Overview
South Carolina gives families three legal homeschool options: a locally approved district program, enrollment with SCAIHS under § 59-65-45, or membership in a qualifying homeschool association under § 59-65-47. Each option carries its own compliance requirements.
Families may use Alabama Church School for curriculum and academic services, but enrollment with an outside curriculum provider does not replace the requirement to operate under one of South Carolina's three legal homeschool options.
Compulsory School Attendance Age
South Carolina compulsory attendance generally begins in the school year in which the child is age 5 before September 1 and continues until age 17 or high school graduation.
A parent whose child is not age 6 on or before September 1 may elect not to enroll the child in kindergarten by signing the state-prescribed waiver with the local school district.
Three Homeschool Options
• Option 1 — Local School District: The homeschool operates with approval of the district board of trustees under S.C. Code § 59-65-40. • Option 2 — SCAIHS: The family homeschools under the auspices of the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools under § 59-65-45. • Option 3 — Qualifying Homeschool Association: The family joins an association with at least 50 members that meets the standards in § 59-65-47.
Instructional Days and Hours
Option 1 requires at least 180 instructional days and at least 4.5 instructional hours per day, excluding lunch and recess.
Options 2 and 3 require an instructional year of at least 180 days. Option 3's current statute does not separately impose the 4.5-hour daily requirement.
Required Subjects
Across the association options, the curriculum must include at least reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and composition and literature in grades 7-12.
Option 1 uses the same basic instructional areas and also requires composition and literature in grades 7-12.
Parent Teacher Qualifications
Under Options 2 and 3, the parent must hold at least a high school diploma or GED-equivalent credential.
Option 1 has separate statutory qualification language and district-approval procedures.
Attendance and Records
Option 3 requires the parent-teacher to maintain a plan book, diary, or similar record of subjects and activities; a portfolio of samples of the student's work; and a semiannual progress report that includes attendance and individualized academic-progress documentation.
Option 1 has more direct district recordkeeping, semiannual progress-report, and inspection requirements.
Option 2 families follow the academic standards and reporting rules of SCAIHS.
Standardized Testing
Option 1 includes participation in the statewide testing program as provided by statute.
Options 2 and 3 operate under their association statutes and are exempt from the additional requirements of Option 1 when the family maintains bona fide membership and compliance with the association's academic standards.
Curriculum Freedom
South Carolina does not require one state-issued homeschool curriculum. Families may select their own curriculum so long as the applicable legal option and required subject areas are satisfied.
Graduation
Graduation policies, transcripts, and diplomas depend on the legal homeschool option and the policies of the applicable association or homeschool administrator.
Families should maintain a complete high school transcript and verify college, scholarship, military, employment, and licensing requirements.
Alabama Church School Services for South Carolina Families
South Carolina families may choose Alabama Church School for curriculum, academic records, report cards, transcripts, diplomas, graduation documentation, and educational support.
However, ACS enrollment by itself does not replace the family's need to comply with one of South Carolina's three legal homeschool options. Families using Option 2 or Option 3 must be properly affiliated with the qualifying South Carolina homeschool association required by law.
South Carolina Homeschool Law References
- S.C. Code § 59-65-40 — District-Approved Home Schooling
- S.C. Code § 59-65-45 — SCAIHS Alternative Home Schooling
- S.C. Code § 59-65-47 — Homeschool Associations
- South Carolina Department of Education — Home Schooling
Families should review current state law and official education-agency guidance when beginning homeschooling because procedures, deadlines, and program requirements can change.
How Alabama Church School supports South Carolina families
ACS does not replace your state's homeschool requirements — it gives families complete curriculum, academic records, transcripts, diplomas, and documentation while you continue satisfying South Carolina law.
Nearby state homeschool guides
Families moving to or from South Carolina often review these states next.