Blog, Education

Homeschooling in South Carolina: How To Homeschool While Following State Laws

by Rita Onyx

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.

There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.

Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in South Carolina. Know the South Carolina homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.

There are Three Ways to Homeschool:

  1. Homeschool statute
  2. South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS)
  3. Homeschool association “third party option” 

Requirements:

  • Children between 5-17 of age must be in school 
  • You MUST submit an application to your local school district if you choose to homeschool under the homeschool statute
  • There ARE teacher qualifications
  • There ARE state mandated subjects 
  • There ARE required assessments or testing if you choose to homeschool under the homeschool statute
  • There are NO immunization requirements

How to Homeschool Under the Homeschool Statute

  • Submit an application to the local public school district board of trustees
  • Instruction must be for at least 180 days (a school day consists of 4.5 hours outside of lunch and recess)
  • Keep a record of:
  1. A written record of including the subjects taught and activities
  2. Samples of the child’s work
  3. Academic progress evaluations
  4. Attendance
  • Submit a semiannual progress report including the attendance record and evaluations in each of the required subjects to the local school district
  • Ensure your student has access to library
  • Evaluate the child annually using a statewide testing program and the Basic Skills Assessment Program

How to Homeschool with the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS)

  • Enroll in SCAIHS by applying on their website here
  • Follow the policies, rules, and regulations that they require

How to Homeschool with a Homeschool Association (“third option group”)

  • Enroll in a homeschool association that has at least 50 member families
  • Follow the homeschool association’s requirements
  • Ensure that the homeschool association maintain the following minimum requirements:
  1. Verify that you have at least a high school diploma or GED
  2. Instruction will be at least 180 days per school year
  3. Curriculum will include math, science, social studies, reading, writing and for grades 7-12, composition and literature
  • Keep a record of:
  1. A written record of including the subjects taught and activities
  2. Samples of the child’s work
  3. Academic progress evaluations
  4. Attendance

Helpful links:

https://ed.sc.gov/agency/programs-services/125/

https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/southcarolina.html

Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education

  • South Carolina Department of Education
    1006 Rutledge Building
    1429 Senate Street
    Columbia, SC 29201
    Phone: (803) 734-8500
    Fax: (803) 734-3389
    Email: info@ed.sc.gov
    Website: http://ed.sc.gov/

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

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