Homeschooling in South Carolina
Choose Option 3 for Flexibility
You have three choices: Option 1 (School District oversight), Option 2 (SCAIHS membership), or Option 3 (Accountability Association membership). Option 3 is the most common choice due to lower costs and less intrusion.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
6
required
Notification
Yes
Join association once, then annual membership
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Choose one of 3 legal options (Option 3 is recommended)
- Join an Accountability Association (Option 3)
- Teach 180 days
- Keep a plan book and portfolio
- No state testing required (Option 3)
Legal Framework
SC Code of Laws 59-65-40 (Option 1), 59-65-45 (Option 2), 59-65-47 (Option 3).
Find a homeschool co-op in South Carolina
12 homeschool co-ops in South Carolina, listed by town with ages, meeting days and fees. Each one checked against its own website and dated, so you can see how current it is.
Homeschool Co-ops in South CarolinaWaldorf schools and kindergartens in South Carolina
The Waldorf Map lists 3 schools in South Carolina, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Enriched With Wonder, Columbia
- Mindful Journey Academy, Conway
- The Acorn School of Charleston, Charleston
Required Subjects
Basic subjects required.
Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Social Studies
Comparison/Literature (7-12)
Filing Requirements
What to file
Association Membership (Option 3)
When
Join association before starting. Withdraw from public school after showing membership letter.
Where
Third Option Accountability Association (50+ members)
How to submit
Register with approved association
What to include
- • Proof of HS diploma/GED
**Option 3 is most popular** - join a private association with 50+ members. HS diploma/GED required. 180 days, 5 subjects (Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies). Keep plan book, portfolio, semi-annual progress reports. **Sports GUARANTEED** via Equal Access Act (SC Code 59-63-100) for Options 1, 2, or 3. No district approval needed for special needs.
Testing Requirements
Required: No
Frequency: N/A
Grades: N/A
None required under Option 3.
How to Get Started
- 1
Join an Association
Find an association with at least 50 members (Option 3 group) and register.
- •Pay fee (usually $20-$50)
- •Get membership letter
Tip: Do this before withdrawing from school. - 2
Withdraw (If Applicable)
Show your membership letter to the school to withdraw.
- •Send withdrawal letter
Before starting
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓No testing
- ✓Privately managed
- ✓Flexible
Cons
- •Membership fees apply
Sports & Activities
**Guaranteed**. The **Equal Access Act** (S.C. Code 59-63-100) guarantees access to interscholastic activities for homeschoolers (Option 1, 2, or 3) who meet eligibility.
Questions about homeschooling in South Carolina
Does the school district check my records?
Not if you are Option 3. Your association checks your compliance (standards assurance).
Can I switch options?
Yes, usually at the start of a year, but you can switch mid-year if necessary by joining an association and notifying the district.
Can my child play sports?
Yes, South Carolina allows 'Equal Access' to interscholastic activities.
Get South Carolina’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our South Carolina page changes
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Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your South Carolina records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. South Carolina tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · SC homeschool law guide