Homeschooling in South Carolina
Families have three legal options for homeschooling in South Carolina, but each of them requires that parents:
- Handle the majority of the instruction
- Teach for at least 180 school days
- Teach the subjects of math, reading, writing, science, social studies, and in grades 9-12, composition and literature
- Have at least a high school diploma or GED
If you are considering home education in South Carolina then you probably have questions like, “How do I enroll for homeschooling in South Carolina?” and “What is the best South Carolina homeschool curriculum?” You are not alone. Many families are beginning the adventure of taking their child’s education into their own hands and are curious about how to homeschool in South Carolina.
- How to Start Homeschooling in South Carolina
- South Carolina Homeschooling Laws
- South Carolina Homeschool Accountability Associations
- South Carolina Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
- Homeschool Field Trips in South Carolina
- South Carolina Standardized Testing and Test Prep
- Why Time4Learning is the Leading Homeschool Curriculum in South Carolina
- How to Build the Best Homeschool Curriculum for PreK-12 in South Carolina
This information should by no means be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
How to Start Homeschooling in South Carolina
To homeschool in South Carolina you must have at least a high school diploma or GED, must homeschool for 180 days a year, and teach the required subjects. In addition to these requirements, follow these steps to begin homeschooling in South Carolina:
- Choosing the option you want to homeschool under (Option 1, Option 2, or Option 3)
- Making sure you meet the additional requirements for the option you choose
- Choosing the curricula and resources you want to use for instruction (if you’re using Options 1 or 2, you may need to get approval on your choices)
- Start having fun learning together!
Welcome to Homeschooling Guide
Download this FREE resource where experienced homeschoolers share their stories for how to begin homeschooling, understanding your child academically, planning your days, and much more.
South Carolina Homeschooling Laws
Families who homeschool in South Carolina have three legal options for doing so:
- Option 1: Homeschooling through the school district
- Option 2: Homeschooling through the SCAIHS
- Option 3: Homeschooling through a SC Accountability Association
Depending on the option you choose, you will have different enrollment, recordkeeping, and testing requirements. For more information on these different options, visit our South Carolina Homeschooling Laws page.
South Carolina Homeschool Accountability Associations
The vast majority of families choosing how to enroll in homeschool in South Carolina pick the third option. Homeschooling through an accountability association gives families the most flexibility to choose how and when to homeschool as well as what curricula and resources they want to use.
Find out more about what these associations do and how to pick the best one for your family on our South Carolina Homeschool Accountability Associations page.
South Carolina Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
Making the decision to homeschool in the Palmetto State is never a light one. Both before and after you’ve determined to take this new path, you’ll have questions. Finding a local or virtual support group of like-minded families who have traveled the path before you can make all the difference in easing your transition into homeschooling.
Browse a list of homeschool support groups and learn about homeschool cooperatives on our South Carolina Homeschool Groups and Co-ops page.
Homeschool Field Trips in South Carolina
“Flexibility.” If you ask most any homeschool family what their favorite part of homeschooling is, that’s the word you’ll often hear in response. Taking your child’s education into your own hands can include taking it on the road in order to explore science, history, math, and arts experientially.
South Carolina has a treasure trove of natural, historical, and cultural locations that will enhance your overall homeschool experience. Visit our Homeschool Field Trips in South Carolina blog post to discover ideas for your next learning escapade. Please make sure to contact each site before you plan your visit, as COVID-19 may have impacted their hours of operations.
South Carolina Homeschooling by City
Parents in South Carolina have plenty of resources and opportunities to enhance their child’s learning experience. Check out what’s available near you by clicking on the links below:South Carolina Standardized Testing and Test Prep
Depending on the legal option you choose for homeschooling, your student may or may not be required to take an annual standardized test in South Carolina. Plenty of families, with or without a requirement, choose to participate in regular assessments for their homeschooler.
Not only can these give you a benchmark of progress, year to year, but they also have the benefit of making you aware of any skill gaps you need to address. Time4Learning’s standards-based curriculum builds the skills that students are tested on normed tests.
Why Time4Learning is the Leading Homeschool Curriculum in South Carolina
Time4Learning’s comprehensive curriculum has long been one of the most popular home school programs in South Carolina. Here’s why:
- No need to purchase a large package of materials you may or may not use. Time4Learning’s monthly subscription model allows you to use the program exactly as much and as long as you need.
- Your subscription gives you access to the grade below and above your registered level in grades 1-7 so you can review or even accelerate where needed.
- Lesson planning, record-keeping and assessments are taken care of. Simply sit down with your child and enjoy the engaging, multimedia lessons together.
How to Build the Best Homeschool Curriculum for PreK-12
Homeschool curriculum choices have expanded over the last decade. Parents have much more to choose from than typical textbooks, workbooks, and other traditional schooling methods. When homeschooling in South Carolina, online courses, interactive videos, personal computers, laptops and tablet devices can provide exciting and engaging materials for children to experience. But all these new methods often confuse parents, especially those who are new homeschoolers.
Eventually, parents come to realize that mixing different tools and activities usually keeps their children stimulated and eager to learn. For more information, review How to Build the Best Homeschool Curriculum for PreK-12.
South Carolina Unit Study Supplement
Help your homeschooler learn interesting history and geography facts about South Carolina in this Time4Learning unit study supplement.
Online Curriculum for Homeschool, Afterschool and Summer Use
In addition to being an award-winning choice for homeschool families, Time4Learning also offers an online after school program to help build your child’s skills. View our lesson demos and discover why thousands of families in South Carolina are already using it!
Give your student the chance to get back on track or explore exciting electives and get ahead for the next school year with Time4Learning’s online summer school. Our educational materials will engage and challenge your child to succeed.
