Homeschooling in North Carolina
Notice & Testing (Private)
In North Carolina, a homeschool is considered a non-public school. You must file a Notice of Intent with the Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) to 'open' your school. You must also administer a standardized test annually, but you do not submit the scores.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
one-time
Key Requirements at a Glance
- File Notice of Intent with DNPE (One-time)
- Parent/Teacher must have HS Diploma or GED
- Administer annual standardized test (keep scores on file)
- Keep attendance and immunization records
- Operate on a regular schedule for at least 9 months
Legal Framework
NC General Statutes Article 39, Part 3 govern home schools.
Find a homeschool co-op in North Carolina
20 homeschool co-ops in North Carolina, listed by town with ages, meeting days and fees. Each one checked against its own website and dated, so you can see how current it is.
Homeschool Co-ops in North CarolinaWaldorf schools and kindergartens in North Carolina
The Waldorf Map lists 4 schools and 4 kindergartens and playgroups in North Carolina, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Asheville Waldorf School, Asheville
- Emerson Waldorf School, Chapel Hill
- Forest School with Ms. Nikki, Asheville
- Raleigh Day School, Raleigh
Filing Requirements
What to file
Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School
When
File immediately when compulsory age (7) is reached or upon moving to NC
Where
Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE)
How to submit
Online via DNPE
What to include
- • School name
- • Address
- • Instructor info
Primary instructor MUST have HS diploma or GED. At least 9 calendar months instruction. **Annual testing REQUIRED** (nationally standardized - English, reading, spelling, math) but scores NOT submitted to state - keep 1 year minimum. Keep attendance + immunization records indefinitely. No Tebow Law - sports discretionary. File NOI BEFORE withdrawing.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Annually
Grades: All
Nationally standardized test required annually. Scores are NOT submitted.
How to Get Started
- 1
Verify Qualifications
Ensure the primary instructor has a HS Diploma or GED.
- •Locate your diploma
- 2
File Notice of Intent
Submit your Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School to the DNPE.
- •Submit online or via mail
- •Choose school name
- •Elect religious or non-religious status
Tip: Do not try to open your school in May or June, the portal is closed!At least 30 days before starting (NOTE: DNPE does not process NOIs in May or June)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓One-time registration (until you close the school)
- ✓Test results are private
- ✓Flexible curriculum
Cons
- •Annual testing costs money
- •Blackout period for opening new schools (May/June)
Sports & Activities
**Discretionary**. There is NO "Tebow Law" mandating access. It is up to individual school districts, and many deny access.
Questions about homeschooling in North Carolina
Do I have to turn in my test scores?
No. You must keep them on file at your home school for at least one year.
Can I open my school in the summer?
Not in May or June. The DNPE stops processing new applications during these months.
What happens if I move?
If you move within NC, update your address. If you move out of state, you must 'close' your school with the DNPE.
Get North Carolina’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our North Carolina page changes
Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for news when our North Carolina page changes. You can stop the emails any time.
Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your North Carolina records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. North Carolina tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · NC homeschool law guide