SOUTH CAROLINA HOMESCHOOL LAW

Compulsory School Age: 5 - 17 (by September 1)

South Carolina state law offers three legal homeschooling options: 1) establish and operate a state-approved homeschool, 2) establish and operate a homeschool through membership with the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS), or 3) establish and operate a homeschool through membership with a homeschool association with at least 50 members.

1. The first option is to establish and operate a homeschool approved by the local school board.  Technically the school board has no approval power, but the board does determine whether or not the homeschool program meets or will meet the homeschool requirements set forth by the state.  Children schooling under this option are required to attend instruction for 4 ½ hours a day for 180 days a year.  Students are required to study the following subjects: reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and composition and literature in grades 7 - 12.  Students are also required to participate in annual statewide testing and the Basic Skills Assessment Program.  Parents are qualified to teach if they hold a high school diploma or GED or higher.  Also, parents are required to maintain records demonstrating regular instruction, a list of subjects taught, educational activities involving the parent and child, samples of the child's work, academic evaluations, and a semiannual progress report.

2. The second option is to establish and operate a homeschool through membership with the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS).  Under this option, students are required to attend instruction for 180 days per year and must study the following subjects: reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and composition and literature in grades 7 - 12.  Parents must hold at least a high school diploma or GED in order to meet teacher qualifications.  There are no state laws requiring school board notification, recordkeeping, or testing for this option; however the SCAIHS has set forth requirements for recordkeeping and testing that must be followed if schooling under this option.

3. The third and final option is to establish and operate a homeschool through membership with a homeschool association with at least 50 members.  Under this option, students are required to attend instruction for 180 days per year and must study the following subjects: reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and composition and literature in grades 7 - 12.  Parents must hold at least a high school diploma or GED in order to meet teacher qualifications.  Also, parents are required to maintain records demonstrating regular instruction, a list of subjects taught, educational activities involving the parent and child, samples of the child's work, and a semiannual progress report.  There are no state regulations requiring school board notification or testing.

Find a homeschool group in South Carolina.

View these websites for more information about South Carolina homeschool laws:

• Home School Legal Defense Association

• National Home Education Network

• South Carolina Education Code for Homeschooling

• South Carolina Department of Education

• South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools

Please note: This is a brief summary of South Carolina homeschool law and is presented for informative purposes only and not as legal advice.