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) and has served homeschool, online, and co-op school students in K-12 since 2003. In general, state institutions recognize Enlightium Academy as an out-of-state private school that allows students to transfer in or transfer out to public and private schools. Enlightium Academy provides our families with standard information about their state’s requirements, and parents are 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. With this freedom 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.

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Homeschooling Options

There are three homeschooling options in South Carolina. Families with students enrolled at Enlightium Academy should choose Option 2: Enroll in a homeschool association with at least 50 members (a “50-Member Group”). Enrolling at Enlightium Academy will allow you to meet this option’s requirements. 

Under Option 2, the South Carolina Department of Education requires the association to have at least 50 member families. Enlightium Academy has served thousands of students in the U.S. and around the world each year since 2003.

The guidelines below are based on option 2.

As you review your state’s homeschooling requirements, please keep in mind that Enlightium Academy holds dual accreditation from Cognia and ACSI. This enables us to serve students in all 50 states, providing an accredited education that leads to a high school diploma recognized nationwide. 

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South Carolina’s Laws at a Glance

Homeschooling Options = Option 2: Enroll in a homeschool association with at least 50 members

State Educational Funds = No

Parent Notifies State = No, Enlightium notifies the respective school district

Academic Calendar Requirement = Yes

Age Requirement = 5-17

Instructor Qualifications = Yes

Required Subjects = Yes

Standardized Assessment = Not Required by the State

Immunization Requirement = No

Keep a Portfolio = Yes

Enlightium Parents App with Group for South Carolina Families = Yes

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Enlightium Academy Notifies the State

Enlightium Academy will notify the respective school districts by January 30th of each year, providing the number and grade level of children enrolled at Enlightium Academy. 

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State Educational Funds

No state educational funds are available for Enlightium families at this time.

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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.

Ages five to 17:

They must attend school during that academic year; this includes enrolling at Enlightium Academy. Students must continue their education at a school of their parents’ choice until they graduate or turn 17 years old.

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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.

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Immunization Requirement

Immunization is not required in the state of South Carolina, but you should have your exemptions or immunizations documented and on file. 

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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 Master's and Doctorate degrees in their fields. 

Students in the Book-Based Program use book-based Christian curricula from AOP or BJU Press, while students in the Online Program use a digital Christian curriculum. Finally, students in the Sapphire Live program use a collection of the best curriculum options on the market. Each curriculum includes Bible, English, math, science, social studies, and elective courses. Click here to learn about the curriculum used at Enlightium Academy and to find the curriculum option that works best for your family.

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Required Subjects

The South Carolina Department of Education requires the following subjects for all grade levels:

• Reading/Writing
• Math
• Social Studies
• Science

Additionally, students in grades 7-12 are required to take the following subjects:

• Composition
• Literature

The above subjects are core courses at Enlightium Academy and should be assigned by your student’s counselor.

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Standardized Assessment

The South Carolina Department of Education does not require a standardized test for homeschooled students under Option 2. However, Enlightium Academy requires students to take an annual assessment to keep track of how students are progressing. Enlightium provides the following options per grade level:

• Grades PreK-8: IXL diagnostic assessments or Iowa Complete Annual Assessment. We recommend the IXL diagnostic assessment, as it provides more flexibility in scheduling and does not have an additional fee.
• Grades 9-12: Guidance for college-preparatory assessments such as the PSAT, SAT, and/or ACT

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Keep a Portfolio

Under Option 2, 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 involvement in the Student Council.
• 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.

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Enlightium Parents App with Group for South Carolina Families

Enlightium Academy has an app and a 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 requirements. Your family will be provided a link to download the app after enrolling.

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Ready to Enroll at Enlightium Academy?

1. Explore Enlightium Academy’s website
2. If you have any questions:
   
   1. Chat with a team member
   2. Email consultants@enlightiumacademy.com
   3. Call (866) 488-4818 option 2
3. Ready to enroll? Click here to start the enrollment process, and select the “Enroll Now” button.

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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 (509) 319-2288 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.

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Sources reviewed in March 2025:

• https://hslda.org/legal

• https://ed.sc.gov/districts-schools/state-accountability/home-schooling/
• https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t59c065.php