Is homeschooling legal in South Carolina?

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in South Carolina and in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Three pathways: district, state homeschool association, or independent. Annual testing required.

Do you have to register or file a notice of intent to homeschool in South Carolina?

Yes. Families in South Carolina need to send a notice of intent (or an equivalent form) before or shortly after they start homeschooling. Three pathways: district, state homeschool association, or independent. Annual testing required.

Does South Carolina require standardized testing for homeschoolers?

Yes. South Carolina requires periodic standardized testing or an approved annual assessment for homeschooled students.

How many days or hours of instruction does South Carolina require?

South Carolina sets a minimum of 180 instructional days per year.

What records should you keep to homeschool in South Carolina?

For South Carolina, Romeschool tracks attendance, testing reminders. so your records stay current and audit-ready.

Homeschooling in South Carolina

Three pathways: district, state homeschool association, or independent. Annual testing required.

Moderate regulationNotice of Intent requiredHour trackingAnnual testing

What South Carolina requires

Choose your accountability pathway

Option 1: file with district. Option 2: join state-approved homeschool assoc. Option 3: join SC Independent Home Educators.

Official resource →

Provide 180 days / 4.5 hrs per day

Keep attendance log.

Annual standardized testing

Nationally normed test — keep results on file.

What Romeschool tracks for you: Attendance, testing reminders.

If you take an ESA, your homeschool status changes: An ESTF participant CANNOT be in an Option 1-3 SC homeschool association; the signed agreement itself satisfies compulsory attendance + adds annual norm-referenced testing.

Get set up for South Carolina →South Carolina funding & ESAs Find field trips in South Carolina