North Carolina is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the country. File a one-time Notice of Intent, test once a year, and keep basic records. That's it.
North Carolina classifies homeschools as non-public schools under G.S. 115C-563 through 115C-565. The state offers a single, straightforward compliance path overseen by the NC Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE).
Compulsory attendance applies to children ages 7 through 16. If your child is younger than 7 or older than 16, you are not legally required to file, although you may still choose to register your homeschool.
North Carolina is consistently ranked as one of the easiest states to homeschool in. There are no required subjects, no curriculum approval, no minimum test scores, and no reporting of test results. You have near-complete freedom in how you educate your child.
Before you begin homeschooling in North Carolina, you must file a one-time Notice of Intent (NOI) with the DNPE. This is a notification, not a request for permission.
Wait for written acknowledgment from the DNPE before withdrawing your child from public or private school. Operating without acknowledgment could result in truancy issues.
North Carolina restricts certain words in homeschool names. Your school name cannot include words like "charter," "college," "high," "public," "university," or other terms that could imply institutional status. Choose a simple, unique name for your homeschool.
While the NOI is one-time, it is recommended that you log into the DNPE portal annually to confirm your active status. This keeps your records current and avoids any administrative flags.
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North Carolina requires that the instructing parent (or any other instructor in the homeschool) hold at minimum a high school diploma or GED.
No teaching certificate, college degree, or specialized training is required. If you graduated high school or earned a GED, you are qualified to homeschool your children in North Carolina.
North Carolina requires a minimum of 9 calendar months of instruction per year.
Even though NC does not specify a day count, keeping a basic attendance log is still required. A simple calendar with school days marked is sufficient. Blue Folder can generate this for you automatically. Try it free →
North Carolina requires an annual nationally standardized test. Your first test must be administered within 12 months of your NOI acknowledgment.
The test must cover:
The PASS test is a popular choice among NC homeschoolers because it is affordable, parent-administered, and based on a portfolio review plus a brief assessment. It meets all NC requirements without a formal sit-down exam.
North Carolina requires that you maintain the following records:
These records are not submitted to the DNPE unless specifically requested during a periodic review. Keep them organized and accessible in case of a review.
Blue Folder helps you track attendance, store test results, and organize everything into a printable compliance binder - so you are always review-ready without extra effort. Try it free →
North Carolina does not specify required subjects by law. You have complete curriculum freedom and can teach whatever you choose, using whatever materials you prefer.
That said, since the annual standardized test covers English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics, most families naturally include these core areas in their curriculum.
| When | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| After July 1 | File Notice of Intent | One-time filing with DNPE (cannot file in June) |
| Within 12 months of NOI | First standardized test | Must cover English, reading, spelling, and math |
| Annually | Standardized testing | No minimum score; retain results for 1+ year |
| Annually (recommended) | Update DNPE portal | Confirm active status and update any changes |
| Feb 1 – Mar 1 | ESA+ scholarship applications | For students with disabilities ($9,000–$17,000/yr) |
North Carolina offers the ESA+ program for students with disabilities. Awards range from $9,000 to $17,000 per year and can be used for homeschool expenses including curriculum, tutoring, therapies, and educational services.
The Opportunity Scholarship provides $3,000 to $7,000 per year, but it is available for private school tuition only - not for homeschool expenses. If you are considering a private school option or hybrid program, this may apply.
Financial aid programs change frequently. Check the NC State Education Assistance Authority website for the most current details and application deadlines.
A 2017 North Carolina law expanded options for homeschool families:
Larger co-ops and enrichment programs exist throughout the state, but they may operate under different regulatory structures. Check the specific co-op's setup before joining.
North Carolina does not issue homeschool diplomas through the state. As a homeschool, you issue your own diploma to your student upon completion of your chosen graduation requirements.
Homeschool students in NC can obtain a Driving Eligibility Certificate from the chief administrator of their homeschool (that's you). This is required to apply for a learner's permit.
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Track North Carolina ComplianceThis guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. For the most current requirements, consult NC DNPE or a qualified attorney. Last updated: February 2026.