How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in South Carolina

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what South Carolina requires to start

   South Carolina requires approval under option one and membership (registration) under options two and three. Option one needs approval from the district board of trustees after an application process the board sets (59-65-40). Option two is membership in the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (59-65-45), and option three is membership in a home school association with at least fifty members (59-65-47); the state education department says it does not monitor homeschooling or endorse any association.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The statute does not say how to leave a public school, and it sets no separate withdrawal form, exit meeting or waiting period. Associations report member numbers and grade levels to districts by January 30. The state is silent on mid-year starts, and it is common courtesy to tell the school in writing.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   No filing deadline appears in the statute. Under option one the board notifies the parent of the date, place and time of the meeting where the application is considered (59-65-40(B)). A denial by the board can be appealed to the State Board of Education within ten days.

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   The state education department FAQ says the parent keeps home school records such as transcripts, grades, lesson plans and attendance, but it does not describe a right to school records on withdrawal. Federal FERPA gives a parent the right to inspect and request a copy of the child's education records.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   Not found in primary sources: the South Carolina home schooling statute and FAQ do not address IEP or 504 plans on withdrawal. Federal rule 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) lets a parent revoke consent to special education services in writing, after which the district gives prior written notice and stops the services.

   Less certain: the sources on this were thin or in conflict. Confirm with the state office before relying on it.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for South Carolina: it goes to your child's current school to withdraw, and the state filing described above is a separate step. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The principal of my child's current school [name and address]

Re: Withdrawal from school and home education, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Please accept this letter as notice that I am withdrawing my child from [name of current school], effective [start date]. I will be providing a home education program under S.C. Code Ann. 59-65-40, 59-65-45, 59-65-47.

I will be homeschooling under the South Carolina home school option I have chosen (S.C. Code Ann. 59-65-40, 59-65-45 or 59-65-47).

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in South Carolina

South Carolina Department of Education, Home Schooling, last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions