Homeschooling is an increasingly popular choice for parents who want to be more involved in their children’s education and who wish to avoid the traditional school environment. As more households are choosing homeschooling for their children due to its advantages, an increasing number of parents are researching the rules and regulations for homeschooling in North Carolina.
It is important for parents to be well-informed about North Carolina’s specific homeschooling laws in order to stay within the bounds of the law, as well as to ensure their child is receiving a quality education. The following are 15 questions and answers that cover what parents need to know to homeschool their child in North Carolina.
1. What are the different kinds of homeschool requirements?
In North Carolina, there are three types of homeschooling requirements: 1) homeschoolers must adhere to a basic set of requirements mandated by state law, 2) county school boards may impose additional requirements, and 3) charter schools may impose additional requirements. The basic set of requirements mandated by the state of North Carolina include registration requirements; ensuring that the curriculum used complies with the Standard Course of Study; ensuring that certain subjects are taught; meeting certain recordkeeping and testing requirements; and ensuring that any instruction takes place in a safe and suitable learning environment.
In addition to the basic sets of requirements, county school boards may impose additional restrictions. This could include requiring a full yearly academic program, that students be tested on specific topics and material, and a requirement that parents have a minimum level of education or training in the subjects they are teaching. Finally, charter schools may also impose additional requirements.
This could include a requirement that parents sign a contract with the school outlining the educational goals for the student and how they will be evaluated.
2. How do I register my child for homeschooling in North Carolina?
In order to begin homeschooling in North Carolina, parents must register their child with their local district school board. The specific documentation that must be provided will vary depending on the district, but generally it will consist of a written statement of intent, an affidavit of intent, a course outline, and other information that may be requested by the district.
Parents should check with their local school board to determine the specific documents needed in their district.
3. What curriculum must I use to homeschool my child in North Carolina?
Parents who homeschool their children in North Carolina must ensure that the curriculum they are using complies with the State’s Standard Course of Study. This is a guideline published by the State Board of Education that outlines the minimum instruction that must be provided in the areas of English, math, science, social studies, health and physical education, and other topics.
The Standard Course of Study also specifies how many hours per week each subject should be taught.
4. Do I need to teach certain subjects to my homeschooled child?
Yes, homeschoolers in North Carolina must ensure that certain subjects are taught in accordance with the State’s Standard Course of Study. These subjects include English, mathematics, science, social studies, health and physical education, and some other topics.
5. Are homeschooled students required to take tests in North Carolina?
Yes, homeschooled students in North Carolina are required to take tests to prove that they are receiving a satisfactory education. These tests must be administered annually or at the conclusion of the academic year.
These tests must be administered by a third-party, such as an independent individual or an agency representing a testing program.
6. What kind of record-keeping is required for homeschoolers in North Carolina?
Homeschoolers in North Carolina are required to keep detailed records of their child’s home instruction, including a portfolio of their child’s academic work and attendance records. Parents should keep these records for at least two years following their child’s completion of homeschooling.
The local district may also request copies of these records in order to ensure that the requirements for homeschooling are being met.
7. Is there a minimum number of hours of instruction required for homeschoolers in North Carolina?
Yes, homeschoolers in North Carolina must adhere to a minimum number of hours of instruction, as specified by the State’s Standard Course of Study. This typically equates to 180 days per year and between 9 and 11 hours of instruction per day depending on the age of the child.
8. What kind of learning environment must be provided to homeschoolers in North Carolina?
Homeschoolers in North Carolina must be taught in a safe and suitable learning environment. The physical environment should be clean, safe, and age-appropriate, and the teacher should be properly trained and qualified to teach the curriculum they are using.
9. Are parents required to have a minimum level of education to homeschool their child in North Carolina?
No, parents are not required to hold a minimum level of education in order to homeschool their child in North Carolina. However, it is recommended that parents have a basic understanding of the subjects they are teaching, as well as an understanding of the techniques and methods of teaching used in their homeschool curriculum.
10. Is it possible to take courses at traditional schools while homeschooling in North Carolina?
Yes, it is possible for homeschoolers in North Carolina to take courses at traditional public or private schools. This is known as dual enrollment and is a popular option for homeschoolers who wish to gain exposure to traditional school environments or to study a subject not available in their home instruction.
11. Are homeschoolers required to have a diploma upon completion of their schooling?
No, homeschoolers in North Carolina are not required to have a diploma upon completion of their schooling. Instead, homeschoolers must complete the required course of study and submission of a Notice of Completion of High School Requirements to their local school board. This can be done upon completion of the ninth grade for homeschoolers aged 14 and above, or at the conclusion of their high school education.
12. Are there any particular requirements for homeschoolers who are disabled or gifted in North Carolina?
Yes, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has established specific requirements for homeschoolers who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or those who are identified as gifted and talented. These requirements generally involve providing additional educational services to the homeschooled child and may also involve incorporating an IEP into the homeschooling curriculum.
Parents should consult with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for more information.
13. Are there any other educational options for homeschoolers in North Carolina?
In addition to traditional homeschooling, parents in North Carolina may also enroll their children in non-profit online schools or charter schools that offer homeschool programs. These programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of the student and include course selection, course materials, and other educational services.
14. Is it possible to get an external assessment for a homeschooled child in North Carolina?
Yes, it is possible for parents to obtain an external assessment for their homeschooled child through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. This includes not only evaluations of the child’s educational progress and achievement, but also assessments to determine the child’s eligibility for a diploma.
15. Are there any special exemptions granted to homeschoolers in North Carolina?
Yes, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction grants special exemptions to homeschoolers who qualify. These exemptions allow homeschoolers to skip testing and receive special consideration in the event of relocation, illness, or other circumstances that may arise.
ConclusionHomeschooling in North Carolina can be an incredibly rewarding experience for parents and children alike. Knowing the different types of requirements, how to register a child, what curriculum to use, and what examinations are required is the key to ensuring a successful homeschooling experience for all involved. While the laws and rules for homeschooling in North Carolina may seem complex, there are many resources and organizations available to help parents make informed decisions regarding the education of their children.
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