South Carolina makes room for different homeschooling approaches, giving families more than one way to legally educate at home. But with those choices come different requirements, so it’s important to understand how each path works.
Now, let’s break down the three legal homeschooling paths in South Carolina, what paperwork and teaching requirements come with each, and how to set up a learning experience that works for your family. Plus, we’ll show you how Outschool can support your homeschool goals with supplemental online classes and tutoring.
Homeschooling options in South Carolina
South Carolina gives families the freedom to homeschool under three different options: through the local school district, through membership in an approved homeschool association, or through a homeschool accountability group with fewer state-level requirements. Each option has its own rules about reporting, teaching, and oversight.
Option 1: Homeschooling under school district approval
This option requires families to get approval from their local school district’s board of trustees. You’ll need to teach a required list of subjects, maintain an instructional schedule of at least 180 days, and submit standardized test results at certain grade levels. It’s the most regulated of the three paths.
Option 2: Homeschooling through the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS)
This route allows you to homeschool under the guidance of SCAIHS or another approved homeschool association. These groups handle your oversight in place of the district. Requirements like subject coverage and progress reports still apply, but the association supports your compliance and recordkeeping.
Option 3: Homeschooling under a third-party accountability association
Option 3 offers the most flexibility of South Carolina's three pathways, giving you freedom to customize your approach while maintaining the accountability structure many families appreciate. This option allows families to homeschool by joining a homeschool accountability association that meets the basic standards outlined in state law. You’re still required to cover core subjects and keep records, but there’s no standardized testing requirement.
Requirements for homeschooling in South Carolina
While South Carolina allows flexibility in how you homeschool, each legal option comes with its own set of requirements. From filing paperwork to covering specific subjects, it’s important to understand what’s expected depending on the path you choose.
Enrollment paperwork
Each homeschooling pathway has its own paperwork requirements, but don't worry; the process becomes simple once you know which forms to complete and when to submit them.
- Option 1: School District Approval: Contact your local school district to request their Notice of Intent form and submit it along with your proposed curriculum plan before the school year begins.
- Option 2: SCAIHS Membership: Apply for membership through the SCAIHS website by completing their online application and paying the annual membership fee.
- Option 3: Accountability Association: Choose a state-approved association with at least 50 member families and complete their enrollment process.
It’s recommended to start your paperwork 30-60 days before you want to begin homeschooling, as most districts and associations need time to process your application and send confirmation.
Attendance and instruction
South Carolina requires homeschoolers to provide instruction for at least 180 days each school year, no matter which homeschooling option you choose. If you’re homeschooling under Option 1 (the homeschool statute), each of those days must include a minimum of 4.5 hours of instruction, not counting lunch or recess. Parents or guardians must also hold at least a high school diploma or GED to homeschool under any path.
Curriculum guidelines
You have a lot of freedom in how you teach, but the state asks that every homeschool program include the core subjects: reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Once your child reaches 7th grade, you’ll also include composition and literature. Within those subject areas, you get to decide what works best: structured curriculum, hands-on projects, or a little of both.
Recordkeeping essentials
Staying organized with your records keeps you compliant with state laws and ready for college applications down the road. South Carolina homeschool recordkeeping requirements vary depending on which pathway you choose.
- Option 1 families: Maintain detailed attendance records, lesson plans, and progress reports for your district's annual review process, keeping documentation readily available for school officials
- Option 2 families: SCAIHS handles much of your recordkeeping responsibilities, providing transcript services and maintaining permanent records as part of their membership services.
- Option 3 families: Your chosen accountability association will specify precisely which records to keep, typically including attendance logs, lesson plans, and either a portfolio of student work or regular progress reports
Testing and assessments
Testing looks a little different depending on which homeschooling option you choose in South Carolina, so it’s important to know what’s expected before the school year starts.
- Option 1: School District Approval: Requires annual standardized testing for all homeschool students. A certified school district employee administers the test, and results are used to determine grade advancement and possible interventions if scores fall below public school standards.
- Option 2: SCAIHS Membership: Requires nationally normed standardized achievement testing every other year, starting in grade 3 and continuing through grade 11. These tests can give helpful insight into a child’s strengths and weaknesses and may guide curriculum adjustments.
- Option 3: Accountability Association: Testing requirements vary by association. Many do not mandate formal standardized testing, but instead allow families to document progress without formal exams.
Homeschool with Outschool
You don’t have to plan every subject or activity alone; Outschool is here to help you round out your homeschool routine with flexible, engaging options. Here’s what kind of support Outschool can offer homeschooling families:
- Live online classes in math, science, writing, and more
- Interest-based electives like animation, coding, and creative writing
- One-on-one tutoring for added support
- Flexible scheduling that works with your homeschool day
- Social learning through small group experiences and clubs
With Outschool, you can build a custom learning experience that complements your homeschool goals and keeps things fresh throughout the year.
How to get started
Choosing your homeschooling pathway marks the beginning of your family's educational adventure. Each of South Carolina's three legal options requires different initial steps, so selecting the one that aligns with your family's needs and comfort level prepares you well from day one.
If you're homeschooling under option 1 (school district approval):
- Get approval from your district’s board of trustees by submitting a homeschool application.
- Make sure you meet the state’s minimum teaching qualifications, which include having a GED, high school diploma, or a bachelor’s degree.
- Teach your child for at least 180 days each school year, with school days lasting a minimum of 4.5 hours, not counting recess or lunch.
- Cover the required subjects: reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. For grades 7–12, also include composition and literature.
- Keep thorough records, including a plan book or diary of lessons and activities, a portfolio of your child’s work, and records of academic progress and assessments.
- Submit semiannual progress reports that reference these records.
- Make sure your child has access to library facilities.
- Participate in annual statewide standardized testing.
If you're homeschooling under option 2 (SCAIHS membership):
- Apply for membership through the SCAIHS website.
- Follow all SCAIHS policies for instruction and documentation.
- Teach the required subjects for at least 180 days per year.
- Submit required reports and evaluations as outlined by SCAIHS.
If you're homeschooling under option 3 (third-party accountability association):
- Choose a qualified homeschool association with at least 50 member families.
- Follow your association’s requirements, including instructional and recordkeeping standards.
- Teach required subjects for at least 180 days per year.
- Maintain a plan book, work portfolio, and semiannual progress reports.
Find support through homeschool communities in South Carolina
South Carolina offers a network of homeschool support groups that provide everything from curriculum guidance to social events for children. These communities can help you create the foundation for a successful homeschool experience.
Statewide organizations
Local groups and co-ops
- Academic Advantage Association: One of the largest homeschool associations in South Carolina, with a physical office open weekdays. They offer transcripts, scholarship support, and everything parents need to help teens finish high school successfully.
- HERO Homeschool Group (Irmo/Columbia area): A non-discriminatory homeschool group offering co-op classes, field trips, special events, and summer camps. Open to all families regardless of background or philosophy.
- Homeschool Community of the Upstate: A collaborative group hosting regular meetups, field trips, and events to foster friendships and learning among homeschool families in the Upstate region.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about homeschooling in South Carolina
Here are answers to some of the most common questions South Carolina parents ask when getting started with homeschooling:
What qualifications do I need to homeschool my child in South Carolina?
You need at least a high school diploma or GED to legally homeschool in South Carolina. No teaching certification or college degree is required.
How many days and hours of instruction are required to homeschool in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires 180 days of instruction each school year, with at least 4.5 hours of instruction per day for Option 1. You have flexibility in structuring these hours throughout your day and can adapt the schedule to fit your family's needs and your child's learning style.
What curriculum options are approved for homeschooling in South Carolina?
South Carolina gives you complete freedom to choose your curriculum, as long as you cover the required core subjects. You can use traditional textbooks, online programs, unit studies, or a combination of approaches that work best for your child's learning style.
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports and extracurricular activities in South Carolina?
Yes! South Carolina’s Equal Access to Interscholastic Activities Act allows homeschoolers to join public school sports teams, music programs, clubs, and other extracurriculars, as long as a few conditions are met. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Your child must have been homeschooled legally under one of the three recognized options for at least one full academic year before participating.
- They must meet the same age, academic, and behavior standards as students enrolled at the public school.
- You’ll need to notify the school district superintendent in writing before the season or activity begins.
- Your child must live within the attendance zone of the school they want to represent.
- You’ll be asked to submit an affidavit confirming your homeschool program follows state law and meets all instructional requirements.
Once those are in place, your homeschooler can try out and participate just like any other student.
Confidently start your homeschool journey
South Carolina gives families more than one route to homeschool legally, but the amount of oversight and flexibility varies quite a bit across the three paths. Whether you prefer more independence or are okay with structured requirements, understanding the trade-offs can help you make the right choice for your family’s learning goals.
If you’re looking for support beyond your core curriculum, platforms like Outschool offer flexible classes, clubs, and resources to supplement your homeschool plan. You can mix and match academic subjects, enrichment topics, and social opportunities to create an experience that works for your child and your schedule.
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