South Carolina Homeschool Information
—Homeschool In South Carolina—
Homeschooling in South Carolina
Find Out What the State Says About Home Education
South Carolina School Choice
Click above for general information on the school choice.
South Carolina Department of Education
Click above for the state Education Information
South Carolina Homeschool
✅ 1. Who must attend, and from what age?
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Children aged 5 (by September 1) through 17 must attend school—public, private, or homeschool.
🛣️ 2. Your three legal homeschooling options
Option 1: Under local school district (“statute route”)
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Submit an application to your district’s Board of Trustees (they must approve if criteria are met).
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Parent must have at least a high school diploma or GED or a bachelor’s degree.
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Homeschool at least 180 days/year, with minimum 4.5 hours/day.
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Teach required subjects: Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies; for grades 7–12 add Composition & Literature.
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Maintain records: plan book, student work samples, document academic progress.
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Submit semiannual progress reports (attendance + academic evaluation).
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Annual standardized testing administered by a certified school employee; remediation or public school placement if standards are not met.
Option 2: Through the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS)
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Join SCAIHS. Requirements include: high school diploma/GED, 180 instructional days, same core curriculum.
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Records required: plan book, portfolio, semiannual progress reports.
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No state testing required under this option (SCAIHS may administer its own evaluations).
Option 3: Through a “50‑Member Accountability Group”
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Similar to SCAIHS but any group with ≥ 50 member families qualifies.
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Must meet same minimum standards: diploma/GED, 180 days, core subjects, recordkeeping including semiannual reports and portfolio.
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No annual standardized testing is required.
🧾 3. Curriculum & teaching freedoms
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No specific curriculum mandated—parents can choose their preferred educational materials and methods.
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No requirement to follow state or district curriculum scope or sequence.
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Instructional schedule: a minimum of 180 days/4.5 hours, but daily timing and subject breakdown is flexible.
📚 4. Reporting & oversight
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Option 1: district monitors compliance and progress; semiannual reports, portfolio review, possible notification/corrections.
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Options 2 & 3: associations handle oversight; they must report annually to school districts by January 30.
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Annual standardized testing applies only to Option 1.
🚫 5. What’s not required
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No immunization or vaccines mandated for homeschoolers.
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No state-issued curriculum; parents choose their own materials.
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No state-mandated instructional scope/sequence.
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No minimum 51% parent-taught rule—outsourcing/tutors/co-ops are allowed.
A Private School Option
1. What is an Umbrella or Accredited Private School?
These are private institutions—either brick-and-mortar or online—that offer accredited educational programs to homeschoolers. Known as “umbrella” or “cover” schools, they often provide services like curriculum guidance, recordkeeping, portfolio reviews, standardized testing support, diplomas, and transcripts
2. How This Option Compares to the Three Legal Homeschool Routes
When enrolling in a private or umbrella school, you’re functioning under South Carolina’s private school law (Code §59‑65‑10A), not under the public school-district oversight (Option 1), nor under a homeschool association (Option 2 or 3)
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No need to apply for district-approved homeschool status — you’re considered a private school student.
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No semiannual progress reports or district oversight required.
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No annual public standardized tests unless the private school requires them.
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These schools typically mandate a diploma or transcript pathway and may handle NCAA or college GPA requirements .
✅ Summary
If you enroll in an accredited private or umbrella school:
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You fall under private school regulations, not district homeschooling.
- You’re often still required to meet state homeschool accountability through a recognized association—unless the school itself qualifies as a legal accountability group.
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You gain advantages in curriculum, grading, and recognition, especially for high school transcripts and college entry—but you’ll also handle a hybrid management model.
South Carolina K-12 Scholarship Programs
South Carolina K-12 Scholarship Summary
The South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) is a K–12 education savings account (ESA) program that allows eligible families to use state funds—up to $7,500 per student per year—for approved educational expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, therapies, curriculum, and technology. Relaunched for the 2025–26 school year after a previous version was ruled unconstitutional, the updated program directs funds to families rather than schools, addressing prior legal concerns. Initially, up to 10,000 students from households earning at or below 300% of the federal poverty level can participate, with plans to expand eligibility and capacity in future years. Families can apply during open enrollment windows, and unused funds roll over annually if the student remains in the program. This initiative offers South Carolina families greater flexibility and control in tailoring education to their children’s needs.
Homeschool Resources for South Carolina
Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.
In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.
Homeschool Legal Defense Association
Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney. Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice.