Everything you need to know about homeschooling in South Carolina. Three compliance paths with varying levels of oversight, 180 days of instruction required, and guaranteed sports access through the Equal Access Act. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
South Carolina offers three distinct compliance paths for homeschool families, each with different levels of oversight, testing requirements, and parent qualifications. This flexibility allows families to choose the option that best fits their situation.
All three options require 4.5 hours of instruction per day for at least 180 days per year (810 total hours). South Carolina also stands out for its Equal Access Act, which guarantees homeschool students can participate in sports and extracurricular activities at their local public school.
The governing statutes are S.C. Code Ann. § 59-65-40, § 59-65-45, and § 59-65-47, each establishing a separate compliance path.
Option 3 (Homeschool Association) is the most popular choice among South Carolina families because it has no parent qualification requirement, no testing, and the most flexibility. If you are unsure where to start, Option 3 is usually the best fit.
South Carolina has three separate statutes authorizing homeschooling, each creating a distinct compliance path with its own oversight body, requirements, and benefits.
| Feature | Option 1 (District) | Option 2 (SCAIHS) | Option 3 (Association) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statute | § 59-65-40 | § 59-65-45 | § 59-65-47 |
| Oversight | School District | SCAIHS | Homeschool Association |
| Testing | Required annually | None | None |
| Parent Qualification | HS diploma or GED | HS diploma or GED | None required |
| Required Subjects | 6 subjects | 5 subjects | 5 subjects |
| Attendance | 4.5 hrs/day, 180 days | 4.5 hrs/day, 180 days | 4.5 hrs/day, 180 days |
| Records | Submit to district | Maintain at home | Maintain at home |
| Fees | None | ~$50/year | Varies ($25-$200) |
Under Option 1, you register directly with your local school district. The parent must have a high school diploma or GED, and annual standardized testing is required (BSAP or equivalent). You must teach six subjects and submit semiannual progress reports to the district. This option has no membership fees but involves the most oversight.
The South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS) is an established organization created by state law. Members pay approximately $50 per year and receive comprehensive support including transcript and diploma services. SCAIHS handles district notification on your behalf. No testing is required.
Under Option 3, you join a qualifying homeschool association with at least 50 member families. The association must publish a code of ethics and conduct a criminal background check on at least one parent. This is the only option with no parent qualification requirement, making it the best choice for parents without a diploma or GED.
If you do not have a high school diploma or GED, Option 3 is your only choice. If you want established support and easy transcripts, consider Option 2 (SCAIHS). If you want to avoid membership fees, Option 1 works but requires testing and district reporting.
The process for starting homeschool in South Carolina depends on which compliance option you choose.
If you are withdrawing from public school, complete enrollment with your chosen option (district, SCAIHS, or association) first, then send a withdrawal letter to your current school and request student records. Do not leave a gap between withdrawal and the start of homeschooling.
Under Options 2 and 3, your organization handles district notification for you, which simplifies the process significantly. Keep copies of all your enrollment paperwork. Blue Folder can help you track your compliance and generate letters. Try it free →
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All three South Carolina homeschool options require some form of notification, but the process differs by path.
| Option | Notify Whom | How |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | School District | Parent files directly with district |
| Option 2 | SCAIHS | SCAIHS notifies district on your behalf |
| Option 3 | Association | Association notifies district on your behalf |
Under Options 2 and 3, you do not need to contact the school district directly. Your SCAIHS membership or association handles notification for you.
Notification is not seeking permission. Under all three options, the district cannot deny your right to homeschool. The notification simply informs them that your child is being educated at home.
The number of required subjects depends on your compliance path, but all options require core academic instruction.
South Carolina does not mandate a specific curriculum. Parents have full freedom to choose materials, teaching methods, and educational approaches. Religious curriculum is permitted under all options.
If your student is aiming for South Carolina's LIFE Scholarship, you will need to document a 14-unit college prep curriculum plus earn a 1100+ SAT or 24+ ACT. Plan ahead if scholarship eligibility is a goal.
All three South Carolina homeschool options have the same attendance requirement: a minimum of 4.5 hours per day for at least 180 days per year, totaling 810 hours of instruction annually.
| Requirement | All Options |
|---|---|
| Daily Hours | 4.5 hours minimum |
| Annual Days | 180 days minimum |
| Total Hours | 810 hours/year |
Keep a daily attendance log showing the date and hours of instruction. This is required under all three options and is your primary proof of compliance. Blue Folder makes attendance tracking simple with a built-in calendar. Try it free →
Assessment requirements in South Carolina depend entirely on your compliance path.
Under Option 1, students must take an annual standardized test in reading, math, and language. The BSAP or an equivalent nationally normed test is acceptable. Results are kept on file but do not necessarily need to be reported to the district.
Under Options 2 and 3, there is no standardized testing requirement. Parents assess progress and submit annual progress reports to SCAIHS or their association.
Even if testing is not required under your option, some families choose to test for college preparation:
All three options require some form of annual progress documentation. Option 1 requires semiannual reports to the district. Options 2 and 3 require an annual progress report to your organization. These are typically straightforward summaries of what was taught and the student's progress.
All South Carolina homeschool families must maintain basic records, though what you submit and to whom varies by option.
| Record | Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attendance | Required | Required | Required |
| Subjects Taught | Required | Required | Required |
| Books/Materials | Required | Required | Required |
| Test Scores | Required | N/A | N/A |
| Progress Reports | Semiannual to district | Annual to SCAIHS | Annual to association |
Keep your attendance logs, subject records, and work samples organized throughout the year. This makes progress reports much easier to complete. Blue Folder tracks everything in one place and exports a compliance binder when you need it. Try it free →
South Carolina provides some of the best public school access for homeschoolers in the Southeast, thanks to the Equal Access Act.
S.C. Code § 59-65-47(E) explicitly states that homeschool students are eligible for interscholastic activities at their resident district school. This includes:
Students must meet the same academic and eligibility requirements as public school students, comply with SCHSL rules, and live in the school's attendance area.
South Carolina's LIFE (Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence) Scholarship may be available to homeschoolers who meet specific criteria:
Homeschoolers can request evaluation through their local school district. Some limited services may be available depending on the district. Many families use private providers for specialized instruction.
South Carolina currently has no ESA, voucher, or tax credit program for homeschool families. Check for legislative updates, as school choice legislation has been considered.
The Equal Access Act is one of the strongest homeschool access laws in the Southeast. Many states do not guarantee sports access. If your child wants to play public school sports, South Carolina's law is a significant benefit.
South Carolina's three-option system can be confusing for new families. Here are the most common pitfalls to watch out for.
Complete your enrollment with your chosen option before withdrawing your child from public school. Under Options 2 and 3, your organization notifies the district on your behalf, which simplifies the transition. Keep all enrollment confirmation paperwork.
Option 3 (Homeschool Association) is the most popular due to no parent qualification requirement and the most flexibility. Option 2 (SCAIHS) is popular for families wanting established support and easy transcript services.
Yes. Choose Option 3. It is the only option without parent qualification requirements.
Only under Option 1. Options 2 and 3 do not require any standardized testing.
Yes. South Carolina's Equal Access Act guarantees homeschoolers can participate in sports and extracurriculars at their local public school.
SCAIHS is specifically created by state law (§ 59-65-45), is well-established, and provides comprehensive support including transcripts and diplomas. Other associations qualify under § 59-65-47 and vary in their offerings.
Not under Options 2 or 3. Your SCAIHS membership or association notifies the district for you. Under Option 1, you file directly with the district.
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Track South Carolina ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the South Carolina Department of Education or consult a qualified attorney. For more information, see SCAIHS. Last updated February 2026.