Is homeschooling legal in South Carolina?
Yes, homeschooling is fully legal in South Carolina. South Carolina gives homeschooling families three legal doors, and almost everyone walks through the easiest one: joining a homeschool accountability association. There is no notice to file with the state itself, and once you are a member of an association, your day-to-day freedom is wide. The basics are simple: a diploma or GED, 180 days of teaching, core subjects, and a few records.
South Carolina homeschool requirements at a glance
| Notice required | No state filing; instead you enroll with a district program, SCAIHS, or a third-option association. |
|---|---|
| Required subjects | Yes: reading, writing, math, science, and social studies (plus composition and literature in grades 7-12). |
| Testing / assessment | No, except under Option 1 (district approval), which includes statewide testing. |
| Recordkeeping | Yes: a plan book, a portfolio of work, and semiannual progress reports (Options 1 and 3). |
| Parent qualifications | A high school diploma or GED (or a bachelor's degree). |
South Carolina homeschool law in detail
We link the governing law so you can read it yourself instead of taking our word for it. The governing law is S.C. Code Section 59-65-47 (home schooling under an association of at least 50 members, the most-used "third option").
Notice / letter of intent
South Carolina has no notice of intent filed with the state Department of Education. Instead, you must homeschool under one of three legal options: approval by your local school district board of trustees (S.C. Code 59-65-40), membership in the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS, 59-65-45), or membership in a homeschool association with at least 50 members, commonly called a third-option association (59-65-47). Your association membership or district approval is what satisfies compulsory attendance, so secure it before you begin. Most families choose a third-option association for its low cost and minimal oversight.
Required subjects
All three options require instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. In grades 7 through 12, composition and literature are added. Curriculum choice is entirely yours; nothing is submitted for approval.
Required days or hours
All options require at least 180 days of instruction per school year. Option 1 additionally specifies at least 4.5 hours per school day, excluding lunch and recess.
Recordkeeping
Under Option 3 (and Option 1), you maintain three things: a plan book, diary, or similar record of subjects taught and activities; a portfolio of samples of your child's academic work; and semiannual progress reports including attendance records and individualized assessments of progress in each basic subject area. Associations may ask to see proof of these but generally do not collect them. SCAIHS (Option 2) sets its own recordkeeping and reporting rules for its members.
Testing and assessment
Options 2 and 3 require no standardized testing. Only Option 1 (district board approval) ties families into the statewide testing program, with tests administered through the school district. This is the main reason Option 1 is the least used path; third-option families assess progress through their own semiannual reports.
Withdrawing from public school
First secure your legal coverage: join a third-option association (or SCAIHS, or obtain district approval), since membership is what makes homeschooling lawful. Then notify your child's school in writing that you are withdrawing the student to homeschool under S.C. Code 59-65-47 (or the applicable section) and complete any district withdrawal form. Keep your association membership confirmation in case the district asks for proof.
Good to know
The South Carolina DOE posts an updated third-option association list each school year (a 2026-27 list is published), which is the easiest way to find a legitimate association. Association requirements vary beyond the statutory minimums, so read each group's rules before joining. South Carolina passed an interscholastic activities equal-access law for homeschoolers
How to start homeschooling in South Carolina
- Confirm the teaching parent holds a high school diploma, GED, or bachelor's degree.
- Pick your option: a third-option accountability association (most popular), SCAIHS, or district board approval. Compare association fees and requirements; the state DOE posts a current third-option association list.
- Apply and enroll with your chosen association (or submit your program for district approval) and save the membership confirmation.
- If your child attends public school, submit a written withdrawal to the school referencing your association membership.
- Set up your records for the year: a plan book for subjects and activities, a work portfolio, and a reminder to write progress reports twice a year across 180 instruction days.
File your notice
South Carolina has no statewide notice form filed with the Department of Education, instead families must either gain approval from the local school district board of trustees (Option 1) or enroll with an accountability association (Option 2 SCAIHS or Option 3).
No login and no fee to file. If you need wording, our fill-in-the-blank letter template is just below.
Form links checked when we built this page.
Homeschool funding in South Carolina
We're verifying South Carolina's funding programs against official sources right now, dollar amounts and rules change yearly, and we'd rather be right than first. Check back soon.
Free South Carolina withdrawal letter template
Fill-in-the-blank and ready to send. Free, no email required.
Download the free templateFind homeschool families near you in South Carolina
Co-Op
- Brook Ridge Preparatory Homeschool Cooperative · Rock Hill (York County)
A Christian homeschool academic program in Rock Hill using classical methods to teach core subjects from preschool through high school, with weekly elementary academics, a Thursday preschool, and hybrid middle and high school days. Their guiding motto: children must be taught how to think, not what to think.
Visit website - HERO Homeschool Group · Irmo (greater Columbia)
A secular, volunteer-run, parent-present homeschool community welcoming all families in the greater Columbia area regardless of background or educational philosophy. Kids enjoy STEAM-focused classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus field trips, clubs, summer camp, and outdoor learning spaces complete with a mud kitchen.
Visit website - Hartsville Home Educators · Hartsville (Pee Dee region)
A multi-denominational, member-run support group serving Pee Dee homeschool families since 1994, with Monday co-op classes each semester, monthly Mom's Night Out gatherings, and activities for the whole family. Distinctively Christian, they welcome any homeschool family comfortable in that environment.
Visit website - Koinonia Co-op · Graniteville (Aiken area)
A faith-based, full-parental-involvement co-op meeting Wednesdays in Graniteville, with science labs, theater, art, woodworking, home economics, and more for nursery through high school. Families come from Aiken, North Augusta, and across the CSRA for the science fairs, field days, and tight-knit community.
Visit website - Learn Together Lowcountry · Okatie (Bluffton & Hilton Head area)
A true parent-powered co-op meeting Fridays at Grace Coastal Church in Okatie, with hands-on classes from nursery through high school plus Thursday academic core classes. Families come from Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, and beyond for the 50-plus field trips and events each year.
Visit website - Root and Arrow · Holly Hill (Orangeburg County)
A parent-involved co-op gathering homeschool families in Holly Hill and the surrounding rural Lowcountry for meaningful connection, with regular meetups, a homeschool club, and field trips out to Cottageville and Isle of Palms beach.
Visit website - South Carolina Home Educators Association (SCHEA) · Statewide
South Carolina's statewide homeschool association, helping families home educate since 1987 with getting-started guidance, legislative advocacy, and events like Homeschool Day at the Capitol and the Palmetto Homeschool & Education Fair. A great first stop for any family new to homeschooling in the state.
Visit website - Upstate Homeschool Co-op · Greenville & Spartanburg
Running since 1997, this Christ-centered co-op offers professionally taught enrichment classes on Mondays and Wednesdays across campuses in Taylors, Greenville, and Spartanburg, serving kids from preschool through high school. Nursery care and a strong parent volunteer community make it easy for the whole family to plug in.
Visit website - Vine and Branches Home Educators · Myrtle Beach (Horry & Georgetown Counties)
A Christian accountability association and support community for homeschool families along the Grand Strand, with co-op classes, book clubs, an honor society, field trips, and high school support. A one-stop home for keeping your homeschool legal and your kids connected.
Visit website
Forest & Nature School
- Angel Oak Nature Academy · Okatie (Lowcountry)
A true forest school on private land in the Lowcountry where homeschool kids ages four to ten explore, learn, and socialize through interest-led, inquiry-based outdoor learning with knowledgeable teachers by their side. Families can choose the Nature Immersion enrichment program or Trail Blazers homeschool support.
Visit website - Riverbanks Nature Preschool · Columbia
A nature-based preschool for ages 3 to 5 right on the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden campus, where children spend about half of every class day outdoors in all weather. Nature is woven through language, math, science, and creative play rather than taught as a separate subject.
Visit website - Roots and Wings Nature School · Greenville (Cherrydale area)
Greenville's outdoor micro-school for homeschool families, offering nature-based core classes in science, math, and literature plus project classes and summer camps for roughly ages 4 to 11. Small classes, child-led outdoor exploration, and both drop-off and parent-participation options.
Visit website - Valley Forest School · Travelers Rest (Greenville County)
Total nature immersion at Look Up Lodge on 250-plus acres of forest, creeks, orchards, and a lake with a waterfall, with weekly drop-off homeschool enrichment classes from age three up to a teen adventure course. Kids learn foraging, whittling, fire building, shelter building, and real woods-craft.
Visit website
Waldorf School
- Acorn School · Charleston
South Carolina's first Waldorf school, serving kindergarten through 5th grade in Charleston with an education that nurtures the head, heart, and hands. Days are rich with painting, beeswax modeling, music, handwork, foreign languages, and plenty of outdoor play.
Visit website
Homeschooling in nearby states
South Carolina homeschooling FAQ
Do I file anything with the state of South Carolina to homeschool?
No. There is no state-level notice of intent. Your legal coverage comes from district approval, SCAIHS enrollment, or membership in a 50-plus-member third-option association, so join before you start teaching.
What is a third-option association and how do I pick one?
It is a homeschool accountability association recognized under S.C. Code 59-65-47 with at least 50 member families. The state DOE publishes an annual list of associations; compare cost, reporting style, and support services, since requirements beyond the statute vary by association.
Does my child have to take standardized tests in South Carolina?
Not under Options 2 or 3, which cover the vast majority of homeschoolers. Only Option 1 (homeschooling under district board approval) includes statewide testing.
What records do I actually have to keep?
A plan book or diary of subjects and activities, a portfolio of your child's work samples, and semiannual progress reports with attendance. You hold these yourself; they are rarely requested, but they are your proof of a real program.
Can I homeschool through high school and issue a diploma?
Yes. Parents issue the diploma and transcript under Options 2 and 3, and South Carolina colleges regularly admit homeschool graduates. Your association can often provide transcript templates and guidance.
What does SCAIHS do differently from a third-option association?
SCAIHS (Option 2) is a statutory statewide association with its own application, fees, and accountability standards, including more structured oversight and record review. Some families like the added structure; most prefer the lighter touch of a third-option group.
Sources
- South Carolina DOE, Home Schooling
- South Carolina DOE, Option 3 Association List
- HSLDA, South Carolina
This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change, always confirm current requirements with your state's official sources before relying on them.