This is not legal advice. As someone who lives in a state that is highly regulated, I cannot emphasize enough the need for you to advocate for yourself and make a point to know your state laws. While the school district will most likely provide you with a printed copy of the laws and regulations for home schooling, a local home schooling group can be a valuable asset when it comes to navigating your way through the system.
In North Carolina, a home school is defined as: “. . .a non-public school in which one or more children of not more than two families. . .receive academic instruction from parents, or legal guardian, or a member from either household.” This definition is similar to most states in which your only legal option is to establish your own home school. However, according to this, you are allowed to share instructional responsibilities with one other family, (but not a group of other families).
A home school must comply with the following:
1. A home school must operate on a 9 month school calendar.
2. Keep attendance and immunization records.
3. A new home school has to submit a letter of intent to the State Director of the Division of Nonpublic Education.
Compulsory Attendance: Your child must attend school between the ages of 6 and 16.
Required Number of Days: The school is required to operate at least 9 calendar months out of the year, excluding reasonable holidays.
Required Subjects: There are no required subjects however, standardized testing is required annually and the test must measure the achievement in the following areas: English grammar, reading, spelling and math.
Teacher Qualifications: The teaching parent must have a high school diploma or a GED.
Standardized Tests: Standardized testing is required annually and must be kept on file for at least one year after the testing date.
Helpful Resources:
State Support Groups
Homeschool Alliance of North Carolina
North Carolina African-American Homeschoolers
North Carolinians for Home Education