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South Carolina Homeschool Requirements: What You Actually Need to Do
You’re ready to homeschool in South Carolina, but you’re not sure what the state actually requires. There’s a lot of information out there, and some of it contradicts itself. Let’s cut through the confusion and break down the real requirements—not the rumors, not the worst-case scenarios, but what South Carolina law actually mandates.
Key Takeaways
- Parent qualification: High school diploma or GED only (no teaching degree required)
- 180 instructional days per year (non-negotiable across all pathways)
- Required subjects: Reading, writing, math, science, social studies (grades 7-12 add composition and literature)
- Testing requirements vary by pathway (annual, every other year, or association-determined)
- Record-keeping: Maintain attendance, curriculum, and assessment records
- Pathway choice determines your specific compliance obligations
The One Universal Requirement: 180 Instructional Days
Every South Carolina homeschooling family—regardless of which pathway you choose—must document 180 instructional days per year. This is the baseline. Everything else varies depending on your pathway, but this is universal.
An instructional day is a day when your student participates in organized learning. You don’t count:
– Weekends
– Holidays
– Sick days
– Vacation days
You do count:
– Any day your student works on math, reading, science, or any academic subject
– Field trips that support learning objectives
– Co-op classes
– Online courses
– One-on-one instruction
Most families hit 180 days easily by homeschooling 4-5 days per week for 36-45 weeks per year. The math is simple: 4 days × 45 weeks = 180 days. Keep a log. That’s it.
Parent Qualifications: You Don’t Need a Teaching License
This is where homeschooling becomes accessible. South Carolina law requires only that the parent directing the homeschool hold:
- A high school diploma, OR
- A GED certificate
That’s the entire requirement. No teaching license, no college degree, no professional credentials. The state trusts that with good curriculum and resources, parents can effectively teach their children.
If you have two parents involved, only one needs the diploma or GED. The other can absolutely help, but the person “directing” the homeschool must meet this qualification.
If you don’t have a high school diploma or GED, you’ll need to obtain one before starting. Most states accept GED certificates from other states, and South Carolina does as well.
Required Subjects: The Mandatory Five (Plus Two for Older Students)
South Carolina mandates specific subjects across grade levels.
Kindergarten through Grade 6:
– Reading
– Writing
– Math
– Science
– Social studies
Grades 7-12 (Additional requirements):
– Composition
– Literature
These are the state minimums. You can teach any additional subjects you want—history, art, music, physical education, foreign languages, whatever. But these subjects must be included.
How you teach them is up to you. You can use:
– Traditional textbooks
– Online curricula
– Literature-based approaches
– Unschooling with intentional structure
– Classical education
– Unit studies
The state doesn’t prescribe methodology—just that these subjects are covered.
The Three Pathways & Their Specific Requirements
Your pathway choice determines what else you must do beyond 180 days and required subjects.
Option 1: District-Approved Program (§ 59-65-40)
You work with your local school district.
Additional requirements:
– Submit curriculum to district for approval before beginning
– Annual curriculum review with district
– Annual standardized testing (all grades)
– Maintain records and submit to district annually
– Follow district’s educational plan
This is the most structured pathway but also the most regulated. You get district support, but you lose flexibility in curriculum selection.
Option 2: SCAIHS Membership (§ 59-65-45)
You join the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools.
Additional requirements:
– Pay annual SCAIHS membership ($385/year approximately)
– Maintain SCAIHS-approved records
– Standardized testing every other year starting in grade 3
– Submit records to SCAIHS annually
SCAIHS has been operating since 1990 and understands South Carolina law well. This is a middle-ground option between district oversight and full independence.
Option 3: Accountability Association with 50+ Members (§ 59-65-47)
You join any accountability association with 50 or more member families (SCHEA, PHEA, Carolina Homeschooler, etc.).
Additional requirements:
– Pay membership fees (typically $50-$150/year)
– Maintain records per association standards
– Testing requirements set by association (not the state)
– Submit records per association schedule
This is the most flexible pathway. Testing schedules and record-keeping requirements vary by association, but generally less stringent than district-approved or SCAIHS.
Record-Keeping: What You Must Keep
Regardless of pathway, you must maintain records. Specifically:
Attendance Records:
– Dates your student received instruction
– Days count toward your 180-day requirement
– Can be as simple as a checklist
Curriculum Documentation:
– Titles of textbooks, curricula, online courses used
– Subjects covered by each resource
– General outline of what was taught
Assessment Records:
– Standardized test scores (if required by your pathway)
– Report cards, progress reports, or learning records
– Portfolio evidence of student work or progress
– End-of-year evaluations
General Records:
– Proof of your high school diploma or GED
– Confirmation of pathway choice
– Communication with your school district, SCAIHS, or accountability organization
You don’t need to file these with anyone unless your pathway requires it. Keep them for your records. Most experts recommend retaining records for 4-5 years.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet Requirements?
South Carolina is not aggressive about enforcement, but requirements do matter.
If you’re in Option 1 (district-approved) and don’t meet requirements, your district may require you to re-enroll in public school. If you’re in Option 2 or 3, your accountability organization may require remediation or termination of membership.
More importantly, if your family were ever subject to a custody dispute or other legal challenge, complete records become critical. Homeschool records protect your family legally. It’s not about state enforcement; it’s about protecting your educational choices.
Special Circumstances & Variations
Starting mid-year? Count the days you actually homeschool. If you start in January, hit 90 days before year-end.
Multiple children? Each child must meet the 180-day requirement separately. However, teaching them together counts toward both students’ requirements.
Using a homeschool co-op? Time spent in co-op classes counts toward instructional days. Document it on your attendance record.
Part-time homeschooling (dual enrollment)? Days at public school count toward the child’s education requirement. Only count actual homeschool days toward your 180 days.
Common Misunderstandings Clarified
“I need a teaching degree.” False. High school diploma or GED only.
“I must use an approved curriculum.” Only if you’re in Option 1 (district-approved). Options 2 and 3 allow curriculum flexibility.
“I must test every year.” Depends on pathway. Option 1: yes. Option 2: every other year starting grade 3. Option 3: per association.
“Homeschooling is illegal in South Carolina.” False. Three legal pathways exist; 50,000+ students homeschool in South Carolina.
“My child can’t play public school sports.” False. Equal Access law allows participation Posts/south carolina homeschool laws.
Your Next Steps
Now that you understand the actual requirements, here’s what to do:
- Choose your pathway based on your family’s needs
- Understand testing requirements for your pathway Posts/south carolina homeschool testing
- File your Notice of Intent Posts/south carolina notice of intent to homeschool
- Set up a record-keeping system
- Gather curriculum aligned to required subjects
- Begin school and maintain your 180-day log
South Carolina’s requirements are straightforward once you understand them. You’ve got this.
Ready to file your Notice of Intent? Start here Posts/south carolina notice of intent to homeschool.