Homeschooling in South Carolina (public schools, university, living)

[ArcticPhoenix]

Well, my wife and I are looking around to see where we want to relocate to, and as I've said in the past, I'd really love to move to South Carolina. Problem is, from what I read, the laws are pretty harsh and unfair when it comes to homeschooling. The government is pretty intent on sticking its nose into other peoples' affairs there, from what I've read, and I just wanted to know if it really is all that bad.

So, if you homeschool, what all do you have to do to be able to homeschool? How difficult is it? My wife has a B.A. in Bible and Elementary Education, and wants to homeschool our children.

So, help?

[GJBenn85]

I was home schooled through high school because of living between two states, South Carolina and Arizona. I heard some of the same stories regarding the law butting their nose into peoples' business.

There is an organization in South Carolina called SCAIHS, South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools. It is a good idea to become a member if you are home schooling in South Carolina, they are constantly battling state laws and intrusions, and have in the past helped represent those that did have South Carolina officials after them. Being a member of SCAIHS and following their guidelines is one of three ways you can legally home school in SC.

Despite being home schooled, my program was through a respected University. I am not a fan of parent structured home schooling, and a program through an actual school is less likely to create legal problems down the road considering the curriculum, documentation, etc. Downside, of course, is the cost but it was better than any education I had had to date, including public schools in Arizona that were considered very good.

And curiously, you live in Washington. Other than weather, what on earth would make you want to relocate to South Carolina? Everyday I am thinking of how to move back West.

[usc_gal98]

Originally Posted by ArcticPhoenix

Well, my wife and I are looking around to see where we want to relocate to, and as I've said in the past, I'd really love to move to South Carolina. Problem is, from what I read, the laws are pretty harsh and unfair when it comes to homeschooling. The government is pretty intent on sticking its nose into other peoples' affairs there, from what I've read, and I just wanted to know if it really is all that bad.

So, if you homeschool, what all do you have to do to be able to homeschool? How difficult is it? My wife has a B.A. in Bible and Elementary Education, and wants to homeschool our children.

So, help?

In my county, you have to call the school's district office and tell them that you want to homeschool. They ask you a few questions and send you out a packet and you have to go from there.

My younger brother was homeschooled last year due to issues with alternative school. He will go to regular school this year.

I also have christian friends who homeschool and say that it was not a huge issue for them. I think the paperwork was the worst part of it all.

Good luck!

[timelesschild]

We have homeschooled for many years. Last year we considered moving to South Carolina, and checked into the homeschooling laws. I met local homeschoolers, and it does seem that joining a group is almost a necessity.

I'm not big on groups, because we have been doing our own thing for years, developing our own curriculum, with fantastic results. To be honest, if a state wanted to check my work, or test my kids, they would be impressed. Nonetheless, I would rather be less hassled and attend to my own business.

Good luck with your decision! South Carolina is beautiful, isn't it?

[usc_gal98]

That particular group charges a fee, correct?

[GJBenn85]

Originally Posted by usc_gal98

That particular group charges a fee, correct?

SCAIHS? Yes, but it isn't much in the grand scheme of things.

SCAIHS does not, or at least did not require when I was a member, group meetings. You just have to follow guidelines regarding number of "school" days, curriculum, documentation, etc.

[timelesschild]

Originally Posted by usc_gal98

That particular group charges a fee, correct?

Sorry, I don't remember about the fee. I'm sure they do - it could hardly be self-sustaining without some sort of fee structure.

[atlmom]

We currently live in Georgia, and hope to be moving to Hilton Head, SC next year. We homeschool here using GVA (Georgia Virtual Academy), and there is now a virtual academy in SC. They use K12 curriculum and follow the public school guidelines...another option you might want to look into.

[albion]

Is creationism taught in SC schools, I hope not.

[ArcticPhoenix]

Originally Posted by albion

Is creationism taught in SC schools, I hope not.

I don't think creationism is allowed to be taught in any public schools, since that would be teaching religion.