Steps to Initiate Your Intent to Homeschool in North Carolina
- Charles Albanese
- Jul 8
- 8 min read
Key highlights:
1. File a Notice of Intent (NOI)
Required for children aged 7 to 16
File between July and April via the DNPE portal
DNPE does not accept NOIs in May or June
2. NOI Submission Requirements
A permanent homeschool name
Copy of parent’s high school diploma or equivalent
Child must be age-eligible
3. After DNPE Approval
Withdraw child from public school only after receiving DNPE confirmation
Maintain records of:
Attendance
Immunizations
Annual standardized testing
4. When You're Done
Close your homeschool through DNPE
To resume later, reopen with a new school name
Planning to homeschool in North Carolina? The first legal step is filing a Notice of Intent to Homeschool (NOI) with the state’s Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE). This process formally establishes your homeschool as a legal educational setting for students ages 7 to 16.
Whether you're just getting started or transitioning from public school, understanding how and when to submit your Notice of Intent (NOI) ensures full compliance with state law. It sets the foundation for a smooth homeschooling experience.
What Is a Notice of Intent to Homeschool NC?
In North Carolina, a Notice of Intent to Homeschool (NOI) is the official document you file to legally start a home school. It notifies the Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) that you, as a parent or guardian, will be providing education outside the public or private school system.
Key points:
Required for families with children ages 7 to 16
Submitted once per household, not for each child
Establishes your home as a non-public school under state law (G.S. §115C-563(a))
Confirms your responsibility for instruction, attendance, and testing
Filing the NOI is a one-time step that makes your homeschool legally recognized by the state.
Who Needs to File the Notice & When?
You must file a Notice of Intent to Homeschool if you plan to educate any child between the ages of 7 and 16 in North Carolina. This also applies if your child is 6 but will turn 7 during the academic year.
Who Should File:
A parent or legal guardian who will serve as the homeschool’s chief administrator
Only one NOI is needed per household, even if you have multiple children
When to File:
The DNPE accepts new NOI submissions between July and April, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The portal is closed from May 1 to early July to process annual updates; no new Notices of Intent (NOIs) are accepted during this period.
To stay compliant, submit your NOI before you begin homeschooling and wait for approval before withdrawing from any public or private school.
Eligibility & Required Documentation To File NOI
Before filing your Notice of Intent to Homeschool in NC, you’ll need to meet basic eligibility criteria and prepare the necessary documents.
Eligibility Requirements:
The homeschool’s chief administrator (typically a parent) must hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
You must choose a permanent name for your homeschool—this will appear on transcripts and diplomas and cannot be changed later.
Required Documentation:
A digital copy of your diploma, GED, or transcript must be uploaded during the NOI submission.
No additional curriculum plans, assessments, or immunization records are required at this stage.
Meeting these minimum requirements ensures your homeschool is legally recognized by the state and ready to operate independently.
Also check: Best homeschooling programs to consider
How to File the Notice of Intent in North Carolina: Step-by-Step
Filing your Notice of Intent to Homeschool in NC is the first official step toward becoming a legally recognized home educator. This process lets the Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) know that you're taking full responsibility for your child’s education.
Step-by-Step Process:
Access the DNPE Portal
Visit the NC DNPE Home School Portal and select “Open a Home School.”
Create or Log In to Your DNPE Account
Use your email to register or sign in. This account allows you to manage all homeschool-related filings and updates.
Complete the Online NOI Form
You’ll need to provide:
A unique, permanent homeschool name (cannot be changed later)
Start date of instruction
Details of the parent or guardian serving as chief administrator
A statement confirming your child is at least 7 years old (or will turn 7 during the school year)
Upload Educational Proof
Attach a scanned copy of your high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Submit the NOI
DNPE typically reviews and approves submissions within 3–5 business days. You’ll receive a confirmation email and official homeschool ID.
Only Then: Withdraw Your Child from Public School
Wait until you receive the acknowledgement before notifying your child’s current school. Schools may request the confirmation letter as proof of enrollment for other purposes.
Taking the time to follow these steps ensures you’re fully compliant and ready to provide legal instruction from day one.
Timeline & Important Deadlines to File NOI
To avoid delays or compliance issues, it’s important to know when you can legally submit your Notice of Intent to Homeschool in NC and what timelines to follow after registration.
Filing Window:
Open: July through April, Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ET)
Closed: May 1 to early July, the DNPE closes the portal annually for system maintenance and reporting updates
NOI submissions outside the open window are not accepted, so plan accordingly if you intend to start mid-year.
Important Notes:
Submit your NOI before withdrawing your child from public school.
Allow at least 3–5 business days for approval after submission.
If you're planning a summer start, wait until early July when the system reopens.
By understanding these timelines, you can avoid gaps in legal compliance and start your homeschool year without administrative setbacks.
What Happens After You File? Next Steps to Launch Your Homeschool
Once your Notice of Intent to Homeschool in NC is approved, you’ll receive an official confirmation email with your homeschool ID. This marks your legal start as a home educator, but there are a few important steps to take next.
Step 1: Withdraw Your Child from Public School
Only withdraw after DNPE confirms your NOI approval. Once you receive the approval email with your homeschool ID, notify your child’s current public school.
What to provide: A copy of the DNPE confirmation letter
Why it matters: This ensures the school updates your child’s enrollment status to avoid being flagged for truancy.
Tip: Always request written confirmation from the school that your child has been withdrawn.
Step 2: Start Maintaining Required Records
North Carolina law requires homeschoolers to keep specific documentation, even though it doesn’t need to be submitted annually to DNPE. These records must be available for inspection if requested.
A. Attendance Records
Track days or hours your child receives instruction.
The state does not mandate a specific number of days, but you should operate on a “regular schedule” similar to public schools (~180 days is a good reference).
B. Immunization Records
Maintain up-to-date immunization documentation
If your family opts out for religious or medical reasons, a valid exemption must be documented and kept on file.
Step 3: Administer Annual Standardized Testing
North Carolina law (G.S. 115C-564) requires that every homeschool student take a nationally normed standardized test once a year. This helps ensure academic progress across core areas.
Testing Requirements:
Must cover: English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics
Must be nationally standardized (e.g., Iowa Test, TerraNova, Stanford, CAT)
Can be taken at home or through a testing service
Do not submit scores to DNPE, but keep results on file for at least one year in case of audit
Step 4: Operate as an Independent School
Once approved, your homeschool functions as a non-public school, and you are responsible for:
Choosing your own curriculum (North Carolina does not require approval of curriculum)
Setting your daily/weekly schedule
Ensuring instruction follows a regular school term (again, modeling around 180 instructional days is typical)
Keeping all records organized: Store them safely for easy access during any DNPE review
Step 5: Stay Compliant Year After Year
Renew testing annually
Maintain all updated records
If you stop homeschooling, formally close your school via DNPE’s portal
If you resume later, you must file a new NOI with a different school name
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How Do You Officially Close or Reopen a Homeschool in North Carolina?
If your homeschooling situation changes, it's essential to notify the state officially to remain compliant. Whether you're wrapping up your homeschool journey or restarting after a break, here's what you need to know.
When to Close Your Homeschool:
You should close your homeschool with the DNPE if:
Your child is returning to public or private school
Your child has graduated
You no longer wish to homeschool in NC
How to close it:
Visit the DNPE Homeschool Portal and select the option to “Close a Home School.”
You'll need your homeschool ID and reason for closure.
Keep a copy of any confirmation for your records or future reference.
Reopening a Closed Homeschool:
If you’ve previously closed your homeschool but wish to restart:
You’ll need to file a new NOI. There is no way to “reopen” a closed school.
You must use a new homeschool name; previously used names are not eligible for reuse.
Upload documentation again, such as a diploma.
Being proactive in officially closing or starting a homeschool ensures accurate state records and avoids confusion if you reapply or request transcripts later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing the NOI
Submitting your Notice of Intent to Homeschool in North Carolina is a straightforward process, but even minor mistakes can lead to delays or non-compliance. Here are the most frequent errors families make (and how to avoid them):
Key Mistakes:
Filing Before Your Child Turns 7
The state only requires a Notice of Intent (NOI) for children aged 7–16. Filing earlier may result in unnecessary paperwork or rejection.
Using an Incomplete or Unclear School Name
Your homeschool name is permanent. Avoid using your family surname only or vague names like “Home Academy.” Choose a unique, professional-sounding name for future use on diplomas and transcripts.
Withdrawing from Public School Too Early
Wait until you receive DNPE confirmation before notifying your child’s current school. Schools often request proof of registration before releasing records.
Not Uploading a Valid Diploma or Equivalent
The system requires a digital copy of your high school diploma, GED, or transcript. Blurry photos, missing files, or unrelated documents can lead to rejection.
Missing the Filing Window (May–July Closure)Attempting to file during the system’s annual closure will result in a blocked submission. Plan your start date and documentation around this period.
Avoiding these mistakes will ensure a smooth and compliant start to your homeschooling journey.
Conclusion
Filing your Notice of Intent to Homeschool in NC is the first real step toward building the kind of education you believe in: one that works for your child, not just a system. From there, you’re in charge of how, when, and what your child learns, with the freedom to do it in a way that fits your family.
If you’re feeling unsure about where to start with the curriculum or how to stay organized, The School House Anywhere (TSHA) can help. It’s a screen-free, hands-on program designed for PreK–6 kids, including those with sensory, learning, or attention needs. You’ll get printable lessons, weekly educator support, and a built-in way to track progress and keep records, so nothing falls through the cracks.
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