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If you’re a parent in Wilmington, NC considering homeschooling your child, you’re not alone. More families than ever are choosing to take charge of their children’s education by embracing homeschooling — and for good reason. Homeschooling allows you to personalize your child’s education, align learning with your values, and build strong family bonds through shared discovery.

Whether you’re just starting out or transitioning from public or private school, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to legally and confidently begin homeschooling in North Carolina — with a special focus on local resources right here in Wilmington.

Step 1: Know the Legal Requirements in North Carolina

In North Carolina, homeschooling is legal and relatively straightforward. Here’s what you need to do to comply with the law:

• File a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the North Carolina Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE) once your child is age 7 or older.
  
  
• The person teaching must have at least a high school diploma or GED.
  
  
• You must maintain attendance records and immunization records.
  
  
• Administer a nationally standardized achievement test annually for each child.
  
  
• Your homeschool must operate on a regular schedule for at least 9 months per year.
  
  

➡️ Start your Notice of Intent here

Step 2: Choose a Homeschooling Style That Fits Your Family

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to homeschooling. Wilmington families are choosing everything from structured, classroom-style learning to project-based, hands-on experiences.

Common homeschool approaches include:

• Traditional/Textbook-based – structured like a classroom
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• A Co-op: Like Equip 210 Wilmington
  

• Charlotte Mason – literature-rich and gentle learning
  
  
• Classical – rooted in logic, rhetoric, and Socratic learning
  
  
• Unit Studies – thematic projects that span multiple subjects
  
  
• Unschooling – interest-led and student-directed learning
  
  

At Equip 210, we blend faith, leadership, and entrepreneurial learning with structured academic support, helping parents customize education while being part of a Christ-centered co-op.

Step 3: Select Curriculum and Learning Materials

After identifying your preferred style, the next step is choosing a curriculum that aligns with your family’s values and educational goals.

Popular Christian homeschool curriculums include:

• Abeka (structured and Bible-based)
  
  
• Sonlight (literature-rich with a global focus)
  
  
• The Good and the Beautiful (faith-filled and visually engaging)
  
  
• My Father’s World (Charlotte Mason and classical blend)
  
  
• MasterBooks (affordable and faith-centered)
  
  

Many Wilmington families choose to blend several options or use co-ops like Equip 210 for in-person instruction in core subjects and electives.

Step 4: Join a Local Homeschool Co-op or Support Network

One of the best ways to thrive as a homeschool family is by getting connected.

In Wilmington, you’ll find:

• Equip 210 Homeschool Co-op – a K–12 Christian co-op blending academics, entrepreneurship, and discipleship
  
  
• Local Facebook groups like “Wilmington NC Homeschoolers”
  
  
• Park meetups, book clubs, and field trips for homeschool families
  
  
• Community events like field days, science fairs, and parent nights
  
  

Co-ops like Equip 210 offer support, enrichment, and structure — giving your child opportunities for teamwork, leadership, and godly mentorship while still learning at home.

Step 5: Create a Daily and Weekly Routine

Structure helps both parents and children stay consistent and motivated.

Tips for organizing your homeschool schedule:

• Set a rhythm rather than a rigid schedule (e.g., Morning Devotion → Math → Break → Reading)
  
  
• Include outdoor time and creative play
  
  
• Assign age-appropriate chores as part of character development
  
  
• Use a planner or digital calendar to track assignments and goals
  
  
• Schedule community days or co-op classes like those at Equip 210
  
  

Every family’s routine will look different — and that’s the beauty of homeschooling.

Step 6: Track Progress and Stay Compliant

North Carolina law requires annual testing with a nationally normed achievement test, such as:

• Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
  
  
• California Achievement Test (CAT)
  
  
• TerraNova
  
  
• Stanford Achievement Test
  
  

You do not need to submit test results to the state — just keep them on file. Equip 210 provides guidance on choosing and administering these tests, and we can help you build transcripts and portfolios for high school students as well.

Step 7: Rely on God’s Grace and Stay Encouraged

Homeschooling isn’t always easy — but it is incredibly rewarding. As you begin this journey, remember:

• God has equipped you to teach and lead your children.
  
  
• You don’t have to do it alone — Equip 210 is here to walk with you.
  
  
• You are raising more than students — you’re raising disciples, leaders, and world-changers.
  
  

At Equip 210, our mission is to help you disciple your children with confidence, provide excellent educational experiences, and cultivate leadership through an entrepreneurial mindset — all under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

✅ Ready to Take the Next Step?

We’d love to connect with you and answer your questions. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or ready to join a thriving Christ-centered community in Wilmington, we’re here to help.

📩 Contact Equip 210 Today
📅 Schedule a Campus Tour or Info Session
🤝 Join a Community That Equips, Encourages, and Empowers

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