Homeschool benefits: Surry County Schools
Surry County Schools lets homeschooled students take available elementary, middle, and high school classes free of charge. You can also seek tuition-free community college courses through Career and College Promise, while driver education costs $65 per student.
Who qualifies
Chooses local school classes
The partnership explicitly welcomes homeschool families. Contact the school in your district to select classes and days that fit your child’s schedule.
Meets separate activity requirements
Middle school sports require enrollment for half a day. The high school FAQ lists passing three courses and missing fewer than 13 days per semester, and links the full athletic eligibility requirements.
Qualifies for disability services
The district evaluates private and homeschooled students through Child Find. Speech and language services are available to those found eligible.
What it gives you
The district’s homeschool partnership FAQs list free classes, driver education pricing, and activity requirements.
- Elementary classes
- Free available classes
- Middle school classes
- Free available classes
- High school classes
- Free available classes
- Driver education
- $65 per student
- Career and College Promise
- Tuition-free community college courses
College courses and other specialized courses can carry a fee. Ask the school for the specific charge before choosing one.
How to use it
- Before choosing classes
Contact the partnership office
Email Amy Harris or call 336-386-8211 to discuss your child’s options.
- Before enrolling
Arrange a school meeting
Call your district school’s front office to book a tour or principal meeting and request the school’s schedule.
- When selecting courses
Agree on classes and days
The school works with you to select courses that fit your child. High school course-guide offerings depend on student interest and are not all guaranteed to run.
- Before activities
Complete eligibility checks
Review sports enrollment and attendance requirements with the school. For driver education, contact the high school counselors and arrange the $65 fee.
What it includes
Included
- Available district classes
- College pathway access
- School activities
- Eligible speech and language services
Good to know
Homeschoolers can take classes without full-time enrollment
The district invites homeschool students to choose available classes and work with the school on suitable days. Sports have extra enrollment rules, including half-day enrollment at middle school.
Who to contact about the partnership
Amy Harris answers questions about homeschool partnerships and available school opportunities.
harrisa@surry.k12.nc.us 336-386-8211
Homeschool rules and statewide help in North Carolina
You must file the Notice of Intent with DNPE at least five business days before home instruction begins; wait for DNPE acknowledgment before withdrawing or starting. No annual renewal is required while operating; notify DNPE when the school closes.
North Carolina sets these rules:
- Subjects: Parents choose the curriculum. Operate on a regular schedule for at least nine calendar months each year, excluding reasonable holidays and vacations.
- Testing: Administer a nationally standardized achievement test each year covering English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics.
- Records: Keep attendance and immunization records. Retain annual test results for at least one year and make them available to DNPE on request.
- Teachers: The teaching parent needs a high school diploma or equivalent in North Carolina.
North Carolina also has an education savings account that home-educated students can use.
- Education Student Accounts (ESA+) pay $9,000 a year, or $17,000 for certain disabilities, to students with a documented disability, including homeschooled students. Funding can run out before the school year starts.
Read the North Carolina homeschooling guide See statewide programs in North Carolina
Questions parents ask
- What can an elementary student take at Surry County Schools?
- The listed options are Digital Learning lab, art, music, and physical education. Your district school provides its class timetable.
- What can a high school student study?
- Options include core subjects, Advanced Placement courses, foreign languages, and Career and Technical Education. Each traditional high school offers at least two levels of Spanish.
- Can we get online courses?
- Yes. The partnership includes Surry Virtual Academy, which offers fully online courses taught by local educators. Middle school students can also earn high school credit in Math I and Earth and Environmental Science through listed school or virtual options.
- Who handles testing questions?
- Neil Atkins in Student Accountability, at 336-353-9903, handles high school testing questions.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
College classes can cover part of high school. We teach the subjects your child needs alongside them, starting at the right level in each subject.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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