
This article has provided key questions to ask to make an informed decision when considering a child’s withdrawal from public or private school to begin homeschooling in North Carolina. With this information, families can begin to make the best decision for their child.