New to homeschooling? Perhaps we can help.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling:

• Is it legal to homeschool?
  Yes, homeschooling is perfectly legal. Parents are granted this right by the United States Constitution. Though laws do vary from state to state, the United States recognizes the parents' right to educate their children as they see fit.

• Why should I homeschool?
  The decision to homeschool is a personal one. HCHE does not suggest that all parents homeschool their children; we simply offer support and encouragement to those who choose to do so. Parents who decide to homeschool do so for various reasons. Whether these reasons are academic or spiritual, the decision to homeschool can certainly provide great benefits to children.

• How do i get started homeschooling in North Carolina?
  North Carolina law requires a least one homeschooling parent to have a high school diploma or GED. To begin homeschooling, you must file a statement of intent form with DNPE (the Department of Non-public Education). On this form you must name your school. You must also keep attendance records and immunization records for each child. Annual testing is required and must be kept on file for one year. For further details see HSLDA's (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) North Carolina Law section.

• What curriculum should I use and where do I get it?
  There are literally hundreds, perhaps thousands of places to get curriculum. You can order boxed sets by grade, individual textbooks, CDs, DVDs, computer software, or even use books from the library, etc. We have listed several vendors on our links page. Deciding which curriculum to use will be easier after you determine what approach you will take to homeschooling. There are many different styles of homeschooling. Some of these styles include Traditional education, Classical education, the Unit Study approach, Eclectic Homeschooling, Unschooling, the Charlotte Mason Method, Distance Learning, the Enki Education Method, Tutoring, Montessori Homeschooling, Studio Teachers, Umbrella Schools, and the Waldorf Method. Often parents will use a variety of styles according to the learning styles of their children. The option to teach your child as he or she learns best is one of the many benefits of homeschooling.

• What about socialization?
  This is one of the most frequent questions we receive. Many non-homeschooling individuals have difficulty understanding what true socialization is; many reason from a false premise, assuming that "socialization" is what happens in the schools. This is exactly the opposite of the facts. Socialization is what happens in society. Socialization is characterized by knowing how to act appropriately in various situations. In order for children to become assimilated into society properly, it is important to have a variety of experiences and be exposed to differing opinions and views.
  
  Homeschooling allows students the freedom to associate with a variety of individuals, visit local businesses, museums, libraries, etc. as part of school, and to interact with people of all ages in the community; whereas, children that are segregated by age in traditional schools have very little interaction with adults other than their teachers. This environment seems to promote alienation from different age groups rather than the positive socialization desired. Home schooled children are participants in real life: they spend time with their mother, with their siblings, with their father, with their parent's and siblings' friends. They learn to play nicely with younger children, they learn to spend time talking to adults, and they spend a lot of time under the supervision of their parents, who know them well, and have the authority to discipline them. Experience and studies show that home schooled children are generally better socialized than the children who have been consigned to traditional schools.

• What about testing?
  Homeschooled students must test annually in North Carolina. The type of standardized test you choose determines whether you can administer the test yourself or if you must have them tested by someone else. Several popular tests include the California Achievement (CAT), Stanford Achievement (SAT), Iowa Basic Skills, ACT, PSAT, STEP, and the Wide Range Achievement (WRAT). We have members who professionally offer standardized testing. If you prefer to test individually, you can order standardized tests online from sites listed under "Testing" on our links page. As mentioned above, you must keep test results on file for one year.

• Where can I meet other homeschooling parents?
  Our group is the perfect place to get involved with other homeschoolers! We have a wide range of children in our group. We have monthly meetings and offer various classes, activities, swim days, field trips and get-togethers throughout the year. We would love to have you join us!

If you have a question that was not mentioned here, please email us. We will try to answer your questions promptly.