South Carolina, located in the southeastern United States, is a state renowned for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture. From its charming coastal towns to its majestic mountains, South Carolina offers diverse experiences for residents and visitors alike.
In addition to its natural beauty, South Carolina recognizes the importance of education and provides options for homeschooling families. Homeschooling in South Carolina has been made more accessible through online programs.
One such institution is the High School of America, a premier online high school that offers homeschooling programs within the state. Accredited by AdvancED and recognized by the South Carolina Department of Education, High School of America provides a comprehensive and flexible education for students seeking a personalized homeschooling experience.
To delve deeper into the homeschooling law in South Carolina and discover the opportunities it presents, continue reading.
Homeschooling Laws in South Carolina
In South Carolina, homeschooling is legal, and families have the option to educate their children at home instead of sending them to traditional public or private schools. Homeschooling in South Carolina is governed by Section 59-65-47 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.
The homeschooling law requires that you must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) in order to homeschool in South Carolina.
There are three options under which you can legally homeschool in South Carolina. These options are:
- Homeschooling under the homeschool statute
- Homeschooling with the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS)
- Homeschooling with a homeschool association
Option 1: Homeschooling under the homeschool statute
The following are the requirements under this option:
Consent from the district board of trustees
You are required to reach out to the governing body of the public school district in your locality to obtain details regarding their procedure for homeschool applications.
Submit an application that includes the following requirements, as it is mandatory for the board to grant approval upon fulfilling these criteria.
In case your application is declined, you have the option to appeal the decision to the State Board of Education within a period of 10 days.
If you wish to challenge the state board’s ruling further, you must file an appeal with the family court within 30 days.
Required subjects and time
The homeschool law require that you include the required subjects which include social studies, science, math, writing, reading, and in 7th grade to 12th grade, literature and composition.
In addition, you’re required to instruct your students for at least 180 days per school calendar. The school day is around 4.5 hours, not counting recess or lunch.
Record keeping
To demonstrate that regular instruction is being provided, it is necessary to maintain the following records, which a representative of the school district may inspect upon reasonable notice:
- A documented plan book, diary, or any written record that outlines the subjects taught and the activities in which you and your homeschooling student engage.
- A portfolio containing samples showcasing your child’s work across various subjects and assignments.
- A record that tracks your child’s academic progress assessments indicates their development and educational achievements.
These records serve as tangible evidence of your child’s educational activities and progress, ensuring transparency and accountability in their homeschooling experience.
Semiannual progress report
You must submit a semiannual progress report to your school district. This report should include attendance records and assessments of your child’s progress in each of the required subjects.
Access to library facilities
It is important to ensure that your student has access to library facilities to support their learning and research needs.
Annual assessment
The homeschool statute mandates that you ensure your homeschooling student takes part in the Basic Skills Assessment Program and the annual statewide testing program, which a licensed school district employee must supervise.
If your child’s performance on the test falls short of the public school’s requirements for progressing to the next grade, the school district will assess whether your child should be enrolled in a public school, receive assistance for disabilities, or receive instructional support for homeschooling, with the costs borne by you.
Option 2: Homeschooling with the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS)
You can pursue homeschooling by enrolling with the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS) and adhering to their specific regulations and guidelines for homeschooling in South Carolina.
SCAIHS provides families in South Carolina with a structured and supportive homeschooling option. SCAIHS offers guidance, resources, and legal compliance assistance to parents who educate their children at home.
By joining SCAIHS, you can access a network of homeschooling communities, curriculum recommendations, and extracurricular activities.
Option 3: Homeschooling with a homeschool association (also known as a “third option group”)
Enroll in a homeschool association
To homeschool with a homeschool association, you can enroll in a group that has a minimum of 50 member families. These associations provide support, resources, and networking opportunities for homeschooling families.
Comply with the requirements of the homeschool association
According to state law, homeschool associations have established certain minimum requirements for parents who choose to homeschool their children. These requirements are as follows:
- Parents must possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) as a minimum educational qualification.
- Parents must provide instruction to their children for a minimum of 180 days in each school year.
- The curriculum should encompass various subjects such as social studies, science, math, writing, reading, and, for grades 7–12, literature and composition.
- Parents are required to maintain educational records that include a record of subjects taught and activities in a plan book or similar document, a portfolio showcasing samples of their child’s academic work, and a semiannual progress report.
The progress report ought to contain attendance records and individualized documentation of the child’s academic progress in the mandatory subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Homeschooling Online
The following are the commonly asked questions about online homeschooling in South Carolina:
Can I homeschool my child in South Carolina online?
Yes, homeschooling in South Carolina can be done online. Many families choose online homeschooling programs or utilize online resources to supplement their curriculum.
What are the legal requirements for homeschooling in South Carolina?
South Carolina law requires homeschooling parents to meet certain requirements. These include having at least a high school diploma or GED, teaching their child for at least 180 days per school year, following a curriculum covering specific subjects, and maintaining educational records.
Do I need to notify the state or obtain permission to homeschool in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina homeschooling parents are required to submit a homeschooling notice of intent to their local school district each year. This notice serves as a way to inform the district of your intention to homeschool.
Are there any specific subjects that need to be covered in the homeschool curriculum?
South Carolina law requires homeschooling parents to include subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and, for grades 7–12, composition and literature in their curriculum.
How do I keep track of my child’s academic progress and attendance?
As a homeschooling parent in South Carolina, you are responsible for maintaining educational records. This includes keeping a record of subjects taught and activities, creating a portfolio of your child’s academic work, and providing a semiannual progress report that includes attendance records and individualized documentation of your child’s academic progress.
Are there any support groups or resources available for homeschooling families in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina offers various homeschool support groups, co-ops, and resources for homeschooling families. These can provide opportunities for networking, socialization, and accessing additional educational resources.
Online Homeschooling Statistics in South Carolina
Homeschooling in South Carolina has recently experienced a significant surge driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is not unique to South Carolina but is being observed across various states in the country. Homeschooling has transitioned from being a fringe educational option to a mainstream choice for many families.
According to the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), there were approximately 2.5 million homeschoolers in the United States during the spring of 2019. Over the past few years, the homeschooling population has been growing at a rate of approximately 2% to 8% annually.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2021 reveals that homeschooling has continued to thrive, with over 11% of families opting for this form of education. Notably, among homeschooled students who eventually returned to public schools, 25% of them demonstrated academic proficiency beyond their grade level.
These statistics demonstrate the increasing popularity and success of homeschooling in South Carolina, mirroring the national trend.
How to Do it: Homeschooling Online in South Caroline
To engage in online homeschooling in South Carolina, you need to fulfill certain criteria. Firstly, you must possess a high school diploma or GED. It is also essential to ensure that you homeschool for a minimum of 180 days per year while covering the required subjects.
Once you meet these requirements, you can follow the steps outlined below to commence online homeschooling in South Carolina:
- Select the homeschooling option that best suits your needs from the available choices, namely Option 1, Option 2, or Option 3.
- Familiarize yourself with the additional requirements associated with the option you have chosen.
- Decide on the curricula and educational resources you wish to utilize for instruction. If you opt for Option 1 or Option 2, it may be necessary to obtain approval for your chosen materials.
- Embark on an enjoyable learning journey together as you commence your online homeschooling experience.
Benefits of Homeschooling Online in South Carolina
Homeschooling online in South Carolina can offer several benefits for students and their families. Here are some of the advantages of online homeschooling in South Carolina:
1. Flexible Learning Environment
Homeschooling online in South Carolina provides students with a flexible learning environment that can be tailored to meet their individual needs and interests. Online education offers parents the opportunity to create lesson plans that best suit their child’s unique learning style, allowing them to customize the curriculum and explore subjects that hold particular interest for their child.
2. Convenience
Online homeschooling offers families more flexibility when it comes to scheduling class times and other activities, as parents can arrange for lessons at any time that works best for them without having to worry about coordinating pick-up or drop-off schedules with others.
Furthermore, online schooling eliminates the need for additional materials like textbooks since all necessary coursework is accessible digitally from any device connected to the Internet.
3. Accessibility
Online homeschooling can provide access to resources that may not be available in a traditional classroom setting. For instance, students with learning disabilities or other special needs may find it easier to focus and stay on track when they are working independently from home.
Additionally, online platforms often offer a wider range of courses than would typically be offered at brick-and-mortar schools, allowing students to explore interests outside of their current curriculum.
4. Socialization
Although some people might worry about online schooling preventing children from socializing with others their age, many families have found creative ways to allow their kids to interact with one another—from organizing virtual playdates to joining online homeschool groups that host activities and events.
5. Cost
Online schooling can be significantly cheaper than traditional schools since there is no need for physical materials such as textbooks or transportation costs like bus fare or gas money; many online programs offer free tuition or reduced fees, making them ideal for those looking to save money on their child’s education.
Conclusion
Homeschooling online can be an excellent way for South Carolina students to continue their education in a safe and secure environment. The state supports homeschoolers, so anyone looking to take this route should be sure to look into the requirements and laws.
While it may require some extra research and effort, homeschooling can open new doors of opportunity for students that they never thought possible.
It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to go at it alone – programs like High School of America are available to provide the necessary guidance, tools, and support to make learning successful from home.
So if you’re in South Carolina and considering homeschooling, contact High School of America today! With any luck, you can create a unique learning experience tailored just for you that will aid in your academic success in the future!