How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in North Carolina

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what North Carolina requires to start

   A parent files a Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School with the Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE), which lists the school name and address, the chief administrator, and documentation that the teacher has a high school diploma or equivalent. DNPE says it must acknowledge receipt, with confirmation by email, before the child is withdrawn from public school. There is no annual renewal of the notice.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   DNPE tells parents not to withdraw the child until DNPE has acknowledged the completed Notice of Intent, and to present that acknowledgment to the school. DNPE also says not to simply stop sending the child to school, because of possible prosecution.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   DNPE asks that the Notice of Intent be filed at least 5 business days before starting, and says notices are not accepted in May or June, with the window July to April. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days.

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   DNPE says a home school keeps attendance, immunization and annual standardized test records. A North Carolina-specific right to the public school's records on withdrawal was not found, so FERPA applies: a parent may inspect and request a copy of the child's education records.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   DNPE states that public schools are not legally required under North Carolina law to provide special education services to homeschooled students, though federal funding may apply in some cases. Federal rule 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) lets a parent revoke consent to services in writing.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for North Carolina: it goes to your child's current school to withdraw, and the state filing described above is a separate step. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The principal of my child's current school [name and address]

Re: Withdrawal from school and home education, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Please accept this letter as notice that I am withdrawing my child from [name of current school], effective [start date]. I will be providing a home education program under N.C. Gen. Stat. 115C-563 to 115C-565.

I am filing a Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School with the Division of Non-Public Education.

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in North Carolina

North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education (phone 984-236-0110), last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions