Steps for Parents to Enroll Students into McDowell Connect:

1) Review the McDowell Connect Student Handbook to see if McDowell Connect is right for your student.  Contact Angela Bates or Adam Wiseman at 828-652-7920 (McDowell Highschool) to set up an appointment to learn more about the program.

2) Go to the N.C.Department of Administration Homeschool website.  Complete a “Notice of Intent” to apply for a homeschool license.  You will have to create a name for the homeschool.  You, the parent/guardian, will be the “Homeschool Administrator”.

3) Once you have received your homeschool license from the state of N.C., go to the McDowell County Schools website.  Click on the “About Us” tab.  Then click on “New Student Enrollment”.  Complete this online enrollment application with McDowell County Schools.

4) Complete this McDowell Connect Parent Interest Form and submit it.  Be sure to attach a copy of your homeschool license and student transcripts to this form.

5) We will contact you to arrange a class registration meeting once we have your online application, McDowell Connect Parent Interest Form and a copy of your homeschool license.

6) Please review the McDowell Connect Student Course Catalog prior to your scheduled registration meeting.

The enrollment deadline for each semester is the 10th day of school. Enrollments for Fall Semester 2025/2026 are closed at this time.  Students may register for Winter 2025/2026 admission beginning November 1, 2025. Students may enroll up to 10 days after the start of classes, each semester. Students enrolling after the start of classes are expected to complete all missed assignments. Current MCS students interested in applying must arrange a conference with their school’s principal to discuss their educational needs and academic options. If the traditional school cannot accommodate the student's specific academic requirements, families may choose to apply for enrollment at McDowell Connect. If approved to attend McDowell Connect, students must maintain passing grades; failure to do so will result in transfer back to their school of residence at the end of the semester.