How to Homeschool in South Carolina

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South Carolina is known for it's beautiful beaches and historic landmarks, but what many do not know is that South Carolina can be the ideal place to start homeschooling. South Carolina's laws regarding homeschooling can seem confusing and impossible to understand, but we can help make it easy and fun to start teaching your family from the comforts of home. In this article you will find an:

Overview of South Carolina homeschool laws
Introduction to homeschool groups in South Carolina
Description of how Moving Beyond the Page can help you get started

* This page does not contain legal advice and is not an endorsement of any homeschool groups listed. (see disclaimer)

South Carolina Homeschool Laws

In South Carolina you are given three options for how you wish to homeschool your child. However, South Carolina has three basic laws that are applicable to all homeschool options:

You must hold at least a high school diploma or a general education development (GED) certificate
You must instruct your child for at least 180 days
Your curriculum must include the basic curriculum set by the state

Basic Curriculum
The curriculum that you set for your child must include the following courses, however you are not limited by just these subjects.

Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies

During your child's 7th through 12th grade years you must also include the following curriculum.

Composition
Literature

Option 1
This option requires that you send a letter of intent to your child's district board of trustees. The board must approve of your request to instruct your child in homeschool. After approval of the letter you will have to comply with a few rules when teaching your child:

Your instruction must be 4.5 hours a day
You must maintain a record of your child|s instruction
Your child must have access to a library
Your child must participate in the Annual Statewide Testing Program and the Basic Skills Assessment Program

Record of your child's instruction can include a planner outlining all lessons and activities taught, a copy of your child's work, or a semiannual progress report.

State Approved Tests

Option 2
This option requires that you become a member of the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS). Once you become a member of the SCAIHS, you are free to make any decision regarding your child's education as long as you follow the three basic laws. SCAIHS is only there to assist you in the education of your child, as well as to ensure that you follow the basic laws. To join the SCAIHS you will have to pay a small fee of $36 per month for 8 months. You will also need to send in an application and renew the application each year. The application can be found on the SCAIHS website. For more information about what SCAIHS can offer you, visit the link below.

SCAIHS Website

Option 3
Finally you may homeschool your child as long as you comply with the basic laws, are a part of a homeschool association with at least 50 members, AND you maintain a record of your child's education which includes:

A plan book or other record of teachings and activities
A portfolio of sample work your child has done
A semiannual progress report (includes attendance academic progress of required curriculum)

Homeschool Groups in South Carolina

Homeschooling your children is a daunting task, but there are many groups and organizations in South Carolina to help you out. Here are some organizations you may want to look into.

South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS)

http://www.scaihs.org/

This statewide accountability group provides counseling in both curriculum and education. They assist parent with teaching seminars, newsletters, and guidance whenever it is needed. SCAIHS also provides opportunities for children who homeschool to meet and even participate in events that might be missed due to homeschooling (e.g. a graduation ceremony). SCAIHS is dedicated to helping the homeschooling families of South Carolina be informed and connected.

Carolina Homeschooler

http://www.carolinahomeschooler.com/

This statewide homeschool group provides assistance and guidance to homeschool families. Through events, educational trips, and message boards, the Carolina Homeschooler group helps bring homeschool families together in South Carolina.

South Carolina Home Educators Association (SCHEA)

http://schea2.azurewebsites.net/

SCHEA works to create opportunities and support those in the homeschool community. From providing legal assistance to those new to the homeschool community, to hosting events for families to go to and meet each other. SCHEA also play a big role in promoting homeschooling in South Carolina, so that homeschooling is seen in a more favorable way to the surrounding communities.

Hometown Homeschool Association of South Carolina

https://www.hometownhasc.com/

Hometown Homeschool Association of South Carolina (HHASC) is an inclusive, minimally-invasive option 3 homeschool association for South Carolina residents. We accept enrollment year-round for students K-12th.

If you would like to recommend a new link or let us know about a problem with an existing link, please contact us

NOTE: You can find a wealth of local and state groups offering homeschooling advice and support on sites such as Facebook and Yahoo Groups. You can search by city or county, religious preference, homeschooling philosophy, and more. You will need a free account on these sites to join one of their groups.

A Homeschool Curriculum for South Carolina

Beyond the Page is a homeschool curriculum that exceeds the requirements for homeschooling in the state of South Carolina. All of the Beyond the Page packages cover science, social studies, and language arts, and we offer a range of math programs as well. The South Carolina legal requirements are only a starting point, and our curriculum utilizes a range of educational strategies that are designed to foster a love of learning in children including:

Hands-on activities,
Differentiated options, and
Independent projects.

Beyond the Page encourages critical thinking and creativity while encouraging your child's unique learning style like no other curriculum on the market. If your child is a hands-on learner, a gifted learner, or a creative free-thinker, then you should look into Beyond the Page for your child.

Choose an age level to continue:

Age 4-5

Age 5-7

Age 6-8

Age 7-9

Age 8-10

Age 9-11

Age 10-12

Age 11-13

Age 12-14

Disclaimers

Any information about the laws in your state is provided to help you understand your legal requirements to homeschool in your state. It should by no means be interpreted as legal advice. This information was not compiled by a lawyer. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under. If you have questions, you should seek the advice of a lawyer that operates in your state.

Beyond the Page does not endorse any of the homeschool groups that are included in these pages. They are provided only for your benefit. You should research any group to ensure that they align with your family's goals and philosophies.