Homeschool Owl

South Carolina Homeschool Requirements

Moderate Regulation

South Carolina has three legal options with very different burdens (S.C. Code §§59-65-40, -45, -47): Option 1 (direct district enrollment) is genuinely "moderate" with annual testing, semiannual reports, and a real 180-day/4.5-hours-a-day requirement; Options 2 and 3, which most SC homeschoolers actually use, route through a private association instead and carry no individual state-mandated testing or reporting. This page describes Option 1 as the state-administered baseline, if you're enrolled through an association, your real requirements are lighter than what's shown here. For homeschool-specific questions, contact [email protected].

180

days/year

Required

notification

Required

testing

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Triple-Checked

This data was last checked against official sources on August 4, 2026. Laws change, so if something looks off or your state updated its requirements since then, confirm current details on your state's official homeschool page or use the correction form below.

Notification

Required

Deadline: must be in place before instruction begins; not a fixed calendar date

Testing

Required

Frequency: Option 1 (district board) requires annual state testing; Options 2 and 3 (association-based, used by most SC homeschoolers) are not state-mandated to test at all

Required Subjects

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

Instructional Days Required

180days per year

Report Frequency

Option 1: semiannual individual reports to the district. Options 2/3: no individual reporting — the association files an aggregate count by January 30

Submission Method

Option 1: your district board of trustees. Option 2: enroll with SCAIHS. Option 3: enroll with a qualifying 50+-family homeschool association

Key Deadlines

Notification Deadline

must be in place before instruction begins; not a fixed calendar date

Testing Requirement

Option 1 (district board) requires annual state testing; Options 2 and 3 (association-based, used by most SC homeschoolers) are not state-mandated to test at all

Report Due

Option 1: semiannual individual reports to the district. Options 2/3: no individual reporting — the association files an aggregate count by January 30

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the homeschool requirements in South Carolina?+
South Carolina has three legal options with very different burdens (S.C. Code §§59-65-40, -45, -47): Option 1 (direct district enrollment) is genuinely "moderate" with annual testing, semiannual reports, and a real 180-day/4.5-hours-a-day requirement; Options 2 and 3, which most SC homeschoolers actually use, route through a private association instead and carry no individual state-mandated testing or reporting. This page describes Option 1 as the state-administered baseline, if you're enrolled through an association, your real requirements are lighter than what's shown here. For homeschool-specific questions, contact [email protected].
How many instructional days are required for homeschooling in South Carolina?+
South Carolina requires 180 instructional days per year for homeschooling families.
Does South Carolina require notification to homeschool?+
Yes, South Carolina requires families to submit notification to homeschool. The deadline is must be in place before instruction begins; not a fixed calendar date.
Does South Carolina require standardized testing for homeschoolers?+
Yes, South Carolina requires testing for homeschool students. Testing frequency: Option 1 (district board) requires annual state testing; Options 2 and 3 (association-based, used by most SC homeschoolers) are not state-mandated to test at all.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in South Carolina?+
South Carolina requires the following subjects to be taught: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies.
How to start homeschooling in South Carolina →Portfolio reviews explained →Required subjects by state →Free homeschool tools →All state guides →

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South Carolina homeschool requirements, verified by Homeschool Owl
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