South Carolina Homeschool State Laws

Please note that laws and regulations may have changed since this update, so note that it’s always a good idea to consult the official state statutes and regulations or seek legal advice to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information.

In South Carolina, homeschooling is regulated by the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically Section 59-65-10 to 59-65-120. Here is a summary of the key points:

• Required Notice: Parents or guardians who wish to homeschool their children in South Carolina must submit a notice of intent to the local school district. This notice must be submitted annually, by August 15th or within 15 days of starting homeschooling during the school year.
• Qualifications: Parents or legal guardians who provide homeschooling must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Recordkeeping: Homeschooling parents are required to maintain certain records, including a plan book or diary with a record of subjects taught and activities engaged in, as well as samples of the student’s work. These records should be kept for at least one year.
• Subjects to be Taught: Homeschooled students in South Carolina must receive instruction in the following subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. However, there are no specific curriculum requirements, allowing flexibility in choosing teaching materials.
• Assessment: The law requires an annual academic assessment of the homeschooled child. This assessment can be done using any nationally normed, standardized achievement test or other equivalent measure agreed upon by the parents and the local school district. The results of the assessment do not need to be submitted to the school district but should be kept on file by the parents.
• Immunization: Homeschooled students are subject to the same immunization requirements as public and private school students in South Carolina, unless they have a valid exemption for medical or religious reasons.
• Participation in Public School Activities: South Carolina law allows homeschool students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports and clubs, at the local public school if certain conditions are met. These conditions may vary by school district, so it’s important to check with the local school district for specific policies.

Remember, the information provided here is a general summary and not a substitute for legal advice. For precise and comprehensive information about homeschooling regulations in South Carolina, it’s recommended to consult the South Carolina Code of Laws or consult with a legal professional.