The state of South Carolina only state that you need to teach reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies.  In grades 7th-12th you must also teach composition and literature.  However, you are encouraged to follow the South Carolina requirements for courses needed to get a high school diploma.  The requirements can be found at https://ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/state-accountability/high-school-courses-and-requirements/

Who can homeschool and what requirements must they meet?

As stated in the South Carolina Code of Laws SECTION 59-65-47,  educational records shall be maintained by the parent-teacher and include:
(1) a plan book, diary, or other record indicating subjects taught and activities in which the student and parent-teacher engage; 
(2) a portfolio of samples of the student's academic work
(3) a semiannual progress report including attendance records and individualized documentation of the student's academic progress in each of the basic instructional areas.

No, testing is not required in the state of South Carolina.

What is a 3rd option homeschool accountability association?

Membership includes accountability, online forms for fast processing, newsletter, phone/text/email support, Facebook group, and resources. The membership fee is $35 May-Sept, $40 Sept-Feb, and $45 March-May per family per year. Membership is valid for 1 year only.  You must renew every year to be legal to Homeschool in South Carolina.    

Does A4HE validate honors?

Association 4

Homeschool Excellence

Wonder. Learn. Grow. 

Do I need to teach a specific curriculum?

An accountability group is an organization operated by homeschoolers that provides a means of legal compliance for its members under SC Code of Laws 59-65-45 (SCAIHS) and 59-65-47 (all others). 

Does A4HE rank seniors?

What are the requirements to graduate from high school?

In lieu of the requirements of Section 59-65-40 (homeschooling through the district) or Section 59-65-45 (homeschooling through SCAIHS), parents or guardians may teach their children at home if the instruction is conducted under the auspices of an association for home schools which has no fewer than fifty members and meets the requirements of this section. Bona fide membership and continuing compliance with the academic standards of the association exempts the home school from the further requirements of Section 59-65-40 or Section 59-65-45. 

The State Department of Education shall conduct annually a review of the association standards to ensure that requirements of the association, at a minimum, include:

(a) a parent must hold at least a high school diploma or the equivalent general educational development (GED) certificate; 
(b) the instructional year is at least one hundred eighty days; 
(c) the curriculum includes, but is not limited to, the basic instructional areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies, and in grades seven through twelve, composition and literature; and 
(d) educational records shall be maintained by the parent-teacher and include:

(1) a plan book, diary, or other record indicating subjects taught and activities in which the student and parent-teacher engage; 
(2) a portfolio of samples of the student's academic work; and 
(3) a semiannual progress report including attendance records and individualized documentation of the student's academic progress in each of the basic instructional areas specified in item (c) above.

*By January thirtieth of each year, all associations shall report the number and grade level of children home schooled through the association to the children's respective school districts. 

Information submitted to A4HE is for our files only.  We do not sell or provide anyone with your information.  We only report the number and grade level of our members to the local school district once a year, as required by law. When a school district calls to verify membership, they must provide us the name of the student before we will verify membership status. We do not give lists of homeschoolers’ names to local authorities.

Only a parent or a court-ordered legal guardian can homeschool a child.  The parent or legal guardian must have a high school diploma or a GED. 

FAQ

What is A4HE privacy policy?

What records am I required to keep?

No, A4HE does not rank seniors.  Seniors can still apply for some scholarships without ranking.  

South Carolina has 3 options for legally homeschooling your child.

Choose one of the accountability options.
1. School district
2. SCAIHS (South Carolina Association of Independent Homeschools)
3. Other Accountability Association maintained by parents to hold one another accountable
Please note that you must be covered by a legal accountability group within 10 days of the beginning of school in your school district or your children will be considered truant. If you’re withdrawing a student from school mid-year, you will need to obtain a compliance letter.  A4HE membership will supply you with the required documents for compliance with the state of SC.

Does A4HE require testing?

No, A4HE is not validating honors for this school year.  This may be a future service to our members.  A4HE will put honors classes on the transcript if it were taken through an accredited school.

What records must I submit to A4HE?

Schools are required to accept your child into school.  You will be asked for transcripts and documentation of the child's schooling.  A4HE can provide transcripts for students enter public/private schools.  

Do I need to keep attendance records?

How can I contact the director?

What is included in my membership?

Yes,  You have 365 days to record 180 days of teaching.  Teaching can be in any form you like: books, field trips, outdoors, unschooling etc.  You will need to keep a record of your 180 days by calendar or some other form that can be documented.

What is SC Code of Laws 59-65-47?

You are only required to submit an end of year form.  Mid-year forms are the responsbility of the parent. 

What if I want to transfer my child back to public school?

I am available Monday-Friday 1:00 PM- 4:30 PM by text, email or facebook messenger.  I prefer email.  I will try to respond ASAP and with 24 hours of business hours.  If you contact me on Friday or during the Holidays I return your message Monday.   If there is an emergency please leave a message and phone number.  

No, the beauty of 3rd option homeschooling is you as a parent/guardian and can choose the best learning style and curriculum for your child.  Check out our resource page for information on curriculums and other programs. 

How do I legally homeschool in SC?