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
32 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 CarolinaFiling 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.
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.
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · NC homeschool law guide