We've been here just over a week now and are starting school back today. I planned to file all my paper work today but ran into a problem. I have to fax my high school diploma within two days of filing my intent to homeschool. I have NO idea where my diploma is....possibly buried deep in boxes in the garage? Also, I have to have vax records or religious exemption. We delayed/selective vax, but not for religious reasons. NC does not allow a personal exemption. Do I file the religious exemption anyway? And lastly, all these forms-attendance, vax records, yearly test scores- do I submit them or just have them available? I've seen different responses to that. Thanks for any help. I've read through HSLDA's site . NC is by far the most regulated state we've been in! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed!
You can just keep all your records and test results on hand or send them in unless something has changed in the last 3 years. I always sent what they wanted because I didn't want anyone showing up here asking for them. Now I hear that they don't really go around and check up on people because they are so under staffed. I really don't know what to believe. Mine had the shots the state required because they were in foster care with us and we had no choice, so I don't know how you deal with that. As far as your diploma, can you call your old school and get them to fax a copy? Other than all of this, how is the move working out?
I found the diploma! I honestly wasnt sure if I even had it. I knew I had my college degree, so I was going to send that if necessary. As far as the vax records, I'm looking for a loophole. The ones my kids have had have been in 3 different states, so I don't even know how to track that down other than calling every pedi we've used. (Yeah, I should keep better records!) Other than that, everything is good. We're trying to get everyone involved with the things they love.
The states have databases now. All your pedi's send the records to the state database. So you just need to call the health dept. of your last state and it should have a cumulative shot record. Or call your last pedi-they should have a cumulative shot record as well.
Yikes...who still has their high school diploma (you, at least..since you found it :lol? I wonder how long schools keep copies of diplomas (I graduated in '85...I have no clue whatever happened to my diploma...but I can't forsee that I'd need it either). Can you not homeschool in NC if you don't have a diploma (just curious)?
The DOE website says upon registration, you will be emailed a specific fax number to which you must send the diploma. I never completed it today, because I wasn't sure I had it.
Here we are required to have our diploma, technically the schools aren't given the right to see it, but almost everyone wants to see it... I have mine (and hubby has his) in the safe so it was no big deal to show it to them... and it wasn't a fight I felt was worth dying over... our affidavit states that we have our diploma, and that is supposed to be satisfactory evidence. Meh, pain in the rump any chance they can be.
I'm so glad I live in Idaho! Sorry the rest of you have to jump through hoops. Glad you found the diploma so quickly so the hoop jumping will be easier.
You are not required by law to send in your vaccination information, test scores, or attendance. You are only required to keep them in your records and available for inspection. This is my fourth year as a registered homeschool and I've not heard a thing from them wanting to visit or see any of my records. I know a ton of homeschoolers in this area (Greensboro/High Point) and several from the Raleigh area and no one has been contacted either. They are under staffed and it would be a huge undertaking to visit every homeschool. We do have the option of sending those things in by mail every year if we so choose. But, it is a choice. I keep everything on hand and do not mail anything in. From what I've seen, unless you are under investigation with social services or law enforcement you will be left alone. As far as the vaccination goes, you can just keep a religious exemption on file if you are comfortable with that. I dislike the vaccination part of the law, though I can understand why they have it in there. Have you been to the North Carolinians for Home Education site? They are a great source for information. They also have a Facebook page where you can connect with other homeschoolers and get pretty much any question you can think of answered. http://nche.com is their web address. It really isn't as bad as it seems to homeschool here. It's not Texas, but it's definitely not New York either. And, welcome to NC! I hope your family likes it here.
Ange, you are lucky. We took a trip to northern Idaho years ago and considered moving there. I sure wish we could have, but it didn't work out. Idaho is a great place to homeschool!
I wish i lived in northern Idaho, so much prettier than the desert here in the south, but the laws for homeschooling are awesome here and at least I can console my love of trees by random trips to the mountains and Yellowstone.
I have found NC to be hands off about homeschooling. I am cleaning up my papers and plan to create a sort of portfolio and toss the rest of the accumulation, just in case we ever move.
Evidence of diploma Hi everyone, I'm new here and so glad I found this group. I know this post is from awhile back but I found it because I was searching for info on what qualifies as diploma evidence. I know that sounds silly but the NC DNPE manual says the transcript is required and not a copy of a certificate. I was finally able to find my actual hs and college diplomas, like the ones you get after the ceremony. But I don't have an official transcript from either school. Have any of you in NC successfully submitted the diploma and not the official transcript? I'll call my hs on Monday but just wanted to ask you all. I want to file the NOI on July 1! Thanks, Jen
You should be able to request an official transcript from each place. They (especially colleges) keep them on file for years and years, so it should be there. There might be a small fee.
I submitted my college diploma (no transcript) and I heard nothing back. I have been homeschooling four years and have NEVER had to submit anything or talk to anyone. I know someone in High Point who has homeschooled 11 years and still no contact. Honestly, I think you could submit your dental records and they wouldn't say anything. I'd submit the diploma and if they have issues they'll let you know, and then just contact your school for the transcripts.
