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Homeschooling in South Carolina: SC Homeschool Laws

A child in foster care may be homeschooled with permission from the agency that retains legal custody of the child.
More specific information can be found in SECTION 59-65-46 of South Carolina's homeschooling laws.

Homeschooling Laws in South Carolina

Deciding to homeschool means that you are taking on the responsibility of your child's education. The state of South Carolina offers families wishing to homeschool three legal options to guide them in their homeschooling journey. 

Option 1: Homeschooling under the homeschool statute Option 2: Homeschooling with the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS) Option 3: Homeschooling with a homeschool association
  • Submit an application to the School District of Oconee County (SDOC)
  • Teach the required subjects for at least 4.5 hours a day, not counting lunch or recess.
  • Submit a semi-annual progress report to the SDOC.
  • Ensure your student has access to library facilities.
  • Your child must participate in the annual statewide testing program and Basic Skills Assessment program.
  • Contact Evie Hughes, Director of Student Services, for more information: ehughes@sdoc.org or (864) 718-5716
  • SCAIHS provides permanent records for each student, including transcripts in high school
  • Annual testing is required for students in grades 3-11
  • Services include academic guidance, curriculum counseling, special needs counseling, and other support from staff.
  • Additional information about SCAIHS is available on their website.
  • Third Option Groups must have at least 50 member families
  • Members of each group must follow the basic requirements set forth in the state law.
  • Each group sets any other requirements for its members. These vary in the amount of recordkeeping and accountability they require.

For each option the homeschooling parent is required to have at least a high school diploma or GED, maintain an instructional year that is at least 180 days in length, and teach a curriculum that includes at the minimum:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Composition*
  • Literature*

*These subjects are not required until grades 7-12.

Extracurricular Activities

The Equal Access to Interscholastic Activities Act permits those who have been homeschooled for a full academic year to participate in interscholastic activities.

  • Homeschool students must meet all eligibility requirements and the class and enrollment requirements of the associations administering the interscholastic activities.
  • He/She must reside within the attendance boundaries of the school for which the student participates.
  • He/She is also required to notify the superintendent of the school district in writing of his intent to participate in the activity before the beginning date of the season for the activity.
  • He/She is required to fulfill the same responsibilities and standards of behavior and performance, including practice requirements, of other students participating in the activity and to meet the same standards for acceptance on the team or squad.
  • SDOC provides a form at https://tinyurl.com/ya22nhgp