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 yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification and complete the required assessment.

Getting started in North Carolina

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering Math, Reading, English Grammar, Spelling, Science, Social Studies.
  4. Plan for the required annual assessment or evaluation.
  5. Check your eligibility for Opportunity Scholarship, and start keeping receipts for anything you buy for school.
  6. Keep your records on file for at least 1 year.

Scholarships & funding in North Carolina

North Carolina homeschool families may be eligible for Opportunity Scholarship. Programs like this reimburse or directly fund approved purchases - curriculum, tutoring, testing, and often therapies - against categories the program sets, and every claim has to be documented with receipts. Application windows and award amounts change year to year, so check the official program page before you plan around them.

  • Opportunity Scholarship - Administered by NC State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). Typically covers private school tuition & required fees, required textbooks & materials, transportation (school-required). Every claim needs a receipt, and some categories need approval before you buy. Official information: https://k12.ncseaa.edu/opportunity-scholarship/

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.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina runs Opportunity Scholarship. Eligibility, award amounts, and application windows are set by the program and change year to year, so confirm the current rules on the official page before you rely on them.
What subjects must I teach in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires you to cover Math, Reading, English Grammar, Spelling, Science, Social Studies. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does North Carolina require?
North Carolina does not set a specific hours or days requirement for homeschoolers. Keeping a simple record of instruction is still worthwhile if your circumstances change.
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.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your North Carolina department of education or county superintendent.