Homeschooling is quickly growing in popularity as more parents decide to take on the responsibility of teaching their children out of the traditional classroom setting. If you live in South Carolina and are considering homeschooling your child, there are some things you need to know to get started and ensure your success.
This article will answer all of your questions, from what forms you need to submit to how to assess your child’s progress to what kind of curriculum to use. Understanding what you need to homeschool your child in South Carolina will empower you to make an informed decision about your family’s education.
1. What Forms Do I Need to Submit to Homeschool in South Carolina?
Before you can begin homeschooling your child in South Carolina, you must submit your intent to do so by filing a Notice of Intent with the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). When you are filing your Notice of Intent, you will also need to fill out and submit an accompanying Annual Assessment & Report form that contains a list of requested data, including your child’s name, the address where schooling will take place, and the names of any other students you are homeschooling.
You will also need to include your child’s most recent standardized test scores or a portfolio of samples of your child’s work attesting to your child’s academic progress. In addition, you will have to submit an Assessment Notification each year.
2. How Do I Assess My Child’s Progress?
Homeschooling parents are required to assess their child’s academic progress each school year and submit the results to the SCDE. The assessment must include one or more of the following: -a nationally-normed standardized test-a locally administered, standardized test-a standardized test published by an educational author -a portfolio of samples of the student’s workRegardless of the assessment tool you choose, the results must demonstrate that your child is progressing academically and that the education is “substantially equivalent to the education provided in the public schools.
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3. What Curriculum Should I Use?
The first step towards determining what curriculum you should use to homeschool your child in South Carolina is to consider your academic objectives and the styles of learning that work best for your child. To make sure that your homeschool meets the standards set by the SCDE, consider curriculum from accredited publishers or colleges, bespoke educational software programs, or free online resources. Once you have chosen a curriculum, make sure it is tailored to your child’s individual needs, including remedial help for any issues that your child has with their academic performance.
4. Are Homeschoolers Allowed to Participate in Extracurricular Activities?
Yes, homeschoolers in South Carolina are allowed to participate in extracurricular activities outside the home. Many organizations, such as church sports teams or community arts programs, will welcome homeschooled children with open arms.
Furthermore, homeschoolers are also eligible to participate in sports and activities that take place at public schools. However, parents must bear in mind that each school district may have policies in place that govern the eligibility criteria for extracurricular activities, so parents should check with the pertinent school district before enrolling their child in any activities.
5. Does the State of South Carolina Provide any Financial Support for Homeschoolers?
No, the state of South Carolina does not provide any financial support for homeschoolers. Parents are responsible for all costs associated with homeschooling, including textbooks and materials, extracurricular activities, and tutoring if needed.
6. How Do I Connect with Other Homeschooling Families?
The best way to connect with other homeschooling families in South Carolina is to join a homeschooling support group. These groups offer parents access to resources, advice, and a social network of other experienced homeschooling families in the area. There are many homeschooling support groups available in the state, both online and in-person.
You can also find these groups through local churches or community centers and be sure to look for events hosted by homeschooling organizations or businesses.
7. Are Homeschoolers Eligible to Receive Special Education Services?
Yes, all homeschooled children in South Carolina are eligible to receive special education services through the state’s Department of Education. This program provides free services to qualifying students from kindergarten through the 12th grade.
In order to qualify, the student must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which outlines a plan for the type of services and supports the student will receive. Special education services may include speech and language services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling.
8. Do I Have to Report My Child’s Attendance?
Yes, you must file an attendance report at the start of each school year. Your attendance report should include the number of days your child is enrolled in school and the number of absences they have taken. The attendance reports are not sent to the SCDE but should be kept at the family’s home as proof of enrollment in homeschooling.
9. Are Homeschoolers Eligible for the South Carolina Tuition Tax Credit?
Yes, South Carolina homeschoolers are eligible for the state’s Tuition Tax Credit program. The tax credit covers up to $2,000 in expenses paid towards homeschooling each year. Eligible expenses include tuition and fees, textbooks, materials and supplies, and educational services such as tutoring.
10. What Are the Requirements for Homeschoolers to Receive a High School Diploma?
In South Carolina, homeschoolers who want to receive a high school diploma must meet the same requirements as all other public and private schools in the state. To receive the diploma, the student must earn at least enough credits to meet the graduation requirements locally, including at least 24 credits of course work plus 4 credits of Humanities and 4 credits of Science. The student must also pass the exit exams in English and Mathematics and be recommended for graduation by his or her parent or guardian.
11. Can My Child Attend College After Being Homeschooled?
Yes, homeschooled students can attend college in South Carolina. While some institutions may require the student to submit additional documentation of curriculum or portfolios of work when applying, most accredited colleges and universities in the state will accept applications from homeschooled students. In fact, many colleges even have programs in place that provide extra support for homeschooled students transitioning to college-level academics.
12. Does South Carolina Track Homeschooler Information?
No, the state of South Carolina does not track or maintain any data on homeschoolers. Parents are responsible for filing their Notice of Intent form with the South Carolina Department of Education each year, and the SCDE does not track or monitor any additional information regarding homeschooling.
13. What Are Some Resources to Help Me Start Homeschooling in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers many resources to help parents get started with homeschooling. One of the best sources if information is the South Carolina Home Education Association, which offers an array of links to helpful articles and websites for homeschooling families.
Additionally, each county in South Carolina also maintains a local branch of the The Home School Legal Defense Association, which offers legal assistance and resources related to homeschooling.
14. How Can I Register for Homeschooling with the State?
To register for homeschooling in South Carolina, parents must submit the appropriate Notice of Intent form and documentation to the South Carolina Department of Education. In addition to the Notice of Intent, parents should also include the Annual Assessment & Report and Assessment Notification forms. Once all of the paperwork is filed, parents must also provide an annual assessment and/or portfolio of work to demonstrate that the student is making necessary academic progress.
15. How Can I Make Sure I’m Meeting All of the Requirements for Homeschooling in South Carolina?
To ensure that you are meeting all of the requirements for homeschooling in South Carolina, it is important to stay up-to-date on the current educational laws and regulations. You can check with the South Carolina Department of Education website or your local school board to make sure that you have followed all of the necessary procedures for homeschooling and that you are providing your children with an education comparable to what they would receive in a public school.
Conclusion
Homeschooling your kids comes with a lot of responsibility and dedication, but with the proper knowledge and support, it can provide an incredible and fulfilling experience for you and your family. This article has answered all of your questions about what you need to homeschool your child in South Carolina, from what paperwork you need to file to the curriculum that you should use. Whether you decide to homeschool your child or not, this guide will ensure that you have the information you need to make an informed decision.