Homeschool in South Carolina — Laws, Requirements, and How to Start
South Carolina is a moderate homeschool state that offers families three distinct legal options for operating a home education program. Each option carries its own requirements for approval, curriculum, assessment, and record keeping. South Carolina requires instruction in five core subjects — with composition and literature added in grades 7-12 — and a minimum of 180 instructional days at 4.5 hours per day. Families in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg, Myrtle Beach, and across all 46 South Carolina counties choose the option that best fits their family’s approach to education.
South families looking for structured, faith-based education can explore Zion Academy’s full range of online homeschool curriculum programs serving students in all 50 states.
What Are the South Carolina Homeschool Legal Requirements?
South Carolina’s homeschool statute is found in South Carolina Code of Laws Section 59-65-40, 59-65-45, and 59-65-47. These three sections correspond to the three legal options available to South Carolina homeschool families. Each option has distinct requirements — families must choose and operate under one option consistently. You may not combine requirements from different options.
Option 1 — Local School Board Approval
Under Option 1, a family submits a homeschool plan to the local school board and receives approval to operate. The plan must demonstrate that the proposed program meets state standards for the required subjects and 180-day attendance requirement. Under this option, the school board may conduct periodic monitoring visits to the home. Annual assessments are required, and results are submitted to the school board. This is the most regulated of the three options.
Option 2 — South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS)
Under Option 2, families join the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS), a private organization recognized by South Carolina law as an accountability association. SCAIHS membership requires families to carry liability insurance of at least $1 million, submit annual assessment results to SCAIHS, and maintain required records. SCAIHS provides curriculum guidance, record-keeping support, and a homeschool diploma program. Annual evaluation is required and administered through SCAIHS. This option is widely used by South Carolina families and offers more structure and support than Option 3 with less government involvement than Option 1.
Option 3 — Homeschool Accountability Association
Under Option 3, families register with a qualifying homeschool accountability association — a private organization approved by the South Carolina Department of Education to provide oversight and accountability. Associations under this option operate independently and have their own requirements for membership, assessment, and record keeping. Families submit annual assessments to the association rather than to the school board. Multiple accountability associations are active in South Carolina. Families choose the association that best matches their educational philosophy.
Required Subjects
South Carolina requires instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies for all grade levels. Students in grades 7 through 12 must also receive instruction in composition and literature. The combination of required subjects grows as students advance through middle and high school. South Carolina does not mandate specific textbooks or courses within each subject area.
Attendance Requirements
South Carolina requires 180 instructional days per year at a minimum of 4.5 hours of instruction per day. This equals a minimum of 810 hours of instruction per school year. Attendance records must be maintained and submitted to the school board (Option 1), SCAIHS (Option 2), or the accountability association (Option 3) as required by the chosen option.
Annual Assessment
South Carolina requires an annual assessment of each homeschooled student’s academic progress. The format of the assessment varies by option. Under Option 1, results are submitted to the school board. Under Options 2 and 3, results are submitted to the respective private organization. Commonly used assessments include nationally normed standardized tests, portfolio reviews, and evaluations by certified teachers.
How to Start Homeschooling in South Carolina
Starting homeschool in South Carolina requires selecting one of the three legal options, completing the associated enrollment or approval process, and establishing a curriculum that covers all required subjects with sufficient daily instruction.
Step 1 — Choose Your Legal Option
Select the homeschool option that best fits your family. Most South Carolina families choose Option 2 (SCAIHS) or Option 3 (accountability association) to minimize school board involvement while maintaining legal compliance. Visit SCAIHS at scaihs.org to learn about Option 2 membership requirements. Research active Option 3 accountability associations to find one that aligns with your family’s educational philosophy and faith convictions.
Step 2 — Complete Enrollment or Approval
For Option 1, contact your local school board to obtain the homeschool application and submit your plan. For Option 2, apply for SCAIHS membership, obtain the required liability insurance, and complete the enrollment process. For Option 3, select an accountability association, contact them directly, and complete their membership enrollment process.
Step 3 — Withdraw from Public School
If your child currently attends a South Carolina public school, notify the school in writing that your child is withdrawing. Include the child’s name, grade, and effective withdrawal date. Request academic records for your home file. Coordinate the withdrawal date with the completion of your chosen option’s enrollment process.
Step 4 — Choose a Curriculum
Select a curriculum that covers all required subjects for your child’s grade level. For grades K-6, this means reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. For grades 7-12, add composition and literature. Zion Academy of America provides a fully accredited, faith-based K-12 online curriculum that covers all South Carolina required subjects with rigorous coursework, detailed academic records, and structured instruction well exceeding South Carolina’s 180-day, 4.5-hours-per-day requirement. South Carolina online homeschool
Step 5 — Track Attendance and Schedule Assessment
Maintain daily attendance records from the first day of instruction. Track each student’s instructional hours to confirm the 4.5-hour daily minimum is being met. Schedule the annual assessment in accordance with your chosen option’s requirements and deadlines.
Homeschool Funding and Resources in South Carolina
South Carolina does not currently offer a universal statewide Education Savings Account (ESA) or voucher program available to all homeschoolers. Homeschool families bear the cost of curriculum, association fees, and assessment. Several strong organizations support South Carolina homeschoolers.
SCAIHS
The South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS) is the most widely used accountability organization for South Carolina homeschoolers under Option 2. SCAIHS provides curriculum guidance, a diploma program, assessment services, and a community of South Carolina homeschool families. Membership requires the $1 million liability insurance policy and annual assessment submission. Visit scaihs.org for current membership fees and enrollment information.
South Carolina Christian Homeschool Organizations
South Carolina Christian Home Educators Association (SCHEA) serves Christian homeschooling families with legislative advocacy, an annual conference, and co-op resources. Multiple Christian accountability associations operate under Option 3, providing faith-aligned oversight for families who want both legal compliance and a Christian community.
Co-ops and Support Groups
Homeschool co-ops operate throughout the Upstate (Greenville, Spartanburg), Midlands (Columbia), Lowcountry (Charleston, Beaufort), and Pee Dee (Florence, Myrtle Beach) regions. Co-ops provide group instruction in subjects like science labs, fine arts, physical education, and dual enrollment preparation. SCHEA and SCAIHS maintain regional co-op directories.
HSLDA Membership
The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) provides legal support for South Carolina homeschoolers, particularly for families operating under Option 1 who may face school board disputes or monitoring visits.
Frequently Asked Questions — Homeschooling in South Carolina
The following questions address the most common concerns South Carolina families raise when choosing an option and starting their homeschool program.
What are the three options for homeschooling in South Carolina?
South Carolina provides three legal options. Option 1 operates under local school board approval with annual assessment submitted to the school board. Option 2 operates under SCAIHS membership with a $1 million liability insurance requirement and annual assessment submitted to SCAIHS. Option 3 operates under a private homeschool accountability association approved by the state, with requirements varying by association. Families choose one option and comply with that option’s specific requirements.
How many days per year must South Carolina homeschoolers attend school?
South Carolina requires 180 instructional days per year at a minimum of 4.5 hours of instruction per day. This equals a minimum of 810 instructional hours per year. Attendance records must be maintained and submitted to the school board or accountability organization under the chosen option.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies for all grade levels. Students in grades 7 through 12 must also receive instruction in composition and literature. Subject requirements expand in middle and high school, but specific textbooks and courses within each subject area are chosen by the parent.
Does South Carolina Option 2 really require a $1 million liability insurance policy?
Yes. South Carolina Code Section 59-65-45 requires families operating under SCAIHS (Option 2) to maintain liability insurance of at least $1 million. This requirement is specific to Option 2. Families operating under Option 1 (school board) or Option 3 (accountability association) are not subject to this specific insurance requirement, though some Option 3 associations may have their own membership requirements.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general educational purposes and reflects our understanding of current homeschool laws as of 2026. Homeschool laws, regulations, and funding programs change frequently at the state, county, and district level. This page does not constitute legal advice. Families should verify current requirements directly with their state’s department of education, consult HSLDA.org for up-to-date legal guidance, or speak with a qualified attorney before making educational decisions based on this information.
Zion Academy Is Accepted in South Carolina
Zion Academy of America is a fully accredited, K-12 Christian online homeschool academy serving families throughout South Carolina. Zion’s curriculum covers all of South Carolina’s required subjects across all grade levels — including the additional composition and literature requirements for grades 7-12 — and provides structured instruction meeting and exceeding South Carolina’s 180-day, 4.5-hours-per-day attendance standard. Zion’s detailed academic records and progress reports support annual assessment requirements under all three South Carolina homeschool options.
Families in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Spartanburg, Summerville, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, and across all 46 South Carolina counties choose Zion Academy for its accredited academics, Christian foundation, and comprehensive documentation support. [VERIFY: confirm Zion Academy’s compatibility with SC Option 2 SCAIHS membership requirements]