Traditional Public Schools
Understand how North Carolina’s district public schools work and where to ask about school assignment and options available in your community.
Explore traditional public schools →School Choice in North Carolina
Explore your educational options
School Choice in North Carolina
Every child deserves a place to learn, belong, and thrive.
Finding that place starts with understanding your options. Explore North Carolina’s public school, private school, and homeschool pathways — and the resources that can help your family take the next step.
Explore your options
Understand the possibilities for your family.
Start with an overview of each educational option. School-specific offerings, enrollment requirements, and availability should be confirmed directly with the school or district.
Public Charter Schools
Learn what makes public charter schools different and what to ask individual schools about enrollment, applications, and available seats.
Explore public charter schools →
Private Schools
Learn about private school options, questions to ask when considering a school, and scholarships that may help with tuition.
Explore private schools →
Homeschool
Learn about homeschooling in North Carolina, state requirements, and resources to help your family get started.
Explore homeschool →Making options more accessible
Explore support for your child’s education.
Scholarship opportunities can help eligible families access schools, services, and learning resources that meet their children’s needs.
Private education may be more affordable than you think.
North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ programs help eligible families cover educational costs. Learn about available support as you consider your child’s options.
Our Parent Liaison Team can help you understand these programs and where to find application information.
Explore scholarship programsScholarship opportunities for public school students, too.
Beginning in 2027, the Education Freedom Tax Credit will support scholarships for eligible educational expenses, including tutoring and other learning resources.
Students attending traditional public and public charter schools may benefit, too. Learn how this opportunity could support your family.
Learn about the Education Freedom Tax CreditStart with your child. Take one step.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin exploring.
Think about fit
Identify what matters
Consider your child’s interests, learning needs, friendships, and support — along with your family’s location, schedule, and transportation.
Ask questions
Learn about your options
Contact schools directly to ask about their approach, enrollment process, costs, and available support. Arrange a visit when possible.
Get support
Talk it through
Our Parent Liaison Team can help you understand educational options, scholarship programs, and next steps for your family.
Personal guidance
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Connect with PEFNC’s Parent Liaison Team for one-on-one help understanding your family’s school and scholarship options.