Under South Carolina’s home school law, children can learn at home and do not have to enroll full-time in a traditional school. Children may take online classes, use home-based instruction, or attend K-12 and even college classes in various settings.
There are many home school groups and resource centers around the state to help families find great opportunities for their children. South Carolina law provides parents with a choice of three (3) possible accountability options for their home school.
- Option 1: Local school district oversight. This option requires students to take state tests. For further information on district oversight, contact your local school district.
- Option 2: Membership in the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS).
- Option 3: Participation in a “third option” association. Associations are independently run home school groups with a minimum of 50 participants who agree to hold each other accountable. Some associations serve their local area and some serve families statewide. You will find a list of recognized third option associations below.
Learn More:
- Choose the accountability option that is best for your family.
- You will find a list of independently run home school “resource centers” and co-ops are located throughout the state following the list of third option groups below.
- South Carolina home school students are not required to take state tests unless the home school operates under Option 1 oversight.
- The South Carolina Homeschooling Connection, the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) , and the South Carolina Department of Education are important information resources for home school families.