SC State Homeschool Organization
Carolina Homeschooler provides support and accountability that is required to homeschool in South Carolina.
Christian Homeschoolers Association of South Carolina (CHASC) serves homeschool families in South Carolina by providing the accountability required by law and supporting families throughout their homeschool journey.
Grace Association of Private Schools (GAPS) was established in 1990 to coordinate and establish academic standards and to offer an option to homeschool as stated in South Carolina Homeschool Law.
Homeward Education Association (HEA) provides support for families wishing to homeschool through Option 3 in South Carolina Homeschool Law.
South Carolina Home Educators Association (SCHEA) is a statewide organization that strives to monitor legislation to preserve the homeschool rights of families in South Carolina.
The South Carolina Homeschool Accountability Association offers affordable membership for legal accountability for your entire family.
South Carolina Third Option Participants Homeschool Association (SCTOPHA) offers homeschool accountability services under the 3rd option code of South Carolina Homeschool Law.
Up Country Homeschool Association (UHA) was formed as an option 3 homeschool accountability association.
SC Homeschool Law
South Carolina families can choose to homeschool from three different options. Option 1 – Homeschool under the homeschool statute, Option 2 – Homeschool with the South Carolina Association of Independent Homeschools, or Option 3 – Homeschool with a homeschool association. More information can be found at the South Carolina Department of Education or Home School Legal Defense Association.
SC Homeschool Events and Field Trip Destinations
Charles Pickney National Historic Site
Real historic places generate excitement and curiosity about the people who lived there and the events that occurred there. Visitors learn about the natural and cultural features with activities that “bring history to life,” and help students connect social studies, history, geography, and other subjects to their own lives. Students learn and appreciate the value of the nation’s cultural resources.
Excite your students with a change of scenery, and let Cowpens National Battlefield be your classroom. With a wide array of materials to explore the battle and the Revolutionary War, a field trip to the park gives students a chance to form their own intellectual and emotional connections to our shared cultural heritage. History, culture, and the outdoors, plus a Junior Ranger Program.
Slide, swim, and enjoy the summer at Discovery Island Waterpark’s thrilling water slides, delicious concessions, and water attractions by the pool. Discovery Island at Southside Park (Simpsonville) has something for everyone to do under the summer sun.
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park preserves significant cultural and historical resources. Homeschool groups can take advantage of many opportunities to learn about our nation’s history and field trips.
Homeschools may be granted fee waivers based on the course of study following the park’s procedures, as long as you meet your state’s requirements for homeschools; a copy of a homeschool verification record from your state department of education is required.
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park is comprised of two main sites: Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor and Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island.
Kings Mountain National Military Park
Field trips are a great chance for students to learn about the history at Kings Mountain. The park offers a wide array of materials to explore the Battle of Kings Mountain and the Revolutionary War. You and your homeschool students will have the opportunity to learn about the experiences of some of the groups of people involved.
The park has also created educational videos, found under Learn About the Park/Education.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Take in the plants and trees that have been growing on the 66-acre property since the 1840s in romantic-style gardens.
Explore 6 miles of walking and biking trails. Walk the 1.2-mile loop around the tidal impoundment, a serene and undeveloped portion of the Ashley River. Stroll the bamboo garden and historic river walk. Don’t miss the Wildlife Center, home to many native species and rescued animals. Garden admission also gives you access to the Tropical Conservatory and the guided “From Slavery to Freedom” tour.
South Carolina Botanical Gardens
The South Carolina Botanical Garden offers a variety of school and group programs designed for elementary-age students. Middle and high school programs are available by request. Learning at the Garden is inquiry-based and designed to engage students.
South Carolina Military Museum
Explore a wide variety of subjects ranging from the Revolutionary War to the science involved in jet engines with standards-based, engaging tours and accompanying STEM activities at the Museum or on-site at your location!
Get an up-close look at history through firearms, uniforms, vehicles, and more! Amazing artifacts that form our SC’s military history whether it comes from the backyard or the battlefield. They also have online exhibits.
Multi-dimensional education and outreach programs are designed to expand the museum experience, foster a personal relationship between visitors and the works, and generate critical conversation on the art and culture of Charleston and the Lowcountry.
Offers field trip programs for children of all ages and abilities from team building to group outings, church youth groups to school spirit nights, and everything in between.
They also have summer camp experiences designed to challenge, entertain, and inspire, WBR award-winning summer camp youth programs focus on developing physical, social, and decision-making skills while promoting self-confidence, fitness, and plenty of FUN.
Is homeschooling for you?
The community of homeschool families is diverse. One study reports that 41% of homeschool students are Hispanic, Black, Asian, or other non-White/non-Hispanic groups (2). Homeschoolers come from all faiths – Christians, Jews, Muslims, agnostics, atheists. Teaching parents have a range of formal education, from high school diplomas to graduate degrees, and cover the array of household incomes.
How do you homeschool?
While laws regulating home education vary from state to state, homeschooling IS legal in all 50 states. Many states offer more than one option. One of the first steps in your family’s homeschool journey is to become familiar with the laws in your state. Then the fun begins!
Click on your state below for resources on homeschool regulations, state homeschool organizations, homeschool conventions in your area (here’s why these are amazing for new and experienced homeschool parents), as well as other homeschool perks in your state.
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Disclaimer: Please note that the information on this page is provided for your convenience as a research tool and resource as to where to find the information you need to homeschool in your state. The team at 3 Moms Blog are not attorneys. This content has not been reviewed by an attorney. It is not legal advice.
Brian D. Ray. (2017) A systematic review of the empirical research on selected aspects of homeschooling as a school choice, Journal of School Choice, 11:4, 604-621, accessed April 7, 2023 at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15582159.2017.1395638
US Department of Education. (2019) Homeschooling in the United States: Results from the 2012 and 2016 Parent and Family Involvement Survey (PFINHES: 2012 and 2016). Accessed 4/7/2023 at https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2020/2020001.pdf