Before reading this material, it would be helpful for you
to first read the State of NC Private School Requirements.

Does NC require that each non-public school student satisfy a specific academic competency requirement in order to graduate from high school?  Yes.  Since 1979, that competency level has been (and still is) based on how well the student performs on the nationally standardized test which is required annually of each grade 11 non-public school student.  G.S. 115C-550 and G.S. 115C-558 both state that each non-public school ". . . shall establish a minimum score which must be attained by each student on the selected test in order to be graduated from high school."  The minimum score (cutoff score for high school graduation) may either be a grade equivalent score or a percentile score in at least both the language arts and math sections of the test.  DNPE recommends that the non-public school's cutoff score always meet or exceed the minimum competency level currently required for high school graduation from all North Carolina public schools (on its State Competency Test).  It is suggested that new schools initially set their cutoff score for high school graduation lower than might otherwise be desired; and, then revisit that policy after five years of grade 11 student test scores are available for review.  If a change is necessary, schools are advised to then raise their graduation standard rather than lower it.  Also, see "Testing, Nationally Standardized."

Does non-public school law mandate specific subjects and units for student graduation?  No.  Each non-public school establishes its own standards for high school graduation.  However, DNPE strongly recommends that all non-public schools meet or exceed the minimum requirements for public high graduation and for possible entrance into the UNC system.

How do I obtain the statewide minimum high school graduation requirements for the Public Schools of NC and the UNC entrance requirements?  You may obtain both of them by simply clicking here.

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