NC Virtual Academy Ruling

RCHSA has recently been asked if a family can become a member if their children are enrolled in the new NC Virtual Academy. They are looking for opportunities for their children to be with others. This subject has been discussed and reviewed by the RCHSA Board and after much discussion the decision was made to not allow any school to join our group that is not registered and in compliance with the NC Department of Non-Public Education and Home School Law. As a student in a Public School, one would not be eligible.

We are a mutual support group for homeschooling families. Each member contributes their time for at least one activity each year in support of the group. Our group is for more than field trips and park days. We have programs designed around choosing the best curriculum for your child, how to effectively teach that curriculum, customizing the curriculum for your child, along with group testing and helping locate other resources. Because we operate under the North Carolina Home School law, how we teach and encourage our members is not compatible with a public school setting – even if it is at home.

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Also, we are much more than an athletic organization or social club. The community is full of these types of organizations. The YMCA, city sports leagues, 4-H, library programs, church groups, and private music lessons are available to name a few. In fact, the NC Virtual Academy states that they sponsor their own support groups. So, if you are looking for this kind of support you can contact them for further information.

If you are considering homeschooling instead of the virtual academy, we would welcome you join us as a homeschooler. You have made half of the commitment already. That you are curious about us is an indication that we may be the option you really want anyway. It is not the security of a State School, but we do have the freedom to teach as we think best for our children. We have the freedom to customize education for each child. You are invited to attend one of our support meetings as a guest and see if this would be a good fit for you. Use the “Contact Us” link to find out more information on these meetings.

For more information on why NC Virtual Academy is NOT considered a homeschool program please [read this article] on the NCHE website.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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