Homeschooling your child in North Carolina can be a rewarding experience for both you and your child. As parents, we all want the best for our children and homeschooling offers a unique chance to customize a child’s education and provide them with personalized learning experiences. North Carolina offers a variety of options regarding homeschooling laws and programs, so how should you go about homeschooling your child in the state?
This guide provides an overview of the homeschooling process in North Carolina, and answers 15 key questions related to the topic.
1. What Does Homeschooling Entail?
Homeschooling is defined as providing a child’s education in the home, as opposed to attending a public or private school. Homeschooling can be self-taught, or parents and guardians might supplement their child’s learning with online classes, tutors, or homeschool cooperatives.
Homeschooling essentially allows parents to customize their children’s education to best suit their individual needs, interests, and intellect.
2. Are There Any Legal Requirements For Homeschooling in North Carolina?
Yes, parents wanting to homeschool their children in North Carolina must adhere to certain state-specific laws. In North Carolina, parents are legally responsible for providing their children with a ‘sound basic education’, which must include math, reading, language, spelling, writing, science, and social studies. A minimum of 185 days of teaching must also take place each school year, and subjects must meet minimum standards.
In terms of the actual homeschooling process, North Carolina parents must fill out Form DPI-HS1, submit a detailed intent to homeschool statement, submit proof of age and a copy of their child’s immunization status, and keep academic records. Depending on where in North Carolina the homeschool takes place, additional state or county laws might also be applicable.
It is highly recommended that parents consult with a lawyer with regards to any legal questions related to the homeschooling process.
3. Are There Any Homeschool Co-ops or Programs in North Carolina?
Yes, there are a variety of homeschool cooperative programs, or co-ops, available throughout the state of North Carolina. A typical co-op consists of a group of parents who come together to provide a more comprehensive homeschooling experience. Parents will often join forces to utilize collective resources, such as access to specialized courses and curriculum, or to organize field trips and special projects.
Co-ops range in size, structure, and level of involvement and available resources. Parents can find co-ops through online searches, local or area homeschool support groups, libraries, churches, or other referrals.
A number of online homeschooling groups also exist within the state, which can act as virtual support groups and provide updates on homeschooling events and resources.
4. What Are the Benefits of Homeschooling?
Homeschooling can provide several benefits for children and their families, depending on their individual needs and situation. One key benefit of homeschooling is the opportunity to customize a child’s curriculum in a way that best suits their needs, abilities, interests, and learning styles.
Homeschooling can also provide more individually tailored attention and offer a more relaxed learning environment. Furthermore, it can provide flexibility in terms of schooling days and hours. Homeschooling can also be beneficial for younger children, who can learn at an age-appropriate pace and gain a share of structure and freedom.
Homeschooling can also be a cost-effective form of education, since it often dispenses with the need for expensive school books, materials, transportation, and other fees. Lastly, homeschooling can provide more time for family bonding and extra-curricular activities.
5. What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Homeschooling?
Homeschooling can be a challenging experience for teachers and parents alike, requiring organization and commitment to structure. It can be difficult for parents to keep up with the ever-changing trends in education, alongside their other responsibilities.
Homeschooling might also deprive children of certain social experiences, and can be time-consuming for parents, depending on the set-up. Homeschooled children may also lack the same type of social interaction found in classrooms and school-related activities. Furthermore, depending on the curriculum and type of instruction, homeschooled children may not gain all the knowledge needed for college and other pursuits, beyond K-12 schooling.
Homeschooling can also be costly, as parents often need to invest in books and materials, paying for access to online lessons, co-op fees, or private tutors.
6. What Are the Homeschooling Laws in North Carolina?
North Carolina homeschooling laws governing the process are found in Chapter 115C-561 to Chapter 115C-56
14 of the state’s General Statutes. As mentioned previously, homeschooling parents are legally responsible for providing their children with a ‘sound basic education’ that includes math, reading, language, spelling, writing, science, and social studies subjects. This education must also include at least 180 days of instruction, where subjects must meet minimum standards, and parents must also keep academic records and submit proof of age and immunization status.
Additionally, an intent to homeschool statement must be submitted and also approved by the local school board. Lastly, parents need to fill out and submit Form DPI-HS
7. How Do I Start Homeschooling in North Carolina?
To begin homeschooling in North Carolina, parents must prepare in advance, research the topic and laws extensively, and decide on an overarching curriculum. First, certain documents such as proof of age, immunization status, and an intent to homeschool statement must be obtained and submitted. Parents should then decide on a curriculum and lesson plans, having considered the individual needs and strengths of their children, in order to determine the best course of action.
Resources such as books, materials, online classes, and co-ops can help parents supplement their children’s learning. It is also helpful to create a homeschooling workspace, such as a room or area dedicated to supporting the homeschooling process.
As a parent, you should also become part of a homeschooling support network, such as an online or local homeschooling group, to seek advice and exchange ideas.
8. What Steps Are Needed to Enroll in a Homeschool Co-op?
The steps required to enroll in a homeschool co-op depend on the specific co-op in question. Generally speaking, parents will need to find a co-op in their area — either through online research, referrals, or other sources. Once a co-op has been identified, parents will need to read through all the information related to the specific program, as well as research and assess the curriculum/learning activities.
Parents should also check to see if there are any requirements or prerequisites for joining the co-op, and take into consideration any associated fees or costs. Finally, parents should contact the co-op directly in order to clarify any remaining questions and to submit an application, if necessary.
9. What Subjects Are Generally Taught During Homeschooling?
Homeschooled children should generally receive an education in math, reading, language arts, science, and social studies, as outlined by the North Carolina General Statutes. Parents may also choose to supplement these core subjects with other courses, self-made assignments, or field trips.
Homeschooling programs can also be tailored to the individual needs and abilities of the child.
10. Is Higher Education Possible After Homeschooling?
Yes, it is possible to pursue higher education after homeschooling in North Carolina. Potential college or university applicants should check college requirements, carefully.
For example, some colleges might require specific tests or portfolios with proof of curriculum and coursework. Many colleges and universities look favorably upon homeschooled students and offer admissions counseling.
11. What Qualifications Does a Parent Need to Have for Homeschooling in North Carolina?
In order to homeschool in North Carolina, parents don’t need to possess any specific qualifications. There are no requirements with regards to previous educational experience or qualifications — though some may aspire to a college degree if they wish to pursue higher education.
12. Are There Online Classes and Support Groups Available for Homeschooling?
Yes, there are a variety of online classes, support groups, and resources available to North Carolina homeschooling families. A wealth of information and learning material can be found through online searches and specialized websites, including curriculum, lesson plans, course syllabus, and more. There are also numerous online homeschooling groups and forums, which provide parents with support and advice, as well as updates on recent events and resources.
13. Are There Any Converting Schools and Programs Available for Homeschooled Children in North Carolina?
Yes, there are programs for homeschoolers to re-enter the traditional school system in North Carolina and be re-enrolled without repeating a grade. Such opportunities are available both in public and private schools, depending on the student’s age, individual needs, and circumstances.
Parents should contact their local school board to inquire about such options and to find out what type of testing or assessment might be required.
14. Are Homeschooled Students Eligible for Athletics or Clubs?
Yes, homeschooled children in North Carolina are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, provided that they meet the eligibility requirements set by the North Carolina High School Athletics Association (NCHSAA). Eligible students must meet academic and GPA requirements, provide proof of age, fill out and submit an affidavit, and may be asked to complete a period of residency in order to establish eligibility.
15. Are Tutors Needed for Homeschooling in North Carolina?
Whether tutors are required for homeschooling in North Carolina depends on the individual needs of the student and resources available within the home. Tutors can be sought out if parents lack the confidence to teach certain subjects, or to supplement the child’s learning. However, there are many affordable and accessible materials that parents can use within the home, including textbooks, worksheets, and online resources.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is an increasingly popular option for North Carolina families, and parents should be aware of the laws and requirements surrounding the process. While homeschooling offers many rewards, it is important that parents take the necessary steps in order to provide their children with a comprehensive, reliable education. With careful preparation, planning, and research, parents can pursue a successful homeschooling experience in the state of North Carolina.