HOMESCHOOLING IN SOUTH CAROLINA & HOMESCHOOL LAWS
You may be considering homeschooling your children in South Carolina, but don’t know where to start regarding state regulations and requirements. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to successfully set up your own homeschool in South Carolina. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling in South Carolina, current laws and regulations, required notifications and filings, curriculum and testing choices, high school transcripts, extracurricular activities, graduation requirements, and special education services.
History of Homeschooling in South Carolina
Between the mid-1970s and 2002, the landscape of education in the United States underwent a significant shift, marked by a remarkable rise in the number of home-schooled children, escalating from approximately fifteen thousand to over one million nationwide. In tandem with this trend, South Carolina witnessed a surge in homeschooling, with numbers soaring from a mere handful to as many as ten thousand homeschool students.
The decision to home school children is driven by a lot of practical and personal considerations. Homeschooling offers a highly personalized approach to education, parents determine their own curriculum to suit the unique learning styles, interests, and educational objectives of each child. Notably, homeschooled students consistently outperform their peers on standardized tests, a testament to the efficacy of this instructional method. For many parents, the choice to home school stems from dissatisfaction with the content or values imparted in public and private schools.
Prior to 1984, the homeschooling movement in South Carolina remained nascent, disorganized, and largely inconspicuous. However, by 1988, there was a seismic shift as the number of homeschoolers burgeoned. Intensive grassroots activism spurred legislative action, culminating in the passage of South Carolina’s homeschool law in 1988. This legislation mandated that local school boards approve home-schooling programs and required teaching parents without a four-year degree to pass an Education Entrance Examination (EEE). Nevertheless, the imposition of the EEE requirement sparked backlash among home-schooling advocates, triggering a wave of litigation.
In response, the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS) was established in 1990 as a private approval organization, effectively circumventing the need for parental approval from the local school district. Subsequently, the South Carolina Supreme Court struck down the EEE requirement in 1991, paving the way for SCAIHS to pursue other South Carolina homeschool laws. In 1992, the General Assembly enacted South Carolina homeschool laws permitting homeschooling parents to affiliate with SCAIHS in lieu of seeking approval from local school districts. In 1996, South Carolina’s homeschool law expanded these provisions, allowing other associations to approve homeschooling programs provided they adhered to specified guidelines.
Current South Carolina Homeschool Laws and Regulations
In South Carolina, certain criteria must be met under SC homeschool laws. Firstly, the instructor must hold a high school diploma or GED and meet minimum standards of 180 instructional days per year. The curriculum must cover required subjects, including language arts, math, science, and social studies. For grades 7-12, additional subjects such as composition and literature are required.
Furthermore, you must select one of three options for homeschooling, each with its own set of requirements under SC homeschool laws:
Parents may choose to educate their children, subject to approval from the school district board of trustees in their area. This approval process, mandated by South Carolina homeschool laws, ensures that programs meeting the standards outlined in South Carolina’s homeschool law, receive the necessary authorization.
Alternatively, parents or guardians can opt for homeschooling through the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS). You can find a list of these associations on the South Carolina Department of Education’s website. By maintaining genuine membership and adhering to SCAIHS’s academic standards, South Carolina families are exempt from the requirements of South Carolina’s homeschool law.
Another option available to parents is home-schooling under the oversight of a homeschool association comprising at least fifty members.
How to Set Up a Homeschool In South Carolina
South Carolina homeschool laws offer three options. Follow these steps to establish a home-based program in compliance with South Carolina’s homeschool law:
Option 1: Homeschooling under South Carolina’s homeschool law
Contact the board of trustees of your local school district to learn about their application process. Submit your application, ensuring it includes all necessary assurances. Approval by the board is mandatory, with no discretionary power.
Your curriculum should cover the mandated subjects and ensure a minimum of 180 instructional days per school year. Each school day should span at least 4.5 hours, excluding lunch or recesses.
Keep detailed records as evidence of regular instruction. This includes a plan book, diary, or similar written record indicating taught subjects and related activities, as well as a portfolio showcasing samples of your child’s work and records of academic progress assessments.
Provide semiannual progress reports to your local school district, incorporating attendance records and assessments of your child’s progress in each required subject.
Ensure your student has access to library facilities to support their educational needs.
Ensure your child participates in the annual statewide testing program and the Basic Skills Assessment Program, administered by a certified school district employee. Should your child not meet the South Carolina public school standard for grade advancement, the local school district will determine appropriate next steps, which may include placement in public school, receiving special services, or receiving instructional support for home-schooling at your expense.
Option 2: Homeschooling with the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS):
You can opt for home schooling through enrollment in SCAIHS, where you’ll adhere to their specific rules and policies governing home schooling.
Option 3: Home-schooling with a Homeschool Association. The vast majority of families choose an Option 3 association.
To pursue home-schooling through a Homeschool Association, follow these steps:
Join a homeschool association with a minimum of 50 member families.
Adhere to the specific SC homeschool requirements set forth by your chosen homeschool association.
South Carolina homeschool laws mandate that homeschool associations uphold the following minimum standards for home-schooling parents:
Possession of at least a high school diploma or GED.
Provision of education for a minimum of 180 days per school year.
Implementation of a homeschool curriculum covering reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and, for grades 7–12, composition and literature.
Maintenance of educational records, including a plan book or similar documentation of subjects taught and activities, a portfolio showcasing samples of your child’s academic work, and a semiannual progress report containing attendance records and personalized documentation of your child’s academic advancements in the required subjects.
South Carolina homeschool laws do not require parent-teachers to have specific teaching credentials to start homeschooling their children. The minimum requirement is a high school diploma or GED. Parents are fully empowered to select the educational plan and resources that best fit their family under South Carolina’s homeschool law.
Maintaining Your South Carolina Homeschool
Maintaining home-schooling in South Carolina, the Palmetto State, involves several key steps to ensure compliance with South Carolina’s homeschool law and to provide an effective educational experience for your child. Here’s a guide on how to maintain homeschooling in South Carolina:
Familiarize yourself with South Carolina homeschool laws outlined in the South Carolina Code of Laws, particularly Section 59-65-40, which stipulates the requirements for homeschooling.
Select one of the approved homeschooling options available in South Carolina, such as homeschooling under the statute, homeschooling through the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS), or home-schooling with a homeschool association.
Develop or select a curriculum that aligns with South Carolina educational standards and covers required subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and, for grades 7–12, composition and literature.
Ensure that you provide instruction to your child for a minimum of 180 days per school year, as required by state law.
Maintain comprehensive records of your home-schooling activities, including a plan book or other record of subjects taught and activities, a portfolio showcasing samples of your child’s academic work, and a semiannual progress report containing attendance records and documentation of your child’s academic progress in the required subjects.
Ensure your child participates in yearly standardized testing programs and assessments, as required by state law. This standardized testing helps assess your child’s academic progress and may include the Basic Skills Assessment Program. If the minimum standards are not met, additional instructional support may be required.
Stay updated on any changes or updates to homeschooling laws and regulations in South Carolina. Join support groups or associations to stay informed and connected with other homeschoolers.
Utilize resources and support networks available to many homeschoolers in South Carolina. This may include local homeschooling associations, online forums, educational materials, and co-operative learning opportunities.
Regularly evaluate your homeschooling approach and make adjustments as needed to meet your child’s educational needs and goals.
By following these steps and staying organized, informed, and adaptable, you can effectively start homeschooling and maintain a program in South Carolina while providing a quality education for your child.
South Carolina Homeschool Reporting Requirements
Keeping good records is crucial because they provide proof of your child’s education. This proof can be important for your child’s education in the future, joining the military, or when employers check their background. It’s also helpful if anyone questions how you homeschool in South Carolina.
We suggest following the South Carolina homeschool requirements and keeping the necessary records. If you choose Option 1, record keeping must include, at minimum:
A record of subjects taught, such as science, and the activities you and your child do.
A collection of your child’s work samples.
Records showing how well your child is doing in school.
Along with these state-required records, it’s a good idea to keep these additional records:
Attendance records to show how often your child learns.
Information about the books your child uses for learning.
A semiannual progress report including attendance records and assessments of your child’s progress, including grades in each of the required subjects in your school district.
Any emails or letters you exchange with officials.
Portfolios and test results showing your child’s progress.
Any other documents proving that your child is getting a proper education according to the law.
Make sure to keep these records for at least two years. For high school records and proof of following South Carolina’s homeschool law during high school, keep them forever. These records are important for showing your child’s educational journey and how you followed South Carolina’s homeschool law.
Homeschool Testing In South Carolina
According to South Carolina’s homeschool law, under Option One of homeschooling, students are required to partake in the statewide annual testing program. These tests are to be conducted by a certified school district staff member, either alongside SC public school students or, upon parental choice, at the learning location of the homeschool student. It’s important to note that students outside of district-approved programs cannot participate in these assessments.
Funding Your South Carolina Homeschool
The Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF) is a program overseen by the South Carolina Department of Education, designed to provide greater educational flexibility to eligible families in the state. Through this initiative, qualifying South Carolina households can apply for an annual scholarship of $6,000 per student.
This program empowers families to tailor their child’s education by allowing them to use the scholarship funds for a variety of educational expenses. By offering this customizable approach, the ESTF aims to accommodate diverse learning needs and preferences of a South Carolina homeschooler, potentially opening up educational opportunities that might otherwise be financially out of reach for some families who homeschool in SC.
To be eligible, families typically need to meet certain income requirements and their children may need to have previously attended a public school. The program’s goal is to expand educational choices while ensuring that the funds are directed to those who could benefit most from this additional support.
Additionally, homeschoolers often utilize community resources, such as public libraries, museums, and educational programs, which may offer free or discounted services to homeschooling students. Homeschool associations in South Carolina may provide support, resources, online courses, and sometimes financial assistance to homeschoolers.
Overall, while homeschooling in South Carolina is primarily funded by families, there is state funding, as well as resources and support networks available to help you begin homeschooling.
Federal Tax Breaks
Homeschool South Carolina households may be eligible for certain federal tax benefits to help offset educational expenses. One option is a Coverdell Education Savings Account, which allows money to grow tax-free when used for qualified education costs. Homeschool parents might also be able to deduct a portion of mortgage interest or rent if part of the home is used regularly and exclusively for homeschooling. Finally, tax credits or deductions could be available for required books, supplies, equipment and curricula used for homeschool instruction. To learn more about these potential tax advantages, you should review the information and resources provided by the IRS.
South Carolina Immunization Requirements
In South Carolina, immunization requirements for a Carolina homeschooler differ from a student attending public school or private school. Homeschoolers in South Carolina are generally not required to provide proof of immunization as part of their homeschooling South Carolina documentation. This exemption from immunization requirements is one of the advantages of homeschooling in South Carolina. However, it’s essential to stay informed about any changes in state regulations regarding homeschooling and immunization requirements. Additionally, school district families may choose to vaccinate their children for health and safety reasons, even if not mandated by homeschooling regulations.
South Carolina State Graduation Requirements
Homeschool graduation in South Carolina offers flexibility tailored to each family’s chosen homeschooling option.
Option 1: Under this option, while the local school district oversees curriculum approval and standardized tests, they do not issue diplomas or determine graduation criteria. It is the parents’ responsibility to assess when their student has fulfilled minimum requirements. If your student plans to attend college, they’ll need a transcript to apply. Parents create their homeschooler’s diploma and transcript, reflecting high school credits and student grades.
Option 2: SCAIHS provides structured “tracks” for high schoolers, aligning with diverse post-secondary goals. These tracks include various college preparatory and career/technical paths. Upon completion, graduates receive an official SCAIHS diploma, recognizing their accomplishment and readiness for further education or career pursuits.
Option 3: High schoolers homeschooling under Option 3 graduate based on parental assessment of meeting minimum requirements. Similar to Option 1, parents craft the student diploma and transcript. While many families adhere to South Carolina’s diploma criteria, others may customize graduation criteria based on their child’s intended post-high school path, such as aligning with college prerequisites.
In summary, South Carolina’s homeschooling options allow families to tailor graduation processes to the individual needs of their student, ensuring a personalized and meaningful transition to the next stage of their education or career journey.
South Carolina Homeschool Charters
South Carolina does not have homeschool charters in the same sense as some other states, where homeschool families enroll in a charter school that supports their homeschooling efforts. In South Carolina, homeschooling families typically operate independently or under the oversight of one of the approved homeschooling options, such as homeschooling under the homeschool statute, homeschooling through the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS), or homeschooling with a homeschool association.
While there are various support organizations, associations, and programs available in South Carolina, including virtual charter schools and online academies, these are distinct from homeschool charters. Homeschool families in South Carolina have the flexibility to choose the option that best suits their educational philosophy, goals, and preferences. It’s essential to consult current South Carolina homeschooling laws and resources for the most up-to-date information on available options and support networks for homeschooled students.
Local South Carolina Homeschooling Resources
If you’re homeschooling through Option 3 in South Carolina, you might already be part of a homeschool support group or faith based organization affiliated with your accountability association. However, if you’re not or if you’re homeschooling under one of the other two options, you’re probably eager to connect with experienced homeschoolers in your area.
Greenville Homeschoolers Director: This is a place for home-schoolers of Greenville, SC to share ideas about co-ops, field trips, and other great resources for local home-schoolers.
Homeschool Hangouts SC: Connecting Homeschoolers of all ages in the Columbia, South Carolina area mainly but other areas in SC are welcome. Bringing kids together by sharing park play dates and field trip opportunities.
Homeschoolers of Pickens County, SC: This group is for Pickens County, SC area homeschoolers. Its goal is to be a means to plan meet-ups at local parks, arrange group field trips, for general questions regarding homeschooling or for curriculum for sale or trade.
In addition to local home school groups facilitating playdates, field trips, and social activities, another valuable support network is home school cooperatives, commonly known as “co-ops.” These structured groups, often parent-led, provide regular meetings and collaborative learning opportunities, as well as homeschool FAQs. Each home school co-op operates uniquely, with varying participation requirements, operational procedures, and educational focuses.
In summary, take advantage of South Carolina’s minimal regulations to find community and make the most of homeschooling your children. Join local groups, utilize free resources, and build a personalized education without boundaries.
