For those living in North Carolina who are considering homeschooling their children, understanding the process behind homeschooling and the requirements can be challenging, as each state can have different laws regarding educational curriculum and compliance. In this article, we will outline the general steps and legal requirements that you and your family need to meet in order to homeschool your child in North Carolina.
What Are the Steps to Follow To Homeschool My Child in North Carolina?
There are six basic steps that must be completed in order to homeschool your child in North Carolina. These steps include:
Decide between a traditional, nontraditional, or hybrid homeschool and register with the NC Division of Non-Public Education. Select your curriculum and/or resources, plan how you will be teaching your student, and register your student with the NC Division of Non-Public Education.
Develop a student learning plan that maps out what your student will learn over the course of the school year.
Set up a safe, educational environment in your home where you will be teaching your student.
Maintain records of your student’s learning, assessment scores, and attendance. Submit a notification of intent to homeschool to the NC Division of Non-Public Education.
What Curriculum Do I Need to Use To Homeschool My Child in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, there is no mandated curriculum that must be used when homeschooling. As the parent or guardian, you have the freedom to select the curriculum, books, resources, and materials that best suit your individual student and their learning style.
Additionally, there are many commonsense-driven rules that you must follow when selecting curriculum and materials, such as making sure the materials are age appropriate for the student and that you are following developmentally appropriate teaching principles. It is important to remember that any materials used for your student’s education must adhere to the same education standards set forth by the state’s Department of Public Instruction. Additionally, the materials should be state-approved and should follow the basic academic standards established by the state as a whole.
Keep in mind that you also do not need to stick to a specific curriculum. Many homeschoolers in North Carolina design their own curriculum by combining several different resources and materials.
How Do I Know if I’m Teaching My Student Properly in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, homeschoolers are required to evaluate their student’s progress in order to meet standards for academic assessment and attendance. Parents must also document their student’s progress by keeping track of any standardized testing results, educational assessments, portfolios of work, and attendance records.
It is important to note that all homeschoolers in North Carolina are required to have their student assessed every year by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, or have their student take a nationally standardized achievement test, such as the Stanford Achievement Tests or the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, as well as file an affidavit of assessment results with the NC Division of Non-Public Education. This is to ensure that the student is adequately progressing in their educational pursuits and meeting the standards established by the State of North Carolina.
What Qualifies as an Educational Environment at Home?
Under North Carolina law, education must take place in a “suitable environment” in order to be considered homeschooling. A suitable environment can include the student’s home, library, school library, or any other location that is conducive to learning.
The environment should be accepted by the State as an appropriate learning space program for the student. In order to ensure that the space is suitable for learning, parents must ensure that the environment is free from all forms of harassment, threats, violence, and other disruptive behaviors. Additionally, the physical environment should be conducive to learning, which includes having enough space for movement and engaging in educational activities, as well as having the necessary furniture, equipment, and supplies to support the student.
Lastly, the emotional environment should also be considered – it should be a positive and supportive setting, free from toxic behavior or negative influences.
What Are the Legal Requirements to Homeschool My Child in North Carolina?
In order to homeschool a student in North Carolina, parents and guardians must comply with the laws outlined by the state, which include: Notifying the NC Division of Non-Public Education of an intent to homeschool and filing an affidavit of assessment results annually.
Registering with the NC Division of Non-Public Education and filing an affidavit of attendance with the county school board.
Administering standardized testing or assessing the student’s progress every year.
Following the laws and requirements set forth by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. It is important to note that the State of North Carolina has the right to revoke a parent’s or guardian’s homeschooling privileges if the requirements are not met or if the home schooling program is found to be “unsatisfactory”.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible To Homeschool My Child in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, any parent or legal guardian of a student under the age of 19 can legally homeschool as long as they comply with the legal requirements and regulations of the state. Other legal guardians, such as grandparents and family members, are allowed to homeschool students in North Carolina, though they must provide proper legal documentation of their guardianship status before they can homeschool. Furthermore, homeschooling is only legal in North Carolina if the homeschool program follows the requirements outlined by the state law.
For example, homeschoolers must educate their student in “reading, grammar, mathematics, science, and social studies and hygiene, physical training, and health”.
What Support and Resources Are Available for Homeschoolers in North Carolina?
Homeschoolers in North Carolina have access to a variety of resources and support systems, both online and in-person, that can help make homeschooling a successful experience for both the student and their parent or guardian. Online resources include online groups, support networks, and online course providers that can provide information, advice, and educational materials. In-person resources range from homeschooling organizations and co-ops that organize extracurricular activities, field trips, and events, to tutors and other mentors that can provide academic support in-person.
What Should I Consider When Deciding Whether or Not to Homeschool in North Carolina?
Deciding to homeschool your student is a big decision, and it is important to consider all of the pros and cons of homeschooling before making the commitment. Consider factors such as the teacher’s available time and resources, the student’s learning needs, the goals and objectives of the homeschooling program, the availability of support and resources, and any financial costs associated with homeschooling. Additionally, ask yourself if you are prepared to take on the primary role of educator for your student.
Homeschoolers often have to take on many roles, such as teacher, counselor, disciplinarian, nurse, and much more. If you feel that you are up to the task and have the resources and support to successfully homeschool your student, then homeschooling may be the right choice for you.
Conclusion
Homeschooling a student can be a rewarding experience, both for the student and their parent or guardian. However, before beginning a homeschooling program in North Carolina, it is important to understand the basic steps and requirements involved in homeschooling and make sure that you are able to provide a suitable education environment for your student.
Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the legal requirements, resources, and support available for homeschoolers in North Carolina can help you make an informed decision about whether or not homeschooling is the right fit for your family.