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Homeschool laws · North Carolina

How to homeschool in North Carolina

Test every year and keep the score sheet handy.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for North Carolina. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

North Carolina requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, once. A one-time notice of intent to the Division of Non-Public Education (online), with the school’s name and address. Close the school with them when you stop or move.

Minimum school time

A regular schedule at least nine calendar months a year, with reasonable holidays and vacations.

Required subjects

None mandated.

Parent qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent.

Testing or evaluation

A nationally standardized test every year covering English grammar, reading, spelling and math. Scores stay at home for one year for inspection.

Records to keep

Attendance and immunization records, and test scores for one year.

Compulsory school ages

7–16

Legal ways to homeschool in North Carolina

  • Home school registered as a nonpublic school

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    A one-time notice of intent to the Division of Non-Public Education (online), with the school’s name and address. Close the school with them when you stop or move.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan your school year

    A regular schedule at least nine calendar months a year, with reasonable holidays and vacations. A planned calendar still makes the year easier to keep on track.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records North Carolina asks for: attendance and immunization records, and test scores for one year. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Plan the test or evaluation

    A nationally standardized test every year covering English grammar, reading, spelling and math. Scores stay at home for one year for inspection.

    Log test scores
  5. 05

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

North Carolina homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in North Carolina?

A one-time notice of intent to the Division of Non-Public Education (online), with the school’s name and address. Close the school with them when you stop or move.

How many days do you have to homeschool in North Carolina?

A regular schedule at least nine calendar months a year, with reasonable holidays and vacations.

What subjects are required in North Carolina?

None mandated.

Does North Carolina require testing for homeschoolers?

A nationally standardized test every year covering English grammar, reading, spelling and math. Scores stay at home for one year for inspection.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in North Carolina?

A high school diploma or equivalent.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for North Carolina and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states