The North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) exists by authority of G.S. 115C–553,  561,  563(b) and 566(a) to administer the requirements of Article 39, Chapter 115C of the North Carolina General Statutes which govern non-public schools (both conventional non-public and home).

Its mission impacts non-public schools and the quality of education received by their students.

It monitors non-public school compliance to the laws governing those schools in a professional, objective and uniform manner.

Home Schools are those in which the parent/guardian teaches his/her own children while Conventional Non-Public Schools are those which teach other people’s children.