Homeschooling in South Carolina: Laws & Requirements (2026)

South Carolina gives homeschool families genuine choice through its three-option structure. Unlike states that funnel everyone into a single compliance pathway, you can select the level of oversight and support that fits your family—from district supervision to nearly complete independence.

Most South Carolina families gravitate toward Option 3, where you join a homeschool association with at least 50 member families. No standardized testing required, minimal oversight, and the freedom to teach what and how you see fit. Option 2 (SCAIHS) offers more structure with professional transcript services. Option 1 (district approval) is rarely chosen due to its heavier requirements.

The newest wrinkle is the Education Scholarship Trust Fund—up to $7,634 annually for qualifying families. But here's the catch that surprises many: accepting ESTF funding means you cannot use traditional homeschool Options 1, 2, or 3. It's a separate pathway with its own accountability structure. This guide covers all your options so you can make an informed choice.

South Carolina Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Understanding South Carolina's Three Homeschool Options

South Carolina law provides three pathways to legal homeschooling, each with distinct trade-offs between oversight, support, and freedom. Your choice affects everything from testing requirements to transcript services.

Option 1 — District Approval: The original homeschool pathway, now rarely used. You apply directly to your local school board for approval, submit to the most stringent requirements, and your child takes mandatory annual standardized tests administered by district staff. Parent must hold a high school diploma/GED OR a bachelor's degree. About 1% of SC homeschoolers choose this route.

Option 2 — SCAIHS (South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools): A statewide church-related organization providing structured support. SCAIHS offers professional transcripts, graduation ceremonies, counseling services, and a diploma recognized by colleges. Testing is required every other year for grades 3-11. Annual membership runs approximately $385+. This option works well for families wanting institutional backing without district oversight.

Option 3 — Homeschool Association: The most popular choice by far. Join any association with at least 50 member families, and you're legal. No mandatory testing, minimal paperwork, and complete curriculum freedom. Annual fees typically run $25-100 depending on the association's services. You maintain records and issue your own diploma—but you also handle everything yourself.

Comparing Your Homeschool Options

How to Start Homeschooling in South Carolina

Required Subjects and Instruction Time

All homeschool options in South Carolina require instruction in five core subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Starting in 7th grade, you must add composition and literature to the curriculum.

Instructional time: 180 school days per year. Option 1 explicitly requires 4.5 hours of instruction per day (excluding lunch and recess), though Options 2 and 3 don't specify daily hours.

Curriculum freedom: South Carolina sets the subjects but not the curriculum. You choose textbooks, online programs, or create your own materials. Classical, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, eclectic—all approaches are legal as long as you cover required subjects.

What counts as instruction: Field trips, educational videos, hands-on projects, and independent reading all qualify. The state doesn't define instruction narrowly. Document what you do, and you're covered.

Testing Requirements by Option

Testing requirements vary dramatically across South Carolina's three homeschool options—and this difference drives most families toward Option 3.

Option 1 (District): Mandatory annual testing via the state's Basic Skills Assessment Program. Tests are administered by certified district employees. This is the most intensive testing requirement.

Option 2 (SCAIHS): Standardized testing required for students in grades 3-11, administered every other year. SCAIHS handles administration, and tests measure progress rather than setting pass/fail thresholds.

Option 3 (Association): No testing required. You may choose to test for your own records, for college preparation, or for diagnostic purposes, but the state doesn't mandate it. This flexibility is the primary reason Option 3 dominates.

Practical note: Even with no testing requirement, many Option 3 families voluntarily test in high school for SAT/ACT preparation and college applications. The choice is yours—not the state's.

Record-Keeping Requirements

All South Carolina homeschool options require maintaining three types of records: a plan book, a work portfolio, and semiannual progress reports.

Plan book or daily journal: Document what you teach and when. This can be as simple as a dated list of subjects covered or as detailed as daily lesson plans. The format is your choice.

Work portfolio: Collect representative samples of your child's work across required subjects. Include writing samples, completed assignments, test papers, and project documentation. There's no mandated quantity—periodic samples showing progress are sufficient.

Semiannual progress reports: Brief assessments at the 90-day and 180-day marks documenting academic progress. Some associations set specific deadlines (Hometown requires 90-day by March 1, 180-day by July 31).

Retention period: Maintain records in your home for inspection, though Option 3 associations rarely if ever request them. Keep high school records permanently for transcript creation.

Essential Records to Maintain

Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF)

South Carolina's ESTF provides substantial funding for educational expenses—up to $7,500 for 2025-26 and $7,634 for 2026-27. But there's a critical detail that trips up many families: ESTF recipients cannot participate in traditional homeschool Options 1, 2, or 3.

The separate pathway: When you accept ESTF funding, the signed scholarship agreement satisfies compulsory attendance requirements on its own. You're not "homeschooling" under South Carolina law—you're participating in a distinct educational pathway with its own accountability.

ESTF accountability requirements: Students in grades 3-11 must complete annual testing in reading and math. Grades K-2 may submit test results, work portfolios, or report cards. Funds are managed through ClassWallet with 541 approved providers.

Income eligibility (2026-27): Up to 500% of federal poverty level, approximately $160,750 for a family of four. The program serves at least 15,000 students in 2026-27.

Application windows: Window 1 (Nov 1-Jan 14) for returning families and siblings; Window 2 (Jan 15-Feb 8) for priority applicants; Window 3 (Feb 9+) for all eligible students.

For complete details on applying and approved expenses, see our South Carolina Homeschool Funding Guide.

High School, Graduation & Beyond

South Carolina parents determine their own graduation requirements and issue diplomas. There's no state-defined homeschool diploma—you create and award it based on the standards you've set for your student.

Creating transcripts: Build a transcript documenting courses, credits, and grades. For Option 3 families, this is entirely parent-created. SCAIHS provides professional transcript services that some colleges prefer. Include course descriptions for competitive college applications.

College preparation: South Carolina's Commission on Higher Education (CHE) sets admission requirements for public universities. Generally, homeschoolers need 4 units of English, 3-4 units of math, 2-3 units of lab science, 2-3 units of social studies, and demonstrated foreign language study. SAT/ACT scores are typically required.

Diploma credibility: Some employers and colleges have increased scrutiny of homeschool transcripts in recent years. Mitigation strategies include: standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), dual enrollment credits, detailed course descriptions, and for Option 2 families, SCAIHS professional transcripts.

Dual enrollment: South Carolina homeschoolers can access dual enrollment at community colleges and some universities. Credits transfer and demonstrate academic readiness to future colleges.

Sports and Extracurricular Access

South Carolina's Equal Access Act (passed 2012, often called the "Tim Tebow Law") allows homeschool students in grades 6-12 to participate in public school extracurricular activities, including sports.

Eligibility requirements: You must live in the school's attendance zone, provide your most recent progress report showing passing grades, and meet the same behavioral, age, and residency requirements as enrolled students. Critically, you must have been homeschooled for at least one full academic year before participating—new homeschoolers can't immediately join public school teams.

Process: Notify the principal and superintendent in writing at least 30 calendar days before the semester begins. Enroll in at least one qualifying course per semester while participating. Complete any required tryout process.

What's covered: Sports, music, fine arts, and other extracurriculars. The Equal Access Act applies broadly to activities offered to enrolled students.

Alternative options: Many homeschool families prefer homeschool sports leagues, co-op activities, private club teams, or community recreation programs. South Carolina has robust homeschool athletic organizations in major metro areas.

Special Situations

Mid-year withdrawal: You can start homeschooling at any point during the school year. Notify your child's current school in writing, enroll with an Option 3 association (or SCAIHS), and begin instruction. There's no waiting period.

Registration deadlines: Most associations require enrollment by the 10th day after the school year begins. Some (like Hometown) close enrollment September 1st. Plan ahead to avoid being locked out.

Returning to public school: If your child re-enters public school, the district may require placement testing. Maintain thorough records to support appropriate grade placement.

Special needs: South Carolina's VirtualSC program offers free online courses to homeschoolers, including accommodations for students with documented disabilities. However, accommodations require current IEP/504 documentation—students with lapsed evaluations will be referred back to their district.

Moving to South Carolina: If relocating from another state, enroll with an Option 3 association (or other option) before beginning instruction. Your previous state's records help establish grade level but don't automatically transfer compliance.

The Bottom Line

South Carolina's three-option structure rewards families who understand the trade-offs. Option 3 dominates because it offers genuine freedom—no mandatory testing, minimal oversight, and complete curriculum control—at a fraction of the cost and hassle of other pathways.

Before you choose, consider your priorities: Do you want institutional backing and professional transcripts (Option 2/SCAIHS)? Maximum flexibility with minimal oversight (Option 3)? Or are you considering ESTF funding for its significant financial support—understanding that it's a separate pathway entirely?

Your first step: decide between traditional homeschooling (Option 3 for most families) or the ESTF scholarship pathway. Then either enroll with an association before their September deadline or begin the ESTF application process during the appropriate window.

South Carolina's homeschool community is well-established and welcoming. Regional co-ops, support groups, and experienced families provide the practical help that makes homeschooling work day-to-day.