Homeschooling in South Carolina
A practical starting point for South Carolina families: what to file, what to track, and what state funding (if any) you can use.
At a glance
Enroll through a district program or one of two homeschool associations. Maintain a portfolio.
Education Scholarship Trust Fund is restricted to independent-school enrollment; homeschool families are not eligible.
In-depth guides
South Carolina homeschool laws
Notification, record-keeping, testing, and umbrella-school rules for South Carolina families.
Read the guide
South Carolina homeschool funding
South Carolina's funding landscape — what programs exist, who they serve, and why homeschoolers may or may not qualify.
Read the guide
Getting started in South Carolina
A high-level checklist tailored to South Carolina’s rules. Specifics like form numbers and deadlines live in the in-depth state laws guide above.
- 1
Choose your South Carolina homeschool option
South Carolina requires enrollment through one of three options: your local school district (Option 1), SCAIHS (Option 2), or a homeschool association with at least 50 member families (Option 3). Each option sets its own reporting relationship with the state.
- 2
Enroll through your chosen option
Register with your local district (Option 1), SCAIHS (Option 2), or a qualifying homeschool association with at least 50 member families (Option 3).
- 3
Maintain portfolio and records
Keep instructional records and a portfolio as your option requires. Testing and review schedules vary by option.
- 4
Choose curriculum and plan your year
Choose curriculum that fits your child's grade level and any required subjects, then sketch a year-long plan you can adjust as you go.
Frequently asked
Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in South Carolina?
Yes. You'll file a notice of intent annually and maintain the records the state expects (attendance, portfolio, or progress reports depending on the state).
Does South Carolina require homeschool standardized testing?
Periodic standardized testing or an evaluator-written narrative is typically required. Check the state summary above for the exact cadence.
Can homeschool families in South Carolina access ESA or scholarship funding?
Education Scholarship Trust Fund is restricted to independent-school enrollment; homeschool families are not eligible.
How do I withdraw my child from public school in South Carolina?
Send a written withdrawal letter to the school's principal or registrar. Keep a dated copy. Once you have filed any state-required notice, your child is considered a homeschooler and the public school no longer needs to mark them absent.
Related states
Other states with similar regulation and a comparable funding posture.
Numa keeps South Carolina compliance on autopilot.
- Pre-filled forms for your state's notice and reporting
- Attendance, portfolio, and assessment tracking by grade
- Curriculum planning that matches state requirements