October 2026 · Legal
How to Start Homeschooling in North Carolina: Notice of Intent to DNPE
To start homeschooling in North Carolina, you establish your home school with the N.C. Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) by filing a Notice of Intent at least five business days before you begin, with proof the teacher has a high school diploma or equivalent. Don't withdraw your child until DNPE acknowledges it. Then teach on a regular schedule for at least nine calendar months, keep attendance and immunization records, and give a nationally standardized test every year.
Choosing a school name is the most fun part, and DNPE has rules for it, so start there.
North Carolina Homeschool Law at a Glance
Notify the state?
Yes, DNPE
When: At least 5 business days before you start; not accepted in May or June
One notice per home school, not per child. Not needed if your child is under 7 and won't turn 7 this school year.
Instruction time
9 months
Schedule: A regular schedule for at least nine calendar months a year
DNPE recommends (but doesn't require) about five hours a day.
Testing
Every year
What it covers: English grammar, reading, spelling and math
Keep results at least one year and show them to DNPE if asked.
Step by Step: Starting Homeschool in North Carolina
1. Pick a school name
It appears on your student's future diploma. DNPE says it must be 30 characters or fewer and should avoid words like "high," "elementary," "the" or "university," and the names of local schools or your curriculum. You can't change it later.
2. File your Notice of Intent
File online with DNPE, listing your school's name and address, the chief administrator and documentation of the teacher's high school diploma or equivalent. Choose religious or non-religious. File after July 1 of the year you'll begin and at least five business days before you start; DNPE usually reviews in three to five business days. If your child will turn 7 during the year, file at least five business days before that birthday.
3. Teach and keep records
Keep attendance and immunization records at your home school. DNPE may request a virtual meeting and ask to see records. Our printable workbook has attendance and progress pages.
4. Test every year
Each academic year, each student takes a nationally standardized achievement test covering English grammar, reading, spelling and math. Keep the results for at least a year.
Common North Carolina Questions, Answered
- Can two families homeschool together? Yes. North Carolina allows students from up to two households, and every instructor must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Can I use an online program? Yes, but if your child is of compulsory age you still must establish your own home school with DNPE.
- Who issues the diploma and transcript? You do. DNPE doesn't keep individual homeschool transcripts or diplomas.
- Other states? See our state-by-state overview.
Want the Whole First Month Mapped Out?
The Homeschool Starter Guide ($19) walks you through choosing an approach, planning your year, selecting curriculum, scheduling and record-keeping, and includes a state-by-state legal reference.
Sources We Used
- N.C. Department of Administration, Division of Non-Public Education: How to Start a Home School in North Carolina
- N.C. General Statutes Chapter 115C, Article 39, Part 3 (G.S. 115C-563 to -565, Home Schools)
- HSLDA: North Carolina Homeschool Law
This is general information, not legal advice. We last checked these rules against the sources below in October 2026. Laws change, so confirm with the official sources before you file anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Next steps for your homeschool
Ready to go deeper? Get The Homeschool Starter Guidefor the complete step-by-step roadmap, or book a 1-on-1 consultationand we'll build a plan together for your family.
