Starting a Private School in North Carolina
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Our team has curated the best resources and information available about starting a private school in North Carolina. Enjoy!
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Regulations
We’ve curated the laws and regulations about starting a private school in North Carolina.
Starting a School Guide
See what else you need to know about starting a private school. From your curriculum to your marketing, and everything in-between.
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North Carolina State Regulations
General Regulations
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There are no licensing requirements and accreditation and approval are optional. All schools must be registered with the state, however.
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The North Carolina Department of Administration has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in North Carolina.
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A ‘home school’ means a nonpublic school in which one or more children of not more than two families or households receive academic instruction from parents or legal guardians, or a member of either household.
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The North Carolina DOA has no published requirements for school insurance — consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
Curriculum Requirements
There are no curriculum requirements for nonpublic schools.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
Teacher certification is not required of nonpublic schools.
Food Services / Lunch
In North Carolina, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Department of Public Instruction.
Length of School Year
Attendance at an approved nonpublic school must be for a period equal to the time the local public school is in session.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Schools must notify the state of intent to operate, the name and address of the school, and the name of the school’s owner and chief administrator. They must also record and maintain annual attendance and disease immunization records for each student, as well as standardized test scores.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Private church schools or schools of religious charter and qualifying nonpublic schools are subject to the state requirements respecting fire, safety, sanitation, and immunization. Students must be vaccinated or provide documentation of a religious or medical exemption. Fire drills must be conducted once per month.
Transportation
Students with special needs may be transported by public school buses to and from the nearest appropriate private school having a special education program.
Testing
Private church schools or schools of religious charter, and other qualified nonpublic schools must administer a nationally standardized test to students in grades three, six, and nine at least once each school year. The test must measure achievement in English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
North Carolina State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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North Carolina Association of Independent Schools: The recognized and respected membership organization for independent schools across the state.
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Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS): The mission of SAIS is to strengthen member schools by providing high-quality accreditation processes, comprehensive professional growth opportunities, and visionary leadership development programs.
Government Websites
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Guide Quick-Nav
Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.
School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.
Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.
Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.
Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.
Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?
Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures
Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.