Starting a homeschool in North Carolina requires only a few steps.
Homeschooling in North Carolina is not a difficult process. There are certain laws to be followed, but they are minimal compared to many other states. Starting a homeschool in North Carolina can be achieved by following a few simple steps such as notifying the local school district, maintaining an attendance and immunization record, choosing a curriculum and building a support group for the family.
Instructions
Know the Laws
1. Notify the local school district of the parents' intention to homeschool in writing. The letter should include the name of the homeschool and the name of the person who is to be the chief administrator.
2. Ensure that the adult who will be teaching holds a high school diploma or equivalent.
3. Set up a schedule that allows for attendance during at least nine months of the calendar year. Also maintain attendance records for this time period.
4. Keep a record of immunizations on file to provide if needed.
5. Administer a state-approved academic achievement test each year.
Choose a Curriculum
6. Choose a curriculum that can be the cornerstone of a strong homeschool. There are many to choose from based upon the child's strengths, parent's education plans and state requirements. The state does not require that certain subjects be taught, but the yearly testing must include English grammar, reading, spelling and mathematics.
7. Search the Internet for curriculum options. These can lead parents to an array of choices from workbooks to computer programs to a curriculum of strictly textbooks. There are choices from faith-based companies to companies who are already designing books for public school systems.
8. Narrow down the search to curricula that fit the child's learning style and examine each remaining plan to determine which one will work best for the upcoming year. Remember that the plan can always be changed to another curriculum if this one is not successful.
9. Choose the curriculum and have it ordered in time to receive it before the school year begins.
10. Study the teacher's guide when it arrives or use the texts to lay out lesson plans if a teacher's guide is not included.
Set up a Support System
11. Seek out one of the support groups available throughout the state. An Internet search can supply a list of the ones nearest the new homeschooler. By contacting a support group, the new homeschooling family can receive information about local meetings, playgroups for children and state homeschooling information.
12. Choose from the dozens of support groups available in the state, if the family decides to participate, and get active.
13. Seek out other homeschoolers for advice or companionship if a support group is not available. Fellow homeschoolers can usually be found through churches, community groups, libraries or colleges.
14. Join the North Carolina state homeschoolers group. This group will allow the family to be alerted to state information affecting them. The group will provide information to the family on state law, upcoming conventions and get in touch with other homeschoolers.
15. Consider a membership to the Home School Legal Defense Association. This national organization provides legal representation to their members if the need arises. Members receive advice by phone or mail, and representatives are available to help in person if needed. They will represent the homeschooling family in legal situations regarding homeschooling laws and rights.
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