Homeschooling in South Carolina? Here’s your plan.

All three options require a parent with at least a high school diploma or GED, an instructional year of at least 180 days, and instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies, plus composition and literature in grades 7 through 12. State law does not require a background check for the teaching parent. Beyond that, the requirements differ by option. Only Option 1 (school board approval) sets a 4.5-hour instructional day and requires participation in the annual statewide testing program. Options 2 and 3 set no daily hours and no statutory testing, though the association may set its own academic standards as a condition of membership.

Compulsory attendance in South Carolina runs from the school year in which a child is five before September 1 until the child's seventeenth birthday or high school graduation. If your child is not six by September 1, you may elect for your child not to attend kindergarten by signing the prescribed written election with your school district (S.C. Code 59-65-10).

South Carolina also has the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), an education savings program. ESTF uses a separate "educate from home" category, so families using Options 1, 2, or 3 must leave those pathways to accept ESTF funding. Check current amounts, income limits, and application dates with the program before applying.

Option 1 (S.C. Code 59-65-40) requires approval by your district's board of trustees. You apply with a description of your program, the texts and materials you will use, your methods of evaluation, and the place of instruction, and you agree in writing to hold the district harmless for educational deficiencies. You keep a plan book, a portfolio of work samples, and a record of evaluations available for inspection, submit a semiannual progress report to the district, and your child takes the annual statewide tests, given by a certified district employee.

Option 2 (S.C. Code 59-65-45) is bona fide membership in SCAIHS and continued compliance with its academic standards. SCAIHS reports the number and grade level of member children to school districts by January 30.

Option 3 (S.C. Code 59-65-47) is bona fide membership in a homeschool association with at least 50 members. You keep a plan book or other record of subjects taught, a portfolio of work samples, and a semiannual progress report including attendance records. The association reports the number and grade level of member children to school districts by January 30.

Choosing between associations. For Options 2 and 3, ask each association about its membership terms, fees, and any testing or record reviews it requires. Those are association standards, not statutory duties.

Sports access. Under South Carolina's Equal Access to Interscholastic Activities Act (S.C. Code 59-63-100), homeschool students may participate in interscholastic activities at their local public school if they meet academic eligibility standards verified by their homeschool oversight body, live in the school's attendance area, notify the superintendent in writing before the season begins, and meet the same behavioral and physical standards as other participants.

Dual enrollment. No South Carolina statute sets a dual enrollment program for home-schooled students. Each college decides whom it admits to its dual enrollment courses.

ESTF requires a pathway change. Accepting ESTF means leaving your current homeschool option for the "educate from home" category, which has its own testing and expense reporting requirements.

Special needs. A child withdrawn from public school generally loses IEP services. Contact your district about a Child Find evaluation.

Withdrawal. South Carolina's homeschool statutes do not require a withdrawal letter to the school. Have your chosen option in place before your child stops attending school.