How to homeschool in South Carolina

Options for homeschooling

: 3

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: Depends

ESA Option

: No

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South Carolina homeschooling laws and options

Children between the ages of 5 and 17 are required to attend school (public, private, or homeschool). Parents homeschooling must fulfill the specific requirements outlined under one of the legal homeschool options. South Carolina offers families three legal options for homeschooling. Below is a summary of these options along with the essential requirements:

1. Option one: Homeschool through the local school district.

Parents must notify the district board of trustees in writing before starting homeschooling. Parents must also obtain written approval from the district board of trustees.
Maintain an instructional day of at least 4.5 hours for 180 days annually.
Submit an annual curriculum and maintain detailed records of the child’s progress.

2. Option two: Homeschool through the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA).

Parents must notify the homeschool association before enrolling their child.
This option requires enrolling in a homeschool association with at least 50 member families.
Parents must maintain attendance records and sample work.

3. Option three: Homeschool through an association meeting the state’s legal requirements.

Parents must notify the chosen homeschool association before beginning instruction.
Parents must join a group that enforces curriculum and attendance but offers more flexibility than district oversight.
Maintain a portfolio with lesson plans, attendance, and assessments.

Note that for any of these options, parents in South Carolina must hold at least a high school diploma or GED to homeschool under any of the recognized options.

Homeschool programs in South Carolina must include reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

Learn more about South Carolina’s homeschooling laws on the South Carolina Department of Education website.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in South Carolina

Homeschooling in South Carolina can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be! Here are simple steps to get started and how Time4Learning can help meet your legal requirements:

Choose your homeschool option. Decide whether you prefer to homeschool under the local school district, SCISA, or an independent homeschool association.
Leverage Time4Learning’s curriculum. Designed to meet South Carolina’s requirements, Time4Learning makes homeschooling simpler with built-in lesson planning, tracking tools, and interactive lessons in all required subjects.
Set up a homeschool schedule. Plan for 4.5 instructional hours per day over 180 days annually.
Track and maintain records. Time4Learning can help you maintain portfolios, attendance logs, and records to meet state requirements.

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South Carolina’s high school graduation and diploma requirements

Homeschooling high school in South Carolina allows flexibility, but it’s important to understand how to meet graduation requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

Diplomas: South Carolina does not provide homeschool diplomas, but parents can issue their own through a homeschool association.

Coursework:

English Language Arts – 4 credits
Math – 4 credits
Science – 3 credits
Social Studies – 3 credits
Physical Education/Health – 1 credit
Electives and other requirements vary depending on the parent or homeschool association overseeing the program.

Homeschoolers in South Carolina can utilize Time4Learning’s high school curriculum to fulfill these requirements. Learn more about graduation pathways through your homeschool association.

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Standardized test requirements for South Carolina homeschoolers

Standardized testing is not required for most homeschoolers in South Carolina. While certain associations may recommend or require testing to meet their standards, this is largely optional for families under legal options two and three.

Standardized testing can, however, provide invaluable feedback about a student’s academic progress. Tests such as the SAT, ACT, or PSAT are also useful for college applications. Time4Learning offers test prep resources to ensure your homeschooler is ready for standardized exams when needed.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in South Carolina

Homeschoolers in South Carolina have a unique advantage when applying to colleges—they often come with diverse learning experiences and an impressive ability to manage self-directed education. Here's how to make the most of it:

Keep detailed transcripts. Use records to highlight coursework, extracurricular activities, and achievements.
Take standardized tests. While not required for homeschoolers, SAT or ACT results can bolster college applications.
Write a stellar personal statement. Share how homeschooling has shaped your growth and academic interests.
Focus on extracurriculars. Showcase talents, internships, community projects, or co-op programs.
Earn dual credits. Enroll in local community college courses to earn credits while still in high school.

Many colleges, including South Carolina's public universities, welcome homeschool applications. Learn more by contacting your desired institution’s admissions office.

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Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in South Carolina

Currently, South Carolina does not offer Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for homeschooling families. ESAs, when available, allow families to use state funds to cover educational expenses, including homeschool materials, online curriculums, and tutoring.

However, South Carolina homeschoolers still have access to free or affordable resources like public library programs and some statewide scholarship funds. Stay informed about future developments regarding ESAs by visiting the South Carolina Department of Education’s website.