Can you homeschool without a degree in South Carolina?

Parents generally must have at least a high school diploma or GED. Under Option 1, the statute also contains older qualification language tied to a basic skills exam or a baccalaureate degree, but HSLDA says the basic skills exam was struck down by the South Carolina Supreme Court.

Homeschooling is legal in South Carolina, but families must choose one of the state's three recognized homeschool options and follow that option's rules.

Moderate. Families can choose curriculum, but each lawful option must at least cover the required subjects, and Option 1 carries the most oversight.

1. 1Check South Carolina's notice rule: It depends on the option. Option 1 requires approval from the local district board of trustees. Options 2 and 3 work through SCAIHS or a qualifying homeschool association rather than a simple statewide notice form.
2. 2Calendar the deadline: The available sources do not show one single statewide filing deadline for every option. For sports under the equal-access law, written notice to the district superintendent must be given before the season begins.
3. 3Build around required subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, composition for grades 7-12, literature for grades 7-12
4. 4Keep records that match the state summary: Recordkeeping depends on the option. Option 1 requires a plan book or diary of subjects and activities, a portfolio of student work, a record of academic progress assessments, and semiannual progress reports with attendance and individualized assessments. Option 3 requires educational records that include similar materials. Even when not clearly required in the same way under Option 2, families should keep attendance, work samples, course records, and high school transcripts.
5. 5Plan for testing or evaluation if required: It depends on the option. Option 1 requires participation in the annual statewide testing program and the Basic Skills Assessment Program. The available sources do not identify a general statewide testing requirement for Options 2 and 3.
6. 6Use official source links before making a filing or deadline decision.