Homeschooling in North CarolinaPrivate School Pride, Homeschool Heart
AdaptiPath helps North Carolina families create amazing homeschool lessons while staying compliant with state requirements. No stress, no guesswork - just great education for your kids.
Stay North Carolina Compliant
North Carolina treats your homeschool as a private school. File with the state, teach 180 days in 9 months, complete annual testing, and focus on core subjects.
State Requirements Met ✓
Meets North Carolina curriculum requirements
Grade-appropriate skill building
Hands-on learning activities
What You Need to Know About Homeschooling in North Carolina
North Carolina has more detailed requirements, but don't worry - we'll help you stay compliant. Here are the facts in simple terms.
Notice of Intent to State
RequiredFile Notice of Intent with the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education (state level, not local district). This must be done before starting.
Private School Status
RequiredYour homeschool legally operates as a private school in North Carolina. You are the administrator of your own qualified private school.
180 School Days (9 Months)
RequiredProvide instruction for at least 180 days during a period of 9 months. Plan your calendar to meet both requirements.
Annual Standardized Testing
RequiredYour child must take a standardized test each year. This is mandatory and results must be kept on file at your school.
Core Subjects Focus
RequiredEmphasize English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics. These are the primary focus areas, though you can teach additional subjects.
Records Required
RequiredMaintain attendance records, immunization records, and testing results. These must be kept on file at your private school.
Key Things to Remember for North Carolina Families
File with the state Division of Non-Public Education, not your local school district
Annual standardized testing is mandatory - budget for this requirement
Your homeschool is legally a private school with you as the administrator
Focus on the four core subjects but you can add others as desired
Keep detailed records - North Carolina is more thorough than some states
The 9-month requirement means you can't just spread 180 days across a full year
North Carolina has an active and supportive homeschool community statewide
Don't Worry - You've Got This!
Thousands of families in North Carolina are successfully homeschooling their kids. The requirements might seem overwhelming at first, but they become routine quickly. AdaptiPath helps you stay organized and compliant so you can focus on what matters most - your child's education.
How to Start Homeschooling in North Carolina
Follow these simple steps to get started. Don't worry - it's easier than it seems!
File Notice of Intent with State
Before startingImportant!Submit your Notice of Intent to the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education. Use their official form and include all required information.
Establish Your Private School
Before startingSet up your homeschool as a private school. Choose a name (many use '[Family Name] Private School') and organize your school records.
Plan Your 180-Day, 9-Month Schedule
Before startingCreate a calendar showing 180 days of instruction within a 9-month period. This is more restrictive than states that allow year-round schedules.
Choose Curriculum for Core Subjects
Before startingSelect materials for English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics. These are your primary focus areas as required by law.
Set Up Comprehensive Record Keeping
Before startingOrganize systems to track attendance, maintain immunization records, and store testing results. North Carolina requires detailed records.
Plan for Annual Testing
Early in yearImportant!Research testing options and budget for annual standardized testing. Many homeschool groups offer group testing at reduced rates.
Begin Your Private School Year
When readyStart teaching while maintaining detailed records from day one. Remember, you're operating as a qualified private school administrator.
Complete Annual Testing
End of yearImportant!Arrange for required standardized testing at the end of the year. Keep results on file as part of your private school records.
Congratulations! You're Ready to Homeschool in North Carolina
Once you've completed these steps, you're officially homeschooling! Remember, you don't have to be perfect from day one. Every homeschool family learns and improves as they go.
Helpful Tips for North Carolina Families
- North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE) is an excellent resource for new families - founded in 1984
- The NCHE Annual Convention & Book Fair (April 10-12, 2025) at Charlotte Convention Center is the state's premier homeschool event
- Charlotte area homeschoolers can join The Connection Homeschool Enrichment Co-op in Huntersville or Charlotte Christian Homeschool Network (CCHNet)
- Raleigh families have access to Wake Teen Homeschoolers, Lighthouse Christian support group, and Generations ministry at Crossroads Fellowship
- Greensboro/Triad area offers Catholic homeschoolers support groups and secular inclusive community groups
- Group testing through NCHE regions is often cheaper and less stressful - contact your regional liaison
- Salem Educational Assessment Services (Raleigh) and Your Academic Success Testing Service (Piedmont) offer Woodcock-Johnson testing
- NCHE divides the state into nine regions, each with a Regional Liaison for local support and resources
- Many co-ops like FACES Catholic Homeschoolers (Charlotte) and REACH offer middle/high school academic programs
- Join local Facebook groups like 'Raleigh Homeschoolers' and 'Charlotte Area Homeschoolers' for daily support and event updates
How AdaptiPath Helps North Carolina Families
- Creates lesson plans that meet North Carolina requirements automatically
- Tracks attendance and progress for state compliance
- Provides grade-appropriate curriculum for all required subjects
- Saves you hours of planning time every week
"Remember, you don't have to figure this out alone!"
Join thousands of North Carolina families who are already homeschooling successfully. Most parents are surprised by how much they enjoy teaching their own kids once they get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in North Carolina
Here are the questions we hear most from North Carolina parents who are thinking about homeschooling.
Still Have Questions About North Carolina Homeschooling?
We're here to help! Our team understands North Carolina homeschool laws and can guide you through getting started.
North Carolina Homeschool Resources
For the most up-to-date information about North Carolina homeschool laws, we recommend checking with these trusted sources:
- • Your North Carolina Department of Education website
- • Local North Carolina homeschool associations and co-ops
- • HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association)
- • North Carolina homeschool Facebook groups and online communities
Choose YourPerfect Plan
Scale with your family's needs. Start with personalized lesson plans for every child with our Small Family plan and upgrade as your homeschooling journey grows.
Perfect for small families
Great for growing families
For large homeschooling families