How to start homeschooling in North Carolina

Everything you need to legally begin homeschooling in North Carolina, broken into clear steps. Plan to spend about an hour completing the paperwork before your first day.

The short version

North Carolina treats homeschools as nonpublic schools. Register your school with the state, administer one annual standardized test, and you're set.

The full process, step by step

Step 1

Choose a name for your homeschool.

Step 2

Step 3

Submit a withdrawal letter to your child's public school if applicable.

Step 4

Maintain attendance and immunization records.

Step 5

Administer an annual nationally normed standardized test.

Things that help on day one

A binder, folder, or app to keep paperwork in one place.
Your child's most recent report card or academic records.
A simple weekly rhythm sketched out — even one bullet list of subjects per day.
A camera or phone for documenting the first weeks of moments.
A list of any homeschool co-ops, libraries, or community groups in your area.

Disclaimer: This guide summarises commonly known North Carolina homeschool requirements. Laws change. For official, up-to-date legal guidance, consult the HSLDA state guide or your state Department of Education before submitting paperwork.

Read the full North Carolina homeschool law summary →

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