May I enroll my child in a distance learning program?  Yes.  A North Carolina family may legally enroll its students in a distance learning program (such as a correspondence, internet-based, or audio/video program) and utilize that organization's textbooks, curriculum, learning materials, etc.  However, if the student is at least age 7 but not yet age 16 (age 18 if the student wishes to obtain/retain a NC driver's license), the family must first legally establish its own North Carolina home school by registering it with DNPE.  When doing so, the family must list the parent/guardian's name as the home school owner, chief administrator and instruction provider as well as the parent/guardian's address and telephone number (NOT that of the distance learning program).  On an on-going basis from that point, the family must always then satisfy all of North Carolina's home school laws -- including the maintenance of the state mandated home school records at the home school site.  Also, see "Driving Eligibility Certificates, Student."

May I enroll my child in the NC Virtual Public School program?  Enrollment in the program is for North Carolina public school students.  The authorizing legislation for the NC Virtual Public School states:  "NCVPS shall be available at no cost to all students in North Carolina who are enrolled in North Carolina's public schools, Department of Defense schools, and schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs."  In order for a non-public school student to participate in it, the local public school system must have available vacancies in the program; if a vacancy exists, the student is then enrolled in and through that local public school system.  Also, see the "Professional Educators' Role in Home Schools."

Suggestions for selecting a distance learning program?  There is no US or North Carolina state government agency which regulates or accredits distance learning programs.  It is recommended, therefore, that you chose one which has been operating for at least the last ten or more years; is operated by a conventional elementary, high school or college/university which has existed for at least several years; or, that is accredited by the state in which it is located.  It is also important to seek assurances that the distance learning program will provide student transcripts when requested in the coming years.  If the student plans to attend college or enlist in the military, you might call the admissions officers of several colleges/universities in which the student may want to enroll (or local military recruiters) and ask if they accept high school credit from the distance learning programs under consideration.

What about distance learning programs which offer instant high school diplomas?  Be very careful about programs which, after payment is made, allow the student to simply take a test on-line (or by mail) and then provide a high school diploma for the student either instantly; or later by fax, email or US Mail.  In most cases, such high school diplomas will not be recognized by colleges/universities, the military or the business community.
 

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