South Carolina offers three legal routes. Most families join a third-option accountability association: a parent with a high school diploma, 180 days, core subjects, and simple records.
Homeschooling is legal in South Carolina, and you get to choose among three legal options. Option 1 is homeschooling under your local school district's approval, with testing. Option 2 is membership in SCAIHS (the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools). Option 3 — by far the most popular — is joining an independent accountability association, which keeps the state at arm's length for a modest annual fee.
Under Option 3, the requirements are manageable: the teaching parent holds a high school diploma or GED, you teach 180 days a year, cover the core subjects, and keep simple records that your association spells out. No district testing, no portfolio submitted to the state.
Option 1 (district approval) adds district oversight and standardized testing. Option 2 (SCAIHS) provides structured support with its own standards. Option 3 (an accountability association of at least 50 families) is the lightest: the association handles compliance and reports only membership numbers to the state. Most SC homeschoolers choose Option 3.
All options require 180 days of instruction covering reading, writing, math, science, and social studies — plus composition and literature in grades 7-12.
Under Option 3, keep a plan book or diary of subjects taught, a portfolio of work samples, and semiannual progress reports including attendance. Your association tells you its exact format; nothing goes to the district.
The teaching parent needs a high school diploma or GED for all three options (Option 1 historically set the same baseline).
Confirm the teaching parent has a high school diploma or GED.
Compare a few Option 3 accountability associations — fees, reporting style, and support differ — and join one.
Withdraw your child from their current school per your association's guidance, keeping written proof.
Set up your plan book, attendance log, and work-sample portfolio the first week.
Choose a curriculum covering SC's five core subjects (plus composition and literature for grades 7-12) that generates the progress records your association expects.
Whatever South Carolina asks for — attendance, subject coverage, progress evidence, transcripts — Cullinan Academy tracks it automatically as your kids learn: verified mastery records, time-on-task, printable transcripts with GPA, and state report templates. No spreadsheet required.
A state-recognized member organization that stands between you and the district. You follow its record requirements; it certifies you're legally homeschooling. Annual costs are typically modest.
Not under Options 2 or 3. Only Option 1 (district approval) involves the state testing program.
Under Option 3: a plan book/diary, a portfolio of samples, semiannual progress reports, and attendance for your 180 days. Your association provides templates.
The statute requires the teaching parent to have a diploma or GED. Earning a GED first is the clean path if you don't have one.
You (with your association) issue the diploma and transcript. SC colleges regularly admit Option 3 graduates; keep good high school records from 9th grade on.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool law changes, and districts sometimes apply it differently. Verify current requirements with your state's department of education or a local homeschool association before filing anything. Content last reviewed 2026-07.