South Carolina Homeschool Notice of Intent

Legal Framework

South Carolina provides three distinct legal pathways for homeschooling, each with different levels of oversight and flexibility. The relevant statutes are S.C. Code §59-65-40 (Option 1), §59-65-45 (Option 2), and §59-65-47 (Option 3). Most homeschool families in South Carolina choose Option 3 for its flexibility and minimal oversight.

Compulsory Education Ages

South Carolina requires education for children ages 5 through 17. If your child turns 5 on or before September 1 of the school year, they fall under the compulsory attendance law (for the 5-year-old kindergarten requirement). Children who turn 17 are no longer subject to compulsory attendance.

Option 1: School District Approval (§59-65-40)

Under this option, you apply to your local school district board of trustees for approval to homeschool. Requirements include:

• Approval by the district board before you begin instruction
• 4.5 hours of instruction per day (not counting lunch or recess), 180 days per year
• Required subjects: reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and in grades 7–12, composition and literature
• Annual standardized testing using a test approved by the district (ONLY Option 1 requires testing)
• The parent must hold a high school diploma or GED

Option 2: SCAIHS (§59-65-45)

Under this option, you homeschool under the auspices of the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS), which is specifically named in the statute. Requirements include:

• Membership in SCAIHS (annual membership fees apply)
• Parent must hold a high school diploma or GED
• 180 instructional days per year
• Required subjects: reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and in grades 7–12, composition and literature
• Annual standardized testing for students in grades 3–11 (as required by SCAIHS)
• Maintenance of records including attendance, planning, and student work

Option 3: Homeschool Association (§59-65-47)

This is the most popular and most flexible option. You join a homeschool association that has at least 50 members and meets the statutory requirements. Key details:

• Join a qualifying association with a minimum of 50 members
• Parent must hold a high school diploma or GED
• 180 instructional days per year
• Required subjects: reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and in grades 7–12, composition and literature
• No standardized testing required (this is a major advantage over Options 1 and 2)
• Maintain a record of academic activities and attendance

Membership in a qualifying association exempts you from the more rigorous requirements of Options 1 and 2. Many associations across the state offer simple enrollment with low fees.

Teacher Qualifications

All three options require the parent-teacher to hold at least a high school diploma or GED. No teaching certificate, college degree, or other credential is required beyond that minimum.