Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in North Carolina as more parents are looking to give their children the best education available. With so many different homeschooling options, it’s important to understand the requirements and rules that apply if you are homeschooling in North Carolina.
Here are fifteen questions you should consider before starting a homeschool program in North Carolina.
1. Is Homeschooling Legal in North Carolina?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in North Carolina. The North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education states that homeschooling is legal for children ages 5 to 1 In order to homeschool in North Carolina, you must comply with the homeschooling laws that the state has in place.
2. Are There Any Specific Requirements for Homeschoolers in North Carolina?
Yes, there are specific requirements for homeschoolers in North Carolina. The North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education states that parents who choose to homeschool must ensure that their child receives a “sound basic education” which includes Reading, Writing, and Math, in addition to physical education and health. Additionally, parents must keep their child home for at least four and a half hours each school day, and must provide proof that the child is hitting educational benchmarks.
3. Are There Any Testing Requirements for North Carolina Homeschoolers?
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction requires students being homeschooled to take standardized tests each year, starting at age These tests must be taken at a local public school and are used to assess the academic progress of the student.
4. Are There Any Regulations on the Materials Used for Homeschooling?
Yes, the Division of Non-Public Education outlines the materials that should be used in a homeschool curriculum. These materials must be approved by the State Board of Education and must be used for core subjects such as Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Science. Additionally, materials should also include physical education and health.
5. Does North Carolina Require Parents to Report Their Homeschooling to the State?
Yes, parents in North Carolina are required to report their homeschooling to the state. Parents must submit an annual Notice of Intent to Homeschool and must also provide documentation that shows the child is receiving a “sound basic education” by meeting the benchmarks noted in the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education.
6. Does North Carolina Allow Unschooling?
Yes, North Carolina allows unschooling. Unschooling, or self-directed learning, is when parents provide their children with the resources and tools they need to learn, rather than following a specific curriculum.
While unschooling is allowed in North Carolina, parents should still document their child’s progress through tests, portfolios, and other methods of assessment.
7. Are There Any Formal Requirements for Homeschoolers in North Carolina?
Yes, there are several formal requirements for homeschoolers in North Carolina. These include the submission of an annual Notice of Intent to Homeschool as well as proof that the child is meeting educational benchmarks.
Additionally, the child must be tested at a local public school each year starting at age
8. Are There Any Homeschool Co-Operatives in North Carolina?
Yes, there are several homeschool co-operatives in North Carolina. These co-operatives allow parents to combine their resources and teach their children in a group setting. These co-operatives typically offer a more formal curriculum than unschooling but provide parents with an opportunity to teach their children in an environment more suited to their needs.
9. Does North Carolina Provide Any Homeschool Support?
Yes, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction offers several resources for homeschoolers. These include an online guide to homeschooling as well as information on finding support groups and resources. Additionally, the Department provides an annual Parental Support Conference for parents interested in homeschooling.
10. Are There Any Homeschool Organizations in North Carolina?
Yes, there are several state-wide homeschool organizations available in North Carolina. These organizations provide resources, support, and advice to homeschoolers.
Additionally, they can help parents find support groups, answer questions, and provide educational materials.
11. Is Socialization an Issue for Homeschooled Children in North Carolina?
No, socialization is not typically an issue for homeschooled children in North Carolina. Parents can arrange for their children to take part in activities like sports, theater, scouting, or music, which can provide lots of opportunities for social interaction.
Additionally, many homeschool co-operatives provide structured activities and educational trips.
12. Are There Any Accredited Homeschool Programs in North Carolina?
Yes, there are several accredited homeschool programs in North Carolina. These programs have been approved by the state and offer a curriculum that is recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Accredited homeschool programs provide parents with the assurance that their child is receiving an appropriate education.
13. Does North Carolina Require Homeschooled Children to Take a Graduation Exam?
Yes, North Carolina requires homeschooled children to take a graduation exam at the end of their homeschooling experience. This exam assesses the student’s academic knowledge and is provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
14. Does North Carolina Allow Students to Earn a High School Diploma Based on their Homeschooling Experience?
Yes, North Carolina allows students to earn a high school diploma through their homeschooling experience. This diploma must be approved by the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education, and the student must complete the graduated exit assessment provided by the Department of Public Instruction.
15. Are There Any Resources for Homeschoolers in North Carolina?
Yes, there are several resources for homeschoolers in North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has a website devoted to homeschooling, which provides information on laws, testing requirements, and other resources.
Additionally, several state-wide homeschool organizations are available to provide support and advice to homeschoolers.
Conclusion
Homeschooling a child in North Carolina can be a rewarding experience and provide a great learning opportunity for your child. However, there are several steps you must take to ensure that your homeschooling program meets the legal requirements and provides a sound basic education.
By understanding the legal requirements and researching the resources available, you can ensure your child’s homeschooling experience is successful and rewarding.