Know your rights

What North Carolina law actually gives parents in public schools — written plainly, and citing the statute every time so you can read the source yourself rather than take our word for it.

• Can I have my child excused from classroom material that conflicts with our religious beliefs?

  Possibly, and the ground shifted in 2025. In Mahmoud v. Taylor the Supreme Court held that parents with religious objections to specific elementary storybooks were entitled to a preliminary injunction against a district that gave no notice and allowed no opt-out. That is not a blanket right to opt out of anything, and it does not by itself tell you what your district must do — but it makes a written, specific, religiously grounded request considerably harder to dismiss.

  Last reviewed August 24, 2026

• Can my child be asked about beliefs, feelings, or family life in a school survey without me knowing?

  Generally no. North Carolina law requires prior written or electronic parental consent before a student takes a survey revealing protected information — political affiliations or beliefs, mental or psychological problems, sex behavior or attitudes, religious practices, family income, and several other categories, several of which cover the parent as well as the child. You are entitled to at least ten days’ notice and to read the full text of the survey before deciding.

  Last reviewed August 24, 2026

• The school is not following the law. What can I actually do about it?

  There is a formal process with real deadlines. You notify the principal; the school is to seek resolution within seven days. If it is still unresolved after thirty days, the school must tell you why — and you can then request a hearing before the State Board of Education, or bring a court action. Where a parent wins injunctive relief, the statute directs that attorneys’ fees be awarded to the parent.

  Last reviewed August 24, 2026

• Can I see the textbooks, handouts, and materials my child is being taught from?

  Yes. N.C.G.S. § 115C-76.35 requires every school unit to have a policy letting parents inspect and review all textbooks and supplementary instructional materials used in their child’s classroom, and to publish that policy on the school website. Ask in writing. The principal has ten business days to respond, or to tell you it will take longer — and no longer than twenty.

  Last reviewed August 24, 2026

• How do I get board documents, policies, or official correspondence from my school district?

  School districts are public agencies, so most of their records are public. Every custodian must let records be inspected at reasonable times and furnish copies as promptly as possible. You do not have to say why you want them, and a district cannot refuse because confidential information is mixed in — it has to separate it, at its own cost. Records identifying individual students are the main thing you cannot get.

  Last reviewed August 24, 2026

• What does North Carolina law say about teaching gender identity or sexuality in kindergarten through fourth grade?

  State law prohibits instruction on gender identity, sexual activity, or sexuality from being included in the curriculum in grades K–4. "Curriculum" is defined broadly and covers supplementary materials and outside speakers, but it explicitly does not cover a teacher answering a question a student asked. Separately, schools must notify parents before changing the name or pronoun used for a student. If you believe your school is not following either rule, there is a formal complaint process with real deadlines.

  Last reviewed August 24, 2026

These guides explain publicly available law. They are not legal advice. Statutes change — check the last reviewed date on each one.