Source: http://chelc.org/about/homeschooling-information/
Timestamp: 2019-08-17 18:07:37
Document Index: 170779350

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 59', '§ 59', '§ 59', '§ 59', '§ 59', '§ 59', '§ 59', '§ 59', '§ 59', '§ 59', '§ 59', '§ 59']

Homeschooling Information – CHELC
SC State Laws Regarding Homeschooling:
There are three options for homeschooling in South Carolina.
Compulsory Attendance Ages: “five years of age before September first until . . . seventeenth birthday or” graduation from high school. Any parents whose child is “not six years of age on or before the first day of September of a particular school year may elect for their child” not to attend kindergarten, and then must sign a written document with the school district. S.C. Code § 59-65-10.
Required Days of Instruction: 180 days. S.C. Code § 59-65-40(A)/ § 59-65-45/ § 59-65-47
Required Subjects: Reading, writing, math, science, and social studies; (grades 7-12) composition and literature. S.C. Code § 59-65-40(A)/ § 59-65-45/ § 59-65-47
Option 1. S.C. Code § 59-65-40. Parents “may teach their children at home if the instruction is approved by the district board of trustees.” The boards “shall approve” (they have no discretion) if:
the parent has either: (a) at least a high school diploma or GED (The basic skills exam was struck down by the South Carolina Supreme Court. See below.); (b) or earned a baccalaureate degree;
the parent presents a system of maintaining records as evidence of regular instruction including: a) a plan book or other record of subjects taught and activities, b) a portfolio of the child’s work, and a record of academic evaluation, with a semiannual progress report to be submitted to the school district;
and the parents release the district from liability regarding their child’s education.
Option 2. Or parents may teach their children at home by becoming members of the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS) under S.C. Code § 59-65-45 (effective April 8, 1992). “In lieu of the requirements of § 59-65-40, parents or guardians may teach their children at home if the instruction is conducted under the auspices of the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools. Bona fide membership and continuing compliance with the academic standards of South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools exempts the home school from the further requirements of § 59-65-40.” Under this option parents or guardians must meet the following requirements:
Option 3. Or parents may teach their children at home by becoming members of an association from home schools which has no fewer than fifty members under S.C. Code § 59-65-47 (effective June 20, 1996). “In lieu of the requirements of Section 59-65-40 or Section 59-65-45, parents or guardians may teach their children at home if the instruction is conducted under the auspices of an association for home schools which has no fewer than fifty members and meets the requirements of this section. Bona fide membership and continuing compliance with the academic standards of the associations exempts the home school from the further requirements of Section 59-65-40 or Section 59-65-45.” Under this option parents or guardians must meet the following requirements:
– a plan book or other record of subjects taught and activities;
– a portfolio of the child’s work; and
– a semiannual progress report.
For additional information or to learn your rights, please visit HSLDA’s Website at: http://www.hslda.org