Homeschooling is a popular option for school-age children in North Carolina. With homeschooling, children can have a personalized learning experience and receive an education tailored to their individual needs.
There are, however, certain requirements that parents must meet in order to ensure they are following the regulations set forth by the North Carolina Department of Education. In this article, we will answer the question “What is required for a homeschool child in every grade in North Carolina?” by taking a look at the requirements for different grade levels, the process for filing a notice of intent to homeschool and other important information related to homeschooling in North Carolina.
What Requirements Must be Met for Kindergarten Through Eighth Grade Homeschooling in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, homeschooling is regulated under the North Carolina General Statutes sections 115C-563 and 115C-56 According to the statutes, parents are required to provide an education based on the Common Core State Standards in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. The education should include reading, writing, grammar, math, science and history.
Parents may also choose to provide their children with instruction in the arts, physical education and a foreign language but these are not mandatory. Furthermore, parents should provide their children with activities that help them to develop both physically and socially, such as field trips and organized sports.
When homeschooling kindergarten through eighth grade, parents must also fulfill the annual assessment requirement. This involves conducting an annual standardized assessment of their child’s academic progress in the core subject areas. The results of the test should be kept on file and provided upon request to the North Carolina Department of Education.
What Requirements Must be Met for High School Homeschooling in North Carolina?
For high school homeschooling in North Carolina, parents are required to provide instruction in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, History/Social Studies, and Health and Physical Education. Additionally, each student must also complete a senior year project. This can include activities like research, community service, work placements, or a creative project.
At the high school level, homeschooled students have several options for completing standardized assessments, including standardized tests offered through the North Carolina Department of Education, the National Center for Education Statistics, or a college readiness assessment. Homeschooled students are also permitted to take part in their local public school’s extracurricular activities and participate in the North Carolina State High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA).
What is the Process for Filing a Notice of Intent to Homeschool in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, parents of homeschooled students must file a “Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School” with their county’s Board of Education. This must be done by August 1 of each school year and it should provide the following information: -The parents’ name and address -The student’s name, date of birth, grade level, and date of enrollment -The address where education will take place -The name of the home school Parents are also required to file a “Statement of Intent to Operate an Individualized Education Program” or “IEP” if their child has an individualized education program in place.
They are also required to file a “Notice of Change” form whenever there are changes to the information provided in the initial notice of intent. The North Carolina Department of Education must also be notified of any changes in enrollment or completion of the home school program.
Are Homeschooled Students Eligible to Participate in Public School Athletics Programs?
Yes, homeschooled students in North Carolina are eligible to participate in public school athletics programs through the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). The student must meet the NCHSAA’s academic eligibility requirements and pay the required fees.
The student will also be placed on their local public school’s team and participate in all the practices and games as if they were enrolled in the public school. It’s important to note that homeschooled students are not eligible to participate in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association State Championship tournaments. However, they can compete in any of their district or regional tournaments provided they meet all the eligibility requirements.
Are Homeschooled Students Eligible to Receive College Credit for Courses Taken While Homeschooled?
Yes, homeschooled students in North Carolina can receive college credit for courses taken while homeschooled. The student must, however, meet the specific requirements of the college they are applying to.
Most schools require that homeschooled students provide transcripts, test scores, and references as part of the admissions process. Additionally, some colleges also offer specialized programs to support homeschooled students in their transition to college. The University of North Carolina, for instance, offers a three-week residential program known as the “Homeschool on the Hill” program that helps homeschoolers acclimate to the college environment and explore academic and career opportunities.
What Support is Available for Parents Homeschooling in North Carolina?
There is a wealth of support available for parents who are homeschooling in North Carolina. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a membership organization that offers legal assistance and guidance to homeschooling families. Other organizations, such as the North Carolina Homeschoolers Association, offer resources and support for homeschooling families, including networking opportunities and online discussion forums.
Additionally, many cities in North Carolina have homeschooling support groups that meet regularly and provide information and support to local homeschoolers.
Conclusion
Homeschooling has become a popular option for school-age children in North Carolina. However, it is important to take note of the regulations and requirements that must be met in order to ensure compliance with the laws set forth by the state.
This article provided an overview of the requirements for homeschooling children in kindergarten through twelfth grade in North Carolina, the process for filing a notice of intent to homeschool, and other important information related to homeschooling in the state. Parents considering homeschooling their children in North Carolina should do their research and fully understand the requirements and process involved before taking the plunge. Additionally, there is a wealth of support available for parents homeschooling in North Carolina, from organizations such as the HSLDA and the North Carolina Homeschoolers Association, to local homeschooling support groups.