News-Record.com

RALEIGH - A record number of North Carolina children are being educated at home.

More than 38,000 home schools operated in 2007-08, the highest number on record, according to according to figures the state Division of Non-Public Education released today. About 36,000 home schools operated last year.

Wake, Mecklenburg and Buncombe counties had the largest number of home schools. Guilford County came in fourth place with 1,466 home schools.

North Carolina legalized home schools in 1985.

Today, home school enrollment represents about 4 percent of all students ages 7 to 16.

A home school is a nonpublic school where students are instructed by a parent, legal guardian or a member of the student's household.

More information at www.ncdnpe.org.