Does South Carolina Regulate Homeschool Curriculum?

South Carolina does not prescribe one homeschool curriculum for every family. It does require specific subjects, and the process for approving your homeschool program depends on your legal option. Under Option 1, the school district approves the program, including information about the texts and materials you plan to use. Under Options 2 and 3, families must maintain membership and comply with their association’s academic standards.

Who Approves Your Homeschool Program?

• Option 1: School district. The district board of trustees approves the homeschool program. The application includes a description of the program, texts and materials, evaluation methods and place of instruction.
• Option 2: SCAIHS. Families homeschool under the auspices of the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools. Membership and continuing compliance with SCAIHS academic standards provide an alternative to the requirements of Option 1.
• Option 3: Qualifying homeschool association. Families homeschool under a qualifying association and must maintain membership and comply with its academic standards. Association policies and services vary.

These distinctions are established in South Carolina Code Sections 59-65-40, 59-65-45 and 59-65-47. For the fuller requirements of each route, read our South Carolina homeschool laws guide.

Which Subjects Must Your Curriculum Cover?

All three options require reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, with composition and literature also required in grades 7 through 12. Choosing materials is therefore different from deciding which required subjects to teach.

Consider your child’s academic needs and your family’s educational goals when selecting resources, while meeting the requirements of your legal option and, where applicable, your association.

What About Records and Testing?

Plan for the required instructional year and subjects, and confirm your option’s records and assessment requirements. Our South Carolina homeschool laws guide explains how the requirements differ. For assessments, see our standardized testing guide.

Choosing Materials Within Those Requirements

Once you understand the requirements that apply to your family, our guide to choosing homeschool curriculum can help you compare materials alongside your child’s needs, your teaching preferences, family values, schedule and budget.

How SCAIHS Can Help

SCAIHS offers educational counseling and encouragement to support parent-directed homeschooling. Counselors can help families think through curriculum choices and educational planning.

If you are considering homeschooling, contact SCAIHS to arrange a conversation. You can also explore SCAIHS membership to learn more about the support available.