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Homeschool laws · State guide

Homeschooling in South Carolina

South Carolina offers three homeschool options; the least regulated (an association of 50+ members) requires 180 days, core subjects, a parent with a diploma or GED, and parent-kept records, but no testing.

Last checkedAgainst Statute + state sources

South Carolina at a glanceLevel: Low

Notice to the state
No
Option 1: apply for district board approval (§59-65-40). Option 3: no parent notice to the district; the association reports the number and grade of children to districts by January 30 each year (§59-65-47).
Testing
No
Not required under Options 2 and 3. Option 1 students must take the annual statewide tests, given by a certified district employee. (S.C. Code §59-65-40; SCDE FAQ)
Record-keeping
Required
Option 3: a record of subjects taught and activities, a portfolio of work samples, and a semiannual progress report including attendance (S.C. Code §59-65-47).
Immunization
Not required
Immunization rules cover enrollment in public, private, or parochial schools, not homeschooling (S.C. Reg. 60-8(I)). They apply if your child enrolls in a school.
Required subjects
Yes, 6
Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Grades 7–12: composition and literature
Instruction time
180 days a year (Option 1 also 4.5 hours a day)
S.C. Code §§59-65-40, -45, -47
Parent qualifications
High school diploma or GED (all options); Option 1 also requires passing a basic skills exam or a bachelor's degree
Compulsory school age
From the school year the child is 5 before September 1 until 17 or high school graduation, with a kindergarten waiver option
S.C. Code §59-65-10

Ways to homeschool here: Option 1: district-approved home school (§59-65-40) · Option 2: South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (§59-65-45) · Option 3: home school association with at least 50 members (§59-65-47)

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Overview

Option 1 requires district board approval and comes with records for inspection, semiannual progress reports, library access, annual statewide testing, and a hold-harmless agreement (§59-65-40). Options 2 and 3 exempt families in bona fide membership and compliance with association standards from Option 1, and SCDE reviews association standards annually (§§59-65-45, -47). SCDE does not accredit, recommend or endorse home school associations.

  • Option 1: district-approved home school (§59-65-40)
  • Option 2: South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (§59-65-45)
  • Option 3: home school association with at least 50 members (§59-65-47)

Requirements at a glance

  • Notice: Under Option 3 (an association of at least 50 members), the statute does not require the parent to notify the district; the association reports the number and grade level of children to districts by January 30 each year. Option 1 requires district board approval through an application. (S.C. Code §§59-65-40, -45, -47)
  • Testing or assessment: Not required under Options 2 and 3. Option 1 students must take the annual statewide tests, given by a certified district employee. (S.C. Code §59-65-40; SCDE FAQ)
  • Records: Option 3: a plan book, diary or other record of subjects taught and activities; a portfolio of work samples; and a semiannual progress report including attendance and documentation of progress in each basic area. (S.C. Code §59-65-47)
  • Subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social studies, Grades 7–12: composition and literature
  • Instruction time: 180 days a year (Option 1 also 4.5 hours a day) (S.C. Code §§59-65-40, -45, -47)
  • Parent/teacher qualifications: High school diploma or GED (all options); Option 1 also requires passing a basic skills exam or a bachelor’s degree
  • Compulsory attendance ages: From the school year the child is 5 before September 1 until 17 or high school graduation, with a kindergarten waiver option (S.C. Code §59-65-10)

Sources

This page summarizes the statutes and official pages listed in the sources block, as read on the last-checked date. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm current requirements with your state or local education agency.