Homeschool Requirements in South Carolina

Choose your homeschool option

South Carolina offers three legal paths for homeschooling: (1) district accountability, (2) membership in an approved homeschool association like SCAIHS, or (3) enrollment under a church or private school umbrella program. You must select one of these options before you begin.

File notice of intent (district option only)

If you chose the district accountability option, you must submit a notice of intent to your local school district before you begin homeschooling. This step does not apply if you are using an approved association or umbrella program.

Teach all required subjects

You must provide instruction in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies throughout the school year. Make sure your chosen curriculum covers all five of these subjects.

Meet the 180-day / 4.5-hour daily requirement

You are required to homeschool for at least 180 days per year, with a minimum of 4.5 hours of instruction each day. Keep a log or attendance record to document that you have met this requirement.

Administer an annual standardized test

Once per year, your child must take a standardized test. You are required to keep the test results on file for at least two years in case they are requested.

Retain standardized test results for two years

After your child completes the annual standardized test, keep the results in a safe place for a minimum of two years. This ensures you can provide documentation if your school district or association asks for it.