How South Carolina Families Can Enroll at Enlightium Academy
Enlightium Academy is an approved private Christian school that is accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Enlightium has served co-op schools, online students, and homeschooled K-12 students since 2003. As K-12 education policies are different in each state, it is a parental responsibility to check on their state’s homeschool requirements and fulfill them as applicable. To assist parents with this process, Enlightium provides basic information about each state’s requirements. Parents are also encouraged to review their state’s requirements at hslda.org/legal and/or the South Carolina Department of Education, as educational policies are subject to change over time.
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states and Washington D.C.; however, with the freedom to educational opportunities comes a responsibility to understand and fulfill legal requirements. This can be worrisome, but you’re not alone in this endeavor. Enlightium Academy is here to help!
Please note that the resources below serve as a starting point for your family; it is important that you research South Carolina homeschooling requirements.
South Carolina’s Homeschooling Laws at a Glance
|
Homeschooling Options |
Option 3: Homeschooling with a homeschool association |
|
State Educational Funds |
Yes |
|
Does the Parent Need to Notify the State? |
No |
|
Academic Calendar Requirement |
Yes |
|
Reporting Age Requirement |
5 |
|
Instructor Qualifications |
Yes |
|
Required Subjects |
Yes |
|
Standardized Assessment |
No |
|
Immunization Requirement |
Yes, with exemptions |
|
Keep a Portfolio |
Yes |
|
Enlightium Parents App with Group for South Carolina Families |
Yes |
Homeschooling Options
There are three homeschooling options in South Carolina. Families with students enrolled at Enlightium Academy may be able to choose Option 3: Homeschooling with a homeschool association. Partnering with Enlightium Academy will allow you to meet this option’s requirements. Under the association South Carolina Department of Education requires the following:
- At least 50 member families. Enlightium Academy has served thousands of students In the U.S. and around the world each year since 2003.
- Be in compliance with the association’s requirements. Enlightium Academy’s Family Handbook meets and exceeds this requirement.
- Homeschool students must be reported to their respective school districts each year. Enlightium Academy will fulfill this requirement.
The below guidelines are based on option 3.
State Educational Funds
The state of South Carolina offers qualifying families $6,000 per student to spend on qualifying education expenses, including (but not limited to) private school tuition, tutoring, fees for national norm-referenced tests, unbundled courses, and up to $750 for associated transportation services.
Families enrolled at Enlightium Academy may be able to use these funds to cover some or all of their tuition:
- Students in grades 3-12 can enroll in the Sapphire Live package, where they receive synchronous instruction from Enlightium teachers and fellow students in Zoom sessions.
- Students in grades 3-12 can enroll in the Gold or Diamond package and receive quick responses via direct messaging from their teachers, phone support, screen sharing, and more!
- Students in grades PreK-8 can enroll in the book-based BJU Press option that offers a parent-led, video-based curriculum.
Learn more about South Carolina’s state education funds here.
Age Requirement
Ages four or younger:
Students are not required to attend school but can enroll in primary school at Enlightium Academy to have a head start and be ready for Kindergarten.
Aged five on or before September 1:
They must attend school during that academic year; this includes homeschooling with Enlightium Academy. Students must continue their education at a school of their parent’s choice until they graduate or turn 17 years old.
Academic Calendar
The South Carolina Department of Education requires homeschooled students to receive instruction for at least 180 days each school year.
Enlightium’s school calendar has 180 school days (around 210 days with summer school). Additionally, students have access to the courses 24/7 for most days of the school year, including weekends and holidays.
Immunization Requirement
Immunization is required in the state of South Carolina; therefore, parents are required to keep their children’s immunization records or exemptions for medical or religious reasons. Enlightium Academy does not require student immunization, as we serve homeschooled students. The South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption may only be obtained at a county public health department.
Instructor Qualifications
The South Carolina Department of Education requires the parent/guardian/teacher to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
As a part of Enlightium Academy’s dual accreditation, Enlightium teachers are state and/or ACSI certified. A number of our faculty members have Masters and Doctorate degrees in their fields.
Students in the Homeschool Program (grades PreK-8) use book-based Christian curricula from AOP and BJU Press, while students in the Online Program (grades 3-12) use the digital Christian curriculum, "Ignitia". Finally, students in the Sapphire Live program (grades 3-12) use a collection of the best curriculum options on the market. Each curriculum includes Bible, English, math, science, social studies, and electives courses. Click here to learn about the curriculum used at Enlightium Academy and to find the curriculum option that works best for your family.
Required Subjects
The South Carolina Department of Education requires the following subjects:
The above subjects are core courses at Enlightium Academy and should be assigned by your student’s counselor.
Standardized Assessment
The South Carolina Department of Education does not require a standardized test for homeschooled students under Option 3. However, Enlightium provides multiple assessment options to help you see how your student is progressing per a given grade level:
- Grades PreK-2: IXL diagnostic assessments; you can also opt out of an assessment
- Grades 3-8: IXL diagnostic assessments or Iowa Complete Annual Assessment; you can also opt out of an assessment
- Grades 9-12: Guidance for college-preparatory assessments such as the PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT
Keep a Portfolio
Under Option 3, you will need to keep a record of the following:
- A record of subjects taught - Enlightium sends report cards/transcripts after each quarter, which should fulfill this requirement.
- Social Activities - Enlightium holds social events and competitions throughout the school year, such as art competitions and spelling bees.
- Samples of the student’s work - Enlightium provides its families with scope and sequences and course samples. You can also take screenshots of the curriculum throughout the year.
- Attendance records and progress reports - Enlightium provides your family with weekly progress reports. You can screenshot the details in these emails to show attendance.
You may need to provide your state with additional information, so keep a digital record every year you are enrolled at Enlightium Academy and include the following:
- Academic plans - Enlightium Academy counselors provide them during the registration process - primary school (PreK-2), elementary School (3-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12).
- Test scores - This can include occasional screenshots of test scores and/or standardized assessment scores.
- Academic Awards - Enlightium provides qualifying students with certificates for Honor Roll, Scholar’s List, Dean’s List, and the Presidential Award.
Enlightium Parents App with Group for South Carolina Families
Enlightium Academy has an app and desktop platform for families of currently enrolled students. Within this app is a group just for families living in South Carolina to inform and support each other in fulfilling your state’s homeschooling requirements.
Your family will be automatically added to this group upon enrolling at Enlightium and downloading the Enlightium Parents app (which is provided upon enrollment).
Ready to Enroll at Enlightium Academy?
- Explore Enlightium Academy’s website or watch this video about online homeschooling.
- If you have any questions:
- Chat with a team member
- Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Call (866) 488-4818 option 2
- Ready to enroll? Click here to start the enrollment process, and select the blue button near the top of the page.
Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher-supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (866) 488-4818, or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.
We review state requirements and regulations annually; however, each state may update its guidelines more frequently. If you have additional questions, please contact your state board of education.
Sources reviewed in August 2023:
