Choosing among homeschool accountability options is not as hard as it seems. You need to choose one, just one. Many new homeschoolers ask a friend who is homeschooling and go with that–follow the leader style. Or maybe you don’t know anyone–so you’re gonna just throw a dart at one and hope that’s a good fit for you.
Before you throw that dart, here’s some help to point you toward the option that’s a good fit for you.
There’s basically 2 paths (I know the law says three, but it’s really just 2).
The path less traveled is the school district where you are zoned to attend. That’s covered Option 1 outlined in SC Code of Laws 59-65-40. You can contact that school district and register as a homeschooler.
- You fill out the application
- The school board of trustees approves your application
- The appointed school officials review your lesson plans and portfolio samples twice a year
- Your students take standardized tests at the school in the spring.
It’s not a difficult process and it is free. But, many homeschoolers find that the school district’s oversight does not provide them sufficient support or imposes additional policies. Some school districts and officials are more homeschool-friendly than others. Check with your district contact person to get a feel for their work-ability.
The path most traveled an accountability association. That’s covered under Option 2 and Option 3 outlined in SC Code of Laws 59-65-45 and 59-65-47. Each association has at least 50 students and offers basic oversight. Each association can add on more support services and determines the amount of paperwork they require.
- You fill out the association’s application
- Association provides documentation for approved members. If your student was enrolled in school, you might be asked to show this document as proof that the student is officially enrolled elsewhere.
- In January, the Association reports attendance numbers to the districts where members are zoned. Individual homeschoolers do not need to contact the school district.
- Fill out the end of year paperwork and reports as required by the association.
The vast majority of homeschoolers in South Carolina choose an association. Most association directors are veteran homeschoolers and they all care about their members. Many associations offer additional services such as transcript preparation, curriculum counseling, or testing opportunities.
The Department of Education does not approve or endorse your homeschool program. Homeschool high schoolers are not issued a state diploma, regardless which of the accountability options you choose.
Everyone has their preferences about their doctor, their grocery store, even their church. It’s a matter of preference. So, find the accountability option that is right for you.
Want to hear an explanation instead? Here’s my tutorial:
See all the Accountability Associations here:
AUCH Unlimited
SC Homeschool Laws
School Choice: Why Homeschool?
How do Unschoolers Document Learning?
About Kim Andrysczyk
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