In South Carolina, there are three legal options for homeschooling. This guide will focus on what’s commonly known as Option 3, which is by far the most popular choice. Why? Because it offers families the most flexibility and freedom in how they educate their children. If you would like a more detailed breakdown of the law, check out this post on The SC Homeschool Connection or visit HSLDA for a full legal breakdown.

Option 3 Requirements in South Carolina:

• Join a homeschool association. Know that homeschool associations can have their own rules and requirements that go above the following minimum requirements.

• Have a GED or high school diploma.

• Teach the following subjects: reading, writing, math, science, social studies. In grades 7–12: composition and literature. 

• Complete 180 instructional days per school year. Your homeschool association will typically provide a school calendar with start and end dates.

• Maintain basic records: a planner or journal showing the subjects you’ve covered, samples of your child’s work, a semi-annual progress report detailing attendance and academic progress. 

By law, all homeschool associations in South Carolina must have at least 50 members and ensure that families meet the state’s minimum homeschooling requirements.

You are free to choose any association in the state, as long as you meet their specific enrollment criteria. You can find a full list of approved associations on the South Carolina Department of Education website. We also have a curated list of local associations right here on our website to make your search even easier. 

Keep in mind that:

• Each association sets its own rules, deadlines, and school calendar.

• Some may have specific enrollment windows or require certain levels of involvement.

• Many offer additional benefits like report card templates, transcripts, events, or curriculum support.

• Some may have religious or community-based requirements, such as participation in a co-op or shared beliefs.

Be sure to visit the websites of any associations you’re considering so you can find the one that’s the best fit for your family.

If your child has previously been enrolled in public school and you’ve decided to homeschool, you’ll need to officially withdraw them. In South Carolina, this is a straightforward process:

1. Notify your child’s current school that you will be withdrawing to homeschool.

2. Provide your accountability letter from your homeschool association at the time of withdrawal—so be sure to have this ready before you contact the school.

3. The school may also have a withdrawal form for you to complete.

If you run into any difficulties, reach out to your homeschool association—that’s exactly what they’re there for!

Mid-year withdrawals:
If you withdraw your child during the school year, any days they attended public school will count toward your required 180 school days.

Example: If your child has already attended 50 days in public school, you will need to complete 130 homeschool days before your association’s school year ends.

One of the many benefits of homeschooling is the freedom to choose a curriculum that fits your child’s unique learning style, abilities, and your family’s lifestyle. This gives you the freedom to choose how you plan to educate your child, whether by a rigorous curriculum or by no curriculum at all!

As a seasoned homeschool mom, here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

• Take a homeschool style quiz.
  This can help you discover what type of curriculum might work best for you and your child—whether that’s hands-on, literature-based, online, or something else.

• Start small—don’t overspend at the beginning.
  It’s completely normal to go through a period of trial and error. You may not find the perfect curriculum right away, and that’s okay! There are many free and low-cost resources available to help you explore without a big investment.

• Consider “deschooling” if your child is coming from a traditional classroom.
  Deschooling is a time to step back from formal academics and focus more on connection and adjustment. It helps both you and your child let go of the idea of recreating “school at home” and instead begin to discover the beauty and rhythm of homeschooling.

Remember: Curriculum doesn’t have to rule your homeschool. Anything you do on any given day that is educational counts as a school day! You, the parent, get to decide what qualifies as educational. That might be teaching a core subject (or any subject), exploring an interest, independent reading, hands-on projects, field trips, nature walks, or special activities. Homeschool days can be long or short—it’s completely up to you. That freedom and flexibility? That’s the beauty of homeschooling!

You’ll find helpful resources and links for curriculum ideas in the Helpful Links section at the bottom of this guide.

One of the most important parts of homeschooling is building a sense of community—and here in Charleston, you're in luck! We’re fortunate to have a vibrant, welcoming homeschool community with tons of opportunities to connect with like-minded families.

There are many ways to find your people:

• Join local Facebook groups with regular meetups and events

• Enroll in a co-op for both academic enrichment and social connection

• Take part in homeschool field trip groups that host regular outings and activities

Homeschool Charleston is here to help you get connected!
On our website, you’ll find:

• A full list of local Facebook groups

• A guide to classes and programs designed specifically for homeschoolers

• A list of area co-ops to explore

Whether you're looking for academic support, social opportunities, or just some new friends who “get it,” there’s a place for you here.