Homeschooling Increases in North Carolina Once More Following Decline After Pandemic

The Division of Non-Public Education in North Carolina has published its annual report detailing homeschooling statistics for the 2023-24 academic year. This report provides a breakdown of homeschooling figures by county, school type (religious or independent), and age group.

The total number of registered home schools statewide has risen from 94,154 in the 2022-23 academic year to 96,529 this year, reflecting a roughly 2.5% increase. This uptick follows a two-year decline after a surge in homeschooling during the pandemic. The peak number of registered home schools was 112,614 in the 2020-21 academic year.

EdNC’s reporting focuses on the number of registered home schools rather than homeschool enrollment, as the actual number of students in home schools is an estimate. The estimated student homeschool population was 179,900, compared to the 1,358,003 students enrolled in NC traditional public schools at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.

Since the 2016-17 academic year, the majority of North Carolina’s 100 counties have seen an increase in registered home schools, with the most significant percentage increases in Tyrrell, Johnston, Stanly, and Moore counties.

Although only a few counties have seen growth since the peak in the 2020-21 academic year, Tyrrell County experienced a 54.8% increase during a period when most of the state witnessed a decline. In contrast, Pasquotank County saw a decrease of 56.4% over the same period.

In the 2023-24 academic year, there were 45,708 independent schools and 50,821 religious home schools registered, approaching an even split. Religious schools accounted for 52.6% of home schools, down from 60.4% in 2016.

According to Federal data from the National Center for Education Statistics, last updated in 2019, homeschooling rates nationwide had declined for the first time. Nevertheless, homeschooling remains a popular choice in North Carolina as an alternative to public and private schools.