New Homeschooler Info

Homeschooling in South Carolina has never before had so many options at its disposal!  Below are some definitions to some of the terms in use today.  None of this page constitutes legal advise. When in doubt, you should always consult with an attorney specializing in homeschool law.  Happy Reading!!

Title 59 Chapter 65 Section 40 Option 1.  This option usually involves your involvement with the district’s homeschool coordinator usually 2-3 times a year. You are still allowed to decide upon your own homeschool materials including the school’s textbooks (but not reimbursed for materials) and are still allowed to set your own calendar and schedule as long as you complete the 180 days and the 4 ½ hours a day requirement.  The new virtual charter school district recently created in South Carolina is not under Option 1.  Testing is under state control and follows the normal public school calendar though you do have the option to pay for a school official to perform private testing in your home.  There is no fee for using Option 1 other than private testing.

Title 59 Chapter 65 Section 45 Option 2 or SCAIHS.  SCAIHS is the only homeschool association mentioned by name in the 50 states.  There is a fee. Please click on their name to go to their website and review their requirements. 

Title 59 Chapter 65 Section 47 Option 3.  Even though all the options are technically accountability groups, this is the option most are referring to when using the term “accountability” groups.  The choices here range wide.  Some offer tons of services including transcripts and curriculum help while others offer only the basics required by law.  The fees also range from one extreme to the other.  These are not to be confused with support groups.  Some do offer support but accountability groups are a legal option under SC Law.  Click here for a list.

Support groups are another term you will encounter in South Carolina.  They are not accountability groups and will not fulfill the legal requirements.  They simply offer you a group of like-minded people with opportunities to participate in field trips, social activities and academic classes.  Support groups are as varied as wild flowers and many homeschoolers belong to several. Many have statements of faith, codes of conducts, by-laws, inclusive membership, restricted membership and many crosses between. 

Virtual School or Virtual Charter School District – This term refers to the new option in South Carolina PUBLIC schools and is rather misused at this point.  This term is actually referring to a new public school district created virtually under the auspices of the Charter school laws and has a few schools in it's virtual school district.  The new PUBLIC SCHOOL district is technically called the South Carolina Public Charter School District or the SCPCSD.  It is not a homeschool option as in other states.  Virtual  charter school members will be provided an online curriculum that is funded by the State Dept of Education.   The school calendar is set by the virtual charter school district and falls under the laws pertaining to public education - charter school. Virtual charter school is conducted online at home under the auspices of a state-certified teacher.  At this time, participation is limited by lottery much as the magnet schools and brick and mortar charter schools are.  There is no fee.  Students are enrolled as public school students and fall under public school management.  Their school district is officially South Carolina Public Charter School District.  This is not to be confused with the online virtual school program - SCVSP - discussed below.  The link on the State Dept of Education labeled virtual school will not take you to the Virtual Charter School District site.  It links you to the program under Online schools which is not what this is.  For information about the Virtual Charter School, go to the State Dept of Education, click on  the button on the right titled "School Directory",  and click on Charter School.  Scroll through the list and click on "List of Charter Schools".  Please click on the Charter List 2008-2009 Composite.  A list of all charter schools in South Carolina will pop up.  Scroll through the list looking under the district column for SCPCSD.  Those charter schools with that abbreviation are providing at home public school instruction.  Despite the names, they are public charter schools and do not qualify as a homeschool option and should not be confused with online or other virtual school programs.

Umbrella Schools – South Carolina does not have umbrella schools.

Online School/Long Distance Education – These terms refer to an old method in use by homeschools, public schools, and private schools.  Online education normally refers to an internet program of some sort.  Some examples are Texas University, Keystone High School, Stanford University Gifted program, etc.   Any of these options are tools that can be used by homeschoolers under Option 1, 2, or 3.  The difference between these options and Virtual Charter School under the SCPCSD listed two paragraphs above is that students are not enrolled as a public school student and are not under the control of the SC State Dept of Education.  And the program is funded by you.  Also, there is a little known “online school” titled South Carolina Virutal School PROGRAM  initialed SCVSP  through the State Dept of Ed.  Under this program, 9-12th  grade homeschool, private school or public school students can take up to 3 online classes. Fess are involved and restrictions do apply.  Again, the difference is simply you are not enrolled as a public school student under this option.