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.