Homeschooling in South Carolina

South Carolina has THREE separate statutes (§59-65-40, §59-65-45, §59-65-47) creating three legally distinct pathways for homeschooling, each with different oversight bodies, requirements, and benefits. The most popular by far is Option 3 (Accountability Association), used by the majority of South Carolina homeschool families because it offers the most flexibility with no testing requirement. Option 2 (SCAIHS) provides institutional support including transcripts and graduation ceremonies. Option 1 (District Approval) is rarely used (~1% of families) due to its heavier requirements and mandatory district testing.

Legal framework at a glance

Legal options: Three pathways — District Approval (Option 1, used by ~1%), SCAIHS (Option 2), or Accountability Association (Option 3, used by majority of SC homeschoolers).

Notification: Option 1: apply directly to your local school district board of trustees. Option 2: enroll with SCAIHS (handles district notification on your behalf). Option 3: enroll with a state-recognized accountability association of 50+ member families (handles notification)..

Instructional time: 180 days per year, 4.5 hours per day (Option 1). Options 2 and 3: 180 days per year (daily hour requirements vary by association)..

Required subjects: Six required subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies. Grades 7-12 add composition and literature..

Testing and evaluation: Option 1: annual standardized testing required (BSAP or equivalent), administered by district staff. Option 2 (SCAIHS): standardized testing every other year for grades 3-11. Option 3 (Association): NO state-mandated testing..

What South Carolina families need to know

**OPTION 1 — SCHOOL DISTRICT APPROVAL** (S.C. Code §59-65-40, ~1% of SC homeschoolers): apply to your local school district board of trustees. The board 'shall approve' your application if you meet all requirements. Parent must hold a high school diploma or GED (or bachelor's degree). 180 days per year, 4.5 hours per day. Six required subjects (plus composition and literature for grades 7-12). Annual standardized testing required (BSAP or equivalent) administered by certified district staff. Submit semiannual progress reports to the district. Appeals: rejected applicants may appeal to the State Board of Education within 10 days, then to family court within 30 days.

**OPTION 2 — SCAIHS** (S.C. Code §59-65-45): enroll in the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS), a statewide private organization established by the legislature in 1992. SCAIHS handles district notification on your behalf. Annual membership fees (approximately $385+ for full membership; $50 for basic). Parent must hold a high school diploma or GED. 180 days per year. Required subjects same as Option 1.

SCAIHS testing: standardized testing required EVERY OTHER YEAR for grades 3-11. SCAIHS administers the testing — tests measure progress rather than setting pass/fail thresholds. SCAIHS provides professional transcript services, counseling, graduation ceremonies, and a recognized diploma.

**OPTION 3 — ACCOUNTABILITY ASSOCIATION** (S.C. Code §59-65-47, the majority of SC homeschoolers): join a state-recognized homeschool association with at least 50 member families. The association handles district notification, enforces curriculum/attendance standards, and exempts members from the requirements of Options 1 and 2. Parent must hold a high school diploma or GED. 180 days per year. Required subjects same as Options 1 and 2. NO state-mandated testing — this is the primary reason families choose Option 3.

Option 3 association requirements: each association must (a) have at least 50 member families, (b) require parents to hold HS diploma or GED, (c) require 180 instructional days per year, (d) require curriculum coverage in the six required subjects (plus composition and literature for grades 7-12), and (e) submit an Annual Standards Assurance form to SC DOE. Membership fees vary widely — typically $50-$200 per family per year.

Finding an Option 3 association: the South Carolina Department of Education publishes the 'Home School Option 3 List' annually. Popular associations include Carolina Homeschooler, Hometown Homeschool Association (HHASC), Palmetto Independent Educators (PIE), Heart Home School Association, Royal Scholars, BJU Press Academy of Home Education, and many others. Each sets its own additional policies.

Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF): South Carolina's ESTF provides up to $7,634 annually for qualifying families. CRITICAL CATCH: accepting ESTF funding means you CANNOT use Options 1, 2, or 3 — ESTF is a separate accountability pathway with its own structure. Most South Carolina homeschool families do NOT use ESTF for this reason.

Sports access (Equal Access Act): South Carolina law allows homeschool students to participate in public school interscholastic activities, but participation is at the discretion of local school districts. Many South Carolina districts have adopted favorable policies; others have not.

Compulsory attendance: ages 5 through 17. (Children 5 by September 1 must be enrolled in kindergarten or homeschool unless parents waive kindergarten.)

Always verify current requirements with the South Carolina Department of Education before filing any official paperwork. State rules can change.

Diploma recognition

South Carolina homeschool diplomas are issued differently by pathway: Option 1 parents issue their own diplomas; SCAIHS issues diplomas under Option 2 (with formal graduation ceremonies); Option 3 association policies vary — some issue diplomas, others have parents issue them. South Carolina public colleges (Clemson, USC, College of Charleston) accept homeschool transcripts from all three options. Strong SAT/ACT scores significantly strengthen applications. The South Carolina LIFE Scholarship and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship are available for qualifying homeschool graduates attending in-state colleges.

Getting started in South Carolina

If you are new to homeschooling in South Carolina, here is the practical sequence to follow:

1. Read the statute. Visit the South Carolina Department of Education website and read the current homeschool regulations in full. The summary on this page is a starting point, but the official statute is the final authority.
2. Choose your legal pathway. South Carolina offers specific options described above. Choose the one that fits your family before you file anything.
3. Prepare your notification. Gather the information required for your notice or registration — child's name, date of birth, address, subjects, curriculum plans, and anything else your chosen pathway requires.
4. File before withdrawing. If your child is currently in public school, file your homeschool notification before you send the withdrawal letter to the school. See our withdrawal guide for the full process.
5. Set up your record-keeping system. Even in low-regulation states, keep attendance records, a list of curriculum used, and samples of your child's work. See our record-keeping guide for what to save and how.
6. Connect with a local homeschool organization. South Carolina has active statewide homeschool organizations (listed below) and usually several local co-ops in each region. These are your best source of current, practical information.

South Carolina homeschool organizations

The following organizations provide advocacy, support, and current information for South Carolina homeschool families:

• South Carolina Home Educators Association (SCHEA) — Largest statewide organization with detailed legal information — schea.net
• South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS) — The Option 2 organization established by state law — provides full institutional support — scaihs.org
• Carolina Homeschooler — Popular Option 3 accountability association
• Hometown Homeschool Association of SC (HHASC) — Popular Option 3 accountability association — hometownhasc.com
• HSLDA South Carolina — Legal defense and member support

Local homeschool co-ops often meet in libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state. A search for "South Carolina homeschool co-op [your city]" typically surfaces groups meeting near you. The statewide organizations listed above maintain co-op directories.

Beyond the legal requirements

Meeting South Carolina's legal requirements is only the foundation. The day-to-day work of homeschooling — choosing a curriculum, teaching multiple children at different levels, building a transcript — is the larger task. Once your legal compliance is in order, explore the rest of this site:

Homeschool360 • South Carolina State Guide