Want to homeschool in South Carolina? Good news! The Palmetto State gives you three distinct ways to educate your children at home. We’ve helped dozens of families navigate these options over the past five years, and each pathway has its own requirements. As a result, you get to pick what works best for your family’s situation and teaching philosophy.
South Carolina is a middle-of-the-road state for homeschool regulations. Therefore, you have real choices here. In fact, the laws give you room to teach your way. Based on our research of SC homeschool regulations, official South Carolina Department of Education guidelines, and interviews with local families, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. For curriculum planning once you’re set up, check our best homeschool math curriculum guide.
This guide shows you all three options. Furthermore, you’ll learn which path fits you best. Finally, we’ll walk through each step to help you get started.
Why Homeschool in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a thriving homeschool community that’s grown steadily over the past decade. We’ve tracked these trends through state data and conversations with local homeschool organizations. Here’s why so many families choose to homeschool here:
- Three legal paths – Pick the one that fits you best
- No diploma needed – Option 3 does not require parent credentials
- Teach what you want – Use any books or programs you like
- Private test scores – Option 3 lets you keep scores to yourself
- Strong community – Co-ops exist all over the state
- College access – High schoolers can take college classes
- Schools want you – Clemson, USC, and more welcome homeschoolers
Some states give you only one path. However, here you get to choose. As a result, that matters to a lot of families.
Laws at a Glance
South Carolina has medium rules. However, you get choices that most states do not offer. In total, three legal paths exist. Consequently, each one has different rules.
| What You Need | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who Checks | District | SCAIHS | Group |
| Need Diploma | Yes | Yes | No |
| Subjects | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Days | 180 | 180 | 180 |
| Hours/Day | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Testing | Yes | Varies | Yes |
Your Three Options
Option 1: School District
With Option 1, you work with your local school district. In this case, they check on your homeschool. Here is what you need:
- Diploma: First, you need a high school diploma or GED
- Subjects: Next, teach reading, writing, math, social studies, and science
- Time: Additionally, teach 180 days with each day needing 4.5 hours or more
- Testing: Then, take the BSAP test or another approved test each year
- Records: Finally, keep records the district can look at if asked
This option has no fees. Therefore, you work straight with your district. As a result, some families like this setup. However, others want more freedom.
Option 2: SCAIHS
SCAIHS stands for South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools. Instead of the district, they check on your homeschool. Here is what you need:
- Diploma: First, you need a high school diploma or GED
- Subjects: Second, teach six subjects, which adds writing to the core five
- Time: Third, teach 180 days with 4.5 hours or more each day
- Testing: Fourth, follow rules that change based on your child’s grade
- Reports: Fifth, send in progress reports twice a year
- Fee: Finally, pay a yearly fee to join
Many families like SCAIHS better than the district. In addition, SCAIHS offers help, tips, and a group of families like yours.
Option 3: Join a Group
With Option 3, you join a homeschool group with 50 or more members. As a result, this path gives you the most freedom. Most importantly, no diploma is needed!
- Diploma: Not needed for the teaching parent
- Subjects: Teach six subjects during the school year
- Time: Teach 180 days with 4.5 hours or more each day
- Testing: Take a test each year
- Records: Keep your own records without sending them in
Your test scores stay with you. Therefore, you do not share them. Consequently, many families love this privacy.
Step by Step: How to Start
Option 1 Steps
- First, call your district’s homeschool office
- Next, turn in your form and show your diploma
- Then, wait for approval
- After that, start teaching
- Later, take the yearly test
- Finally, renew each year
Option 2 Steps
- First, go to scaihs.org
- Second, fill out their form online
- Third, pay the fee
- Fourth, show your diploma or GED
- Finally, follow their rules all year
Option 3 Steps
- First, find a group with 50 or more members
- Next, apply to join
- Then, follow their rules
- After that, keep records all year
- Finally, set up yearly testing
Finding a group is not hard. For instance, ask local homeschool parents. In fact, many groups exist across the state.
What to Teach
Option 1 (5 subjects)
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Social studies
- Science
Options 2 and 3 (6 subjects)
- Reading
- Writing
- Math
- Social studies
- Science
- Composition
You pick how to teach these subjects. Therefore, use any books or programs you want. In fact, the state only cares that you cover these topics.
Most SC families use boxed programs, online classes, or a mix of both. As a result, starting simple makes sense. Then, add more as you learn what works.
Time Rules
All three options need the same amount of time:
- 180 days of teaching per year
- 4.5 hours or more each day
That adds up to 810 hours per year. In most cases, families go over this without trying.
What counts as school time? For example, reading counts. Additionally, games that teach count. Furthermore, field trips count. Likewise, science projects count. Similarly, music lessons count. As a result, you will likely log more hours than you think.
Testing Rules
District Testing (Option 1)
You take the BSAP test or another approved test each year. In this case, the district runs these tests. Then, they look at the scores to check progress.
SCAIHS Testing (Option 2)
SCAIHS sets their own testing rules. Therefore, what you need depends on your child’s grade. For current rules, check their website.
Association Testing (Option 3)
You must test each year. However, the scores stay with you. Therefore, you do not send them anywhere. For example, these tests work:
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills
- Stanford Achievement Test
- California Achievement Test
- Other standard tests
Keeping Records
All options need you to keep records. Good records protect you in case of audits. Renewals become easier with proper documentation. College applications also benefit from thorough records.
At minimum, keep these things:
- Attendance – Show your 180 days
- Work samples – Keep proof of learning in each subject
- Test scores – Save your yearly test results
In addition, you might also want to keep:
- Lists of books and programs used
- Samples of work from each subject
- Daily logs of what you did
- Books your child read
- Field trip notes and dates
- Sports and club records
Digital records work great. For instance, take photos of projects. Additionally, make folders on your computer. Furthermore, back up files to the cloud. As a result, this saves space and makes sharing easy.
Keep records for two years after high school ends. In particular, colleges may ask for more proof during the application process.
Which Option is Best for You?
After speaking with many SC homeschool families, we’ve noticed clear patterns in who picks each option. Here’s what we’ve found works best:
District Path Works If:
- Paying no fees matters to your family
- District oversight works for your situation
- You already have a diploma or GED
SCAIHS Path Works If:
- You’d rather have a homeschool group check on you than the district
- SCAIHS resources and help sound appealing
- Being part of a state group interests you
- You already have a diploma or GED
Association Path Works If:
- You don’t have a diploma or GED
- Freedom matters most to your family
- Test score privacy is important to you
- A group with 50+ members works for you
Options 2 and 3 are the most popular. In our experience, most families prefer homeschool group checks over district checks.
High School and Graduation
Parents make their own diplomas in South Carolina. Therefore, no state test is needed. As a result, you set your own rules for what it takes to graduate.
Making Transcripts
For college, you need a transcript. In particular, it should show:
- Course names and what they covered
- Credits earned
- Grades
- GPA
- Graduation date
Update your transcript each year. For instance, add courses as you finish them. As a result, this makes senior year much easier.
Getting Ready for College
Plan ahead for college. Specifically, consider these steps:
- First, map out courses for all four years
- Second, take the SAT or ACT by junior year
- Third, join clubs and sports
- Fourth, get letters from teachers or mentors
- Finally, research college rules early
Getting into College
State schools accept homeschoolers. For example, USC, Clemson, College of Charleston, and more welcome homeschool grads. Typically, they want:
- SAT or ACT scores
- High school transcript
- Course descriptions
- Letters from people who know you
Call admissions early. In addition, ask what they need from homeschoolers. Furthermore, many schools have staff who help homeschool families.
South Carolina Resources
State Groups
- HSLDA South Carolina – Legal help
- SCAIHS – Option 2 group
- SC Dept of Education – Official state info
Local Support
Groups exist all over the state. For example, here are the main regions:
- Upstate – Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson areas
- Midlands – Columbia area
- Lowcountry – Charleston area
- Grand Strand – Myrtle Beach area
- Pee Dee – Florence and east
Search Facebook for local groups. In fact, both church-based and non-religious groups exist.
Co-ops
Co-ops let families share teaching. For instance, parents take turns leading classes. As a result, kids learn together and make friends.
SC co-ops often offer:
- Science labs
- Writing classes
- Art and music
- PE
- Languages
- Drama
Co-ops cost from $50 to a few hundred per term. However, the cost is worth it for many families. In addition, your kids get friends. Meanwhile, you get help.
Finding a Group
For Option 3, you need a group with 50 or more members. First, ask local homeschool families. Next, search online for SC homeschool groups. In most cases, many welcome new families.
Special Cases
Kids with Special Needs
Homeschool works great for kids with special needs. In particular, parents control the pace. Additionally, families pick the methods. Furthermore, the schedule adjusts as needed.
Benefits include:
- Go as fast or slow as your child needs
- Use materials that fit how your child learns
- Hire tutors or therapists
- Set goals that fit your child
- Avoid crowded, loud classrooms
Some public school services may still be open to you. For example, ask about Child Find for testing. Additionally, call your local district about therapy options.
College Classes for High Schoolers
High schoolers can take college classes while still in homeschool. As a result, this saves money. Furthermore, it gives a head start on degrees. In fact, SC colleges welcome homeschoolers.
Popular options include:
- Greenville Tech – Upstate
- Midlands Tech – Columbia
- Trident Tech – Charleston
- Horry-Georgetown Tech – Myrtle Beach
- Spartanburg Community College – Upstate
Most students start at age 16. However, some colleges take younger students with good test scores. Therefore, call to ask about their rules.
Benefits include:
- Earn college credits early
- Try college before going full-time
- Save thousands on tuition
- Boost college applications
- Access labs you do not have at home
Working Parents
Many families homeschool while both parents work. Therefore, you can make this work with the right setup.
Tips for working parents:
- First, teach evenings and weekends
- Second, ask grandparents to help during the day
- Third, have older kids help younger ones
- Fourth, split teaching between parents
- Fifth, use online programs that kids can do alone
- Finally, join co-ops to fill gaps
Find a routine that fits your schedule. In fact, many families make it work.
Moving to South Carolina
If you move here, pick an option fast. In other words, do not wait on the paperwork. Instead, get set up as soon as you can.
Bring records from your old state. For example, this shows you have been teaching. In most cases, groups take transfers with no trouble.
Going Back to School
If you return to public school, the school decides placement. Therefore, good records help. In particular, test scores and transcripts matter.
Common Questions
Which option do most families pick?
Options 2 and 3 are most popular. In fact, most families prefer homeschool group checks over district checks.
Do I need a diploma to homeschool?
Options 1 and 2 need a diploma or GED. However, Option 3 does not.
Can homeschoolers play school sports?
Some rules exist for this. Therefore, ask your district. Additionally, check SC High School League rules.
How much does SCAIHS cost?
They charge a yearly fee. For current prices, check their website.
Can I switch options later?
Yes! In fact, many families change paths as their needs change.
Start Your South Carolina Homeschool Today
You’ve got three solid paths to pick from. First, look at your diploma status. Then, think about how much oversight you want. Finally, make your choice and don’t look back.
Connect with local families. We’ve found that learning from experienced homeschoolers makes the first year so much easier. Ask them which option they picked and why—most are happy to share their journey.
South Carolina welcomes homeschoolers. You’ve got three good paths, and there’s no wrong answer. The best option is simply the one that fits your family right now.
Thousands of SC families homeschool successfully every year. You can too. Start simple, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to change what isn’t working. Trust yourself—you know your child best. Take that first step today!
Other State Guides
Want to know about nearby states? For example, check out:
- How to Homeschool in North Carolina – Notice and test needs
- How to Homeschool in Georgia – File a form state
- How to Homeschool in Florida – Two simple options
- How to Homeschool in Tennessee – Notice state
Each state has different rules. Therefore, compare them if you might move.
Official Links
- HSLDA South Carolina Laws
- SCAIHS Official Website
- SC Dept of Education
- SC Code 59-65-40, 59-65-45, 59-65-47
Leave a Reply