Educational Resources

links of interest

Classes\Clubs\Extracurricular

  • WNC membership

    This membership allows you to visit Zoos, Aquariums, and science museums across the country for free or 50% discount.

  • 4H

    4-H is the Cooperative Extension System’s dynamic and educational program for youth. 4-H has about 6 million youth members across the United States. The name 4-H is summarized as the four-fold development of youth through the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Read more at: https://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/rowan-county-4-h-program/

  • American Heritage Girls

    American Heritage Girls is a Christ-centered character and leadership development program for girls 5 to 18 years of age. AHG is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.

  • Trail Life (Boys)

    Trail Life USA is a Church-Based, Christ-Centered, Boy-Focused mentoring and discipleship journey that speaks to the heart of a boy. Established on timeless values derived from the Bible and set in the context of outdoor adventure, boys from Kindergarten through 12th grade are engaged in a Troop setting by male mentors where they are challenged to grow in character, understand their purpose, serve their community, and develop practical leadership skills to carry out the mission for which they were created.

  • Cross Movement (Dance)

    CrossMovement Dance Ministry exists to glorify God through the creativity of dance by worshipping God for who He is and for His great worth with all of our heart, mind, soul, and body. Dance is one response to God that we may use to express our gratefulness and love. Because we believe that God deserves our utmost, we are committed to instructing and teaching excellent dance technique and creative movement. Our focus is on bringing glory to God!

  • B.R.A.K.E.S (Free Defensive Driving Program for teens)

    Car crashes are the number-one cause of death among teens in the United States. Every day car crashes end more teen lives than murder, cancer or suicide, and thousands of teens are hospitalized every year due to crashes. B.R.A.K.E.S. is on a mission to change that. THE B.R.A.K.E.S. STORY—Dedicated to Saving Young Lives

  • Membership to Aquariums, Zoos, Science Centers, and Museums

    WNC membership- This membership allows you to visit Zoos, Aquariums, and science museums across the country for free or 50% discount. The membership is $69.00 for a year for your family.

  • Civil Air Patrol

    Since Civil Air Patrol’s formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen Airmen has been committed to service to America. Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation's civilian aviation resources for national defense service, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed — in the air and on the ground.

Homeschool Days

Several educational locations offer Homeschool days throughout the year. Visit their websites for more information.

  • Latta Plantation

    Historic Latta Plantation offers year-round educational programs that are designed to meet Common Core and Essential Standard Goals for North Carolina. Schools can choose from a variety of Basic Programs that bring history to life for students of all ages. In addition to these Basic Programs, additional Add-on Programs are available, and will make the field trip even more interactive and memorable.

  • Biltmore

    George Vanderbilt’s quest for knowledge was a lifelong passion, and his legacy of learning continues today at Biltmore. We offer programs for students, including experiential educational, Biltmore House tours, and a homeschool festival.

  • Colonial Williamsburg (Jamestown and Yorktown)

    Colonial Williamsburg is the largest outdoor living museum in the country, upholding our educational mission through immersive, authentic 18th-century experiences and programming for our guests.

  • Sea Life-Concord Mills

    SEA LIFE is the world’s largest family of aquariums. SEA LIFE Aquarium offers students the opportunity to explore the creatures that live in our lakes, rivers and oceans through interactive, hands-on experiences. From feeling the spiny skin of a Sea Star to gazing at sharks swimming overhead, spend the day exploring over 10 marine exhibits, 5,000 sea creatures and 200 species in an immersive setting.

  • Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

    Students are invited to explore Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and all that nature has to offer. School groups can learn through guided programs, carefully designed to address North and South Carolina Essential Standards, or a self-guided visit to explore at their own pace. The Garden features a children’s garden, a conservatory dedicated to the display of tropical plants and orchids, and so much more.

  • Fort Dobbs

    Fort Dobbs is pleased to offer a variety of educational programming that brings a glimpse of colonial frontier life to the classroom.

  • Carolina Raptor Center

    Join Carolina Raptor Center for our monthly Homeschool Days to celebrate learning outdoors and experience fun, educational activities for all students! Each month will highlight a new topic that focuses on a wide variety of STEM-related themes that will appeal to elementary, middle, and high school students. You'll find that a visit to CRC will meet many of the science-based goals included in any educational curriculum.

  • Dollywood

    Dollywood is more than just a world class theme park. It’s the complete getaway for families looking to disconnect from the world’s distractions and reconnect with each other while nestled in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. Dollywood’s properties provide ample opportunity to overwrite life’s daily stresses with new family memories.

STARTING HOMESCHOOLING

Deciding to homeschool doesn’t have to be overwhelming. RCHSA is here to help you in this journey from start to graduation. There are steps you must take to legally start your homeschool before joining RCHSA. Click the read more button to learn how to get started from the “North Carolinians for Home Education” (NCHE) website. Once you have started your official homeschool, joining RCHSA may be your next logical step to get all the support you need from local families.

Youthful girls with crayons drawing pictures while sitting by table in the kitchen with their mom on background

STATISTICS

Homeschooling in America continues to grow. As of March 2020 there are about 2.5 million homeschool students in grades K-12 in the United States (or 3% to 4% of school-age children). The homeschool population is continuing to grow at an estimated 2% to 8% per annum over the past few years. North Carolina is growing at an even greater rate of about 15% per year.

Boy and girl drawing chart on whiteboard in classroom

THE LAW

Is Homeschooling legal in North Carolina? The short answer is YES.

North Carolina law defines a “homeschool” as “a nonpublic school consisting of the children of not more than two families or households, where the parents or legal guardians or members of either household determine the scope and sequence of academic instruction, provide academic instruction, and determine additional sources of academic instruction.” (NC Bill 189).

WHAT WE OFFER

Our members will find support for social and educational opportunities which will enhance their curriculum and homeschooling experience.

Cute little girl in a blue apron. Child painting at home

WHO IS RCHSA

The Rowan County Home School Association (RCHSA) is a Christ-centered homeschool support group serving Rowan County North Carolina and surrounding areas. We offer our members the opportunity to participate in academic programs and social activities that strengthen and promote traditional family values.

WHAT IS HOMESCHOOLING

Homeschooling is a form of education in which parents teach their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional public or private school. Families choose to homeschool for a variety of reasons, including special needs of children, dissatisfaction with the educational options available, different religious or educational philosophies, and the belief that children are not progressing within the traditional school structure.

Close up of mother helping her child with homework