Homeschool Guide
How to Homeschool in North Carolina
Here is exactly what North Carolina requires to homeschool legally — how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.
Last updated June 2026
Notice required
Required
Instructional days
Regular instruction
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Required
North Carolina homeschool requirements
- Notification: File an Annual Notice of Intent with the NC Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) by August 1. Must operate as a "home school" approved by DNPE.
- Required subjects: Cover Math, Reading, English Grammar, Spelling, Science, Social Studies.
- Teacher requirement: Parent must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent
- Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
- Testing / evaluation: Annual national standardized test required. Results kept by parent; not submitted to state.
- Recordkeeping: Keep your homeschool records for at least 1 year.
Key dates & deadlines
| At the start of the year | File your required notification with the district or state. |
| Annually | Renew your notification and complete the required assessment. |
Getting started in North Carolina
- File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
- Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
- Choose curriculum covering Math, Reading, English Grammar, Spelling, Science, Social Studies.
- Plan for the required annual assessment or evaluation.
- Keep your records on file for at least 1 year.
Official resources
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in North Carolina?
File an Annual Notice of Intent with the NC Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) by August 1. Must operate as a "home school" approved by DNPE.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
Parent must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent
Is standardized testing required?
Annual national standardized test required. Results kept by parent; not submitted to state.
How long should I keep records?
Keep your homeschool records for at least 1 year.
Track all of this automatically
Beyond My Books logs your North Carolina instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines — and warns you before anything is due.
Start free →This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change — verify current requirements with your North Carolina department of education or county superintendent.