Homeschooling in North Carolina offers families a unique opportunity to customize their children's education according to their specific needs and interests. However, with this freedom comes the responsibility of adhering to the state's mandatory yearly paperwork. This blog post will delve into the intricacies of the necessary documentation, providing a comprehensive guide to ensure NC homeschoolers comply with state regulations effortlessly.
Understanding the Basics of NC Homeschooling Regulations
In North Carolina, homeschooling falls under the Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE), which oversees the operation of homeschooling and non-public schools. Here's what you need to know:
- Intent to Homeschool: Before starting, you must file an 'Intent to Homeschool' form with the DNPE.
- Teaching Requirement: At least one parent or guardian must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Annual Testing: Students are required to take a nationally standardized test each year, with scores submitted to the DNPE.
- End of Year Report: An annual assessment or portfolio review must be completed and submitted.
Key Documents You Must Submit
Intent to Homeschool
This document is crucial because it officially registers your homeschool. Here’s how to proceed:
- Fill out the DNPE Intent to Homeschool form.
- Include basic personal information for both the parent/guardian and the student.
- Submit this form before you begin homeschooling.
📝 Note: This form can be submitted either online or by mail, but ensure you keep a copy for your records.
Annual Testing
The state requires homeschooled students to be evaluated annually to ensure educational progress. Here are the steps:
- Select a nationally standardized achievement test like the CAT or ITBS.
- The test can be administered by a qualified person - this includes a teacher certified to teach in NC public schools, a person with a master's degree or higher, or a licensed psychologist.
- Results must be reported to the DNPE. Here’s how:
- If the student scored above the 23rd percentile, you can report the scores online or by mail.
- If the student scored below the 23rd percentile, you must provide a written evaluation by a qualified evaluator discussing the child’s academic progress.
| Test | What it Measures | Who Administers |
|---|---|---|
| CAT | Achievement in reading, math, and language | Qualified person as per NC law |
| ITBS | Core subjects including science and social studies | Qualified person as per NC law |
| Stanford 10 | Academic progress and performance | Qualified person as per NC law |
End of Year Report
By June 1st, an end-of-year report is required. This can be either:
- A nationally standardized test score, as mentioned earlier.
- or
- A portfolio review by a qualified evaluator, which includes samples of work from various subjects, an analysis of student progress, and a narrative evaluation of educational strengths and weaknesses.
Summarizing the key points:
- The primary documents to manage are the Intent to Homeschool, Annual Testing, and End of Year Report.
- Testing and reporting results are critical to show progress and to keep your homeschool legal in NC.
- Select a qualified evaluator or tester who can provide an unbiased assessment.
In summary, the homeschooling journey in North Carolina requires diligent documentation to ensure compliance with state laws. This process, while initially seeming cumbersome, can be seamlessly managed with proper planning. The freedom to educate your child tailored to their needs comes with the responsibility to maintain these records. With the right approach and understanding of the requirements, NC homeschoolers can easily navigate this aspect of their educational journey, focusing on providing a rich and personalized learning experience for their children.
What if I fail to submit the required documents?
+
Failure to submit the required documentation can result in your homeschool registration being revoked. You might receive notifications or warnings from the DNPE, and if you do not comply, it could potentially lead to legal consequences.
Can I homeschool if I don’t have a high school diploma?
+
If neither parent or guardian has a high school diploma or equivalent, you can still homeschool by having a tutor who is at least 18 years old and has a high school diploma or equivalent take over the teaching responsibilities.
Are there any exemptions from the annual testing requirement?
+
Homeschoolers may be exempt from the annual testing requirement if the student has a disability that makes standardized testing inappropriate, provided that a written notice stating the reason is submitted to the DNPE.
