Can anyone tell me about homeschooling in South Carolina?

Question

We are moving to South Carolina and we homeschool our daughter currently. I was wondering if anyone knew of laws and the ins and outs of homeschooling in South Carolina? Also, are there a lot of opportunities (educational) for kids who are homeschooled there? Here where we live now there is a lot! I'm hoping there is a lot there! Thanks!

Answer 1

hey, if you are looking for a school to go to then you can talk to the Coard of Education and they can help you out or you can do some that are not through the board and are national. Some of these include:

www.themorningstaracademy.org

www.abeka.com

www.keystonenationalhighschool.com

www.aoppublications.com

Answer 2

I homeschool in South Carolina.

You can find the laws here: http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?St...

Option 2 and 3 are basically the same, though SCAIHS has additional requirements than those required by law.  SCAIHS was the first alternative to going through the school district, and when we became legally able to use another association, Option 3 was added.

I do not know anyone who uses Option 1, I know several who use Option 2, and the majority of the homeschoolers I know use Option 3.  I will explain Option 3.

The parent needs atleast a GED or high school diploma.  You register with the association, and they report you (as a number-not any identifying information) to the school district by a certain time each year.  Your school calendar must be atleast 180 days, and you must maintain a lesson plan book or other record of what is taught/learned as well as a portfolio and a semi-annual progress report.  These are for your records only, and unless an issue ever arises you will not need to turn them in to your association or anyone else.

I live near Charleston, and there are a lot of support groups in the area as well as the rest of the state.  The support group I use has meetings for parents to discuss ideas, curriculum, etc.  They have social gatherings, field trips, co-op classes and the like.  

The local YMCA has a special homeschool gymnastics program, and the museum regularly offers homeschool programs.  The zoo does, as well.

I am not sure where you are moving to, but Charleston is rich in educational opportunities-aquarium, museums, plantations, Fort Sumter, etc.  

Feel free to contact me via email (see my profile) if I can help you any more.

EDITED TO ADD: While you can use correspondance programs, their enrollment alone is not legal for homeschooling in South Carolina.   You would still need to join the association, keep the required records, etc.

Answer 3

Here are the laws:

http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?St...

Here are some organizations in your state:

http://www.schomeeducatorsassociation.or...

http://www.scaihs.org/

If there's not a local group in your area, here's some info on starting a group of your own:

http://www.successful-homeschooling.com/...

Hope that helps!