South Carolina · Some paperwork

Homeschooling in South Carolina

South Carolina asks you to file a notice before you begin. Here is what goes in it, when it is due, and what happens after.

VerifiedMarch 2026

Notice of intentFile every yearOption 1: apply to your school district board of trustees for approval (S.C. Code 59-65-40). Options 2 and 3: instruction is under the auspices of the association you join (59-65-45, 59-65-47). Ask your association how and when to enroll.

Testing or assessmentYes

Instruction time180 days, at least 4.5 hours a day

RecordsPortfolio required

How to start homeschooling in South Carolina

Written from South Carolina's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.

Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
Send your notice of intent
South Carolina asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Option 1: apply to your school district board of trustees for approval (S.C. Code 59-65-40). Options 2 and 3: instruction is under the auspices of the association you join (59-65-45, 59-65-47). Ask your association how and when to enroll. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to South Carolina Department of Education (homeschooling@ed.sc.gov); local school district board of trustees (Option 1).
Cover the subjects the state names
South Carolina names 7 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. South Carolina expects you to keep a portfolio of your child's work.
Plan the assessment early
South Carolina asks for an assessment. You can choose from: Option 1 (Local District): statewide testing program and Basic Skills Assessment administered by certified school district employee; semiannual progress reports to district; Option 2 (SCAIHS): the statute sets no test; ask the association about its own academic standards; Option 3 (association with 50+ members): the statute sets no test; the association must report the number and grade level of its home-schooled children to school districts by January 30 each year. Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it: South Carolina Department of Education (homeschooling@ed.sc.gov); local school district board of trustees (Option 1)
When it is due: Option 1: apply to your school district board of trustees for approval (S.C. Code 59-65-40). Options 2 and 3: instruction is under the auspices of the association you join (59-65-45, 59-65-47). Ask your association how and when to enroll.
How often: Every school year
Notarized?: No
Official form: ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/state-accountability/home-schooling/
Ongoing reporting: Yes, once a year

Testing, portfolios and reviews

Assessment: Required
Ways to meet it: Option 1 (Local District): statewide testing program and Basic Skills Assessment administered by certified school district employee; semiannual progress reports to district
Option 2 (SCAIHS): the statute sets no test; ask the association about its own academic standards
Option 3 (association with 50+ members): the statute sets no test; the association must report the number and grade level of its home-schooled children to school districts by January 30 each year
Portfolio: A portfolio of your child's work must be kept and may be reviewed

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects: ReadingWritingMathematicsScienceSocial StudiesComposition (grades 7–12)Literature (grades 7–12)
Instruction time: 180 days, at least 4.5 hours a day
Who may teach: Option 1: the parent holds a high school diploma or GED, or a bachelor's degree (59-65-40). Options 2 and 3: at least a high school diploma or GED (59-65-45, 59-65-47).
Keeping records: Keep a portfolio of your child's work.
Legal routes: Option 1 - Local school district (59-65-40): the district board approves your program; 4.5-hour days, 180 days, the statewide testing program, and semiannual progress reports to the district
Option 2 - South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (59-65-45): bona fide membership and compliance with its standards replace the Option 1 requirements
Option 3 - a home school association with at least 50 members (59-65-47): membership and compliance with its standards replace the Option 1 requirements; the association reports the number and grade level of its children to districts by January 30
Umbrella / cover schools: Under Option 3, families join a home school association with at least 50 members. The SC Department of Education publishes a yearly Option 3 list on its home schooling page; check the list and each association's own requirements and costs before joining.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Public school sports: South Carolina has a law on this. S.C. Code 59-63-100 (2012 Act 203, effective June 7, 2012) says a school district may not deny home school students the chance to take part in interscholastic activities if they meet district eligibility rules other than attendance and class requirements. The student must have been taught under 59-65-40, 59-65-45 or 59-65-47 for a full academic year first, live in the school's attendance zone, notify the superintendent in writing before the season starts, and meet the same behavior and performance standards.
Dual enrollment: Dual enrollment rules vary by college. Check with the college you are interested in.
Diplomas: The state does not issue homeschool diplomas under the three options; ask your association or district about diplomas and transcripts.
College admissions: College admissions requirements vary by institution. Check each college's current admissions page for its homeschool applicant requirements.
Support for additional needs: Special-education eligibility and services after withdrawal from public school depend on your circumstances and the applicable rules. Confirm with your school district or your state education agency.

Money your family can claim in South Carolina

Education Scholarship Trust Fund

Run by South Carolina Department of Education · payments through ClassWallet

$7,500 for 2025-26, rising to $7,634 for 2026-27.

Tutoring is named as a covered expense.

Eligibility and application dates are set by the program. Check the program's official page before you apply.

Questions parents ask about South Carolina

Is homeschooling legal in South Carolina?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in South Carolina. South Carolina has moderate homeschool regulation — some requirements apply but they are generally manageable. Koydo can put the dates your state lists on your calendar.

Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina requires families to file a Notice of Intent by Option 1: apply to your school district board of trustees for approval (S.C. Code 59-65-40). Options 2 and 3: instruction is under the auspices of the association you join (59-65-45, 59-65-47). Ask your association how and when to enroll.. This notice must be renewed annually.

How many instruction days are required in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires 180 days, at least 4.5 hours a day.

What subjects are required by law in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires instruction in the following subjects: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Composition (grades 7–12), Literature (grades 7–12).

Does South Carolina require annual assessment for homeschoolers?

Yes. South Carolina requires annual assessment. Accepted methods include: Option 1 (Local District): statewide testing program and Basic Skills Assessment administered by certified school district employee; semiannual progress reports to district, Option 2 (SCAIHS): the statute sets no test; ask the association about its own academic standards, Option 3 (association with 50+ members): the statute sets no test; the association must report the number and grade level of its home-schooled children to school districts by January 30 each year.

Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in South Carolina?

South Carolina has teacher qualification requirements: Option 1: the parent holds a high school diploma or GED, or a bachelor's degree (59-65-40). Options 2 and 3: at least a high school diploma or GED (59-65-45, 59-65-47).

Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in South Carolina?

South Carolina has a law on this. S.C. Code 59-63-100 (2012 Act 203, effective June 7, 2012) says a school district may not deny home school students the chance to take part in interscholastic activities if they meet district eligibility rules other than attendance and class requirements. The student must have been taught under 59-65-40, 59-65-45 or 59-65-47 for a full academic year first, live in the school's attendance zone, notify the superintendent in writing before the season starts, and meet the same behavior and performance standards.

Worth knowing about South Carolina

South Carolina law has three options: district approval (Option 1), SCAIHS (Option 2), or an association with 50 or more members (Option 3). The 180-day year applies to all three; the 4.5-hour day is written into Option 1 only. Records (plan book, work samples, semiannual progress report) are listed for Options 1 and 3. Check the SC Department of Education page and your association for current details.

Who to ask in South Carolina

Regulator: South Carolina Department of Education (homeschooling@ed.sc.gov); local school district board of trustees (Option 1)
Official site: ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/state-accountability/home-schooling/
Phone: 1-803-734-8500
Forms: ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/state-accountability/home-schooling/

Tools for your first year

The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with South Carolina's requirements and ignore the rest.

Transcript builderBuild a clean high-school transcript with GPA and credits. Free copies carry a small Koydo watermark.No account needed Starting guideThe whole first year in five steps, written for someone who has never done this before.No account needed Printable worksheetsPrint practice pages by grade and subject for the days a screen is the wrong answer. A few free pages every day.Free with a Koydo account State fundingSee whether your state puts education money in your hands, and how to claim it.Free with a Koydo account Paperwork generatorFill in your details and get the letter or affidavit your state expects, already worded for it.Needs HomeSchool Premium Instruction day logTick off days as you go so the count is already done when your state asks for it.Needs HomeSchool Premium

Other states

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii All 51 →

Last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with South Carolina Department of Education (homeschooling@ed.sc.gov); local school district board of trustees (Option 1). This is information for families, not legal advice.

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How to start homeschooling in South Carolina

Written from South Carolina's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.

Withdraw from the school your child attends now

If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.

Send your notice of intent

South Carolina asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Option 1: apply to your school district board of trustees for approval (S.C. Code 59-65-40). Options 2 and 3: instruction is under the auspices of the association you join (59-65-45, 59-65-47). Ask your association how and when to enroll. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to South Carolina Department of Education (homeschooling@ed.sc.gov); local school district board of trustees (Option 1).

Cover the subjects the state names

South Carolina names 7 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.

Keep a light record as you go

Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. South Carolina expects you to keep a portfolio of your child's work.

Plan the assessment early

South Carolina asks for an assessment. You can choose from: Option 1 (Local District): statewide testing program and Basic Skills Assessment administered by certified school district employee; semiannual progress reports to district; Option 2 (SCAIHS): the statute sets no test; ask the association about its own academic standards; Option 3 (association with 50+ members): the statute sets no test; the association must report the number and grade level of its home-schooled children to school districts by January 30 each year. Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.

Your notice of intent

Who receives it

South Carolina Department of Education (homeschooling@ed.sc.gov); local school district board of trustees (Option 1)

When it is due

Option 1: apply to your school district board of trustees for approval (S.C. Code 59-65-40). Options 2 and 3: instruction is under the auspices of the association you join (59-65-45, 59-65-47). Ask your association how and when to enroll.

How often

Every school year

Notarized?

Official form

ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/state-accountability/home-schooling/

Ongoing reporting

Yes, once a year

Testing, portfolios and reviews

Assessment

Required

Ways to meet it

Option 1 (Local District): statewide testing program and Basic Skills Assessment administered by certified school district employee; semiannual progress reports to district
Option 2 (SCAIHS): the statute sets no test; ask the association about its own academic standards
Option 3 (association with 50+ members): the statute sets no test; the association must report the number and grade level of its home-schooled children to school districts by January 30 each year

Portfolio

A portfolio of your child's work must be kept and may be reviewed

What you teach, and what you keep

Required subjects

ReadingWritingMathematicsScienceSocial StudiesComposition (grades 7–12)Literature (grades 7–12)

Instruction time

180 days, at least 4.5 hours a day

Who may teach

Option 1: the parent holds a high school diploma or GED, or a bachelor's degree (59-65-40). Options 2 and 3: at least a high school diploma or GED (59-65-45, 59-65-47).

Keeping records

Keep a portfolio of your child's work.

Legal routes

Option 1 - Local school district (59-65-40): the district board approves your program; 4.5-hour days, 180 days, the statewide testing program, and semiannual progress reports to the district
Option 2 - South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (59-65-45): bona fide membership and compliance with its standards replace the Option 1 requirements
Option 3 - a home school association with at least 50 members (59-65-47): membership and compliance with its standards replace the Option 1 requirements; the association reports the number and grade level of its children to districts by January 30

Umbrella / cover schools

Under Option 3, families join a home school association with at least 50 members. The SC Department of Education publishes a yearly Option 3 list on its home schooling page; check the list and each association's own requirements and costs before joining.

Sports, dual enrollment and life after high school

Public school sports

Dual enrollment

Dual enrollment rules vary by college. Check with the college you are interested in.

Diplomas

The state does not issue homeschool diplomas under the three options; ask your association or district about diplomas and transcripts.

College admissions

College admissions requirements vary by institution. Check each college's current admissions page for its homeschool applicant requirements.

Support for additional needs

Special-education eligibility and services after withdrawal from public school depend on your circumstances and the applicable rules. Confirm with your school district or your state education agency.