South Carolina vs Virginia: Homeschool Laws Compared
Side-by-side comparison of homeschool regulations. See what changes if you're moving between these states.
At a Glance
| Requirement | South Carolina | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation level | Moderate regulation | Moderate regulation |
| Notification | Required — homeschool association with at least 50 members | Required — superintendent of the local school division by August 15 annually; within 30 days if moving into a new school division mid-year |
| Testing | Not required | Required (composite score in or above the fourth stanine on any nationally normed standardized achievement test) |
| Required subjects | 5 subjects | None specified |
| Instructional time | 180 days/yr | No requirement |
| Instructor qualification | a high school diploma or GED | a high school diploma or GED |
| Recordkeeping | attendance, portfolio | None required |
| Annual renewal | Required | Required by August 15 |
Moving Between These States
Moving from South Carolina to Virginia
Grace period: As soon as practicable notice + 30 days to comply (Va. Code §22.1-254.1(C))
What changes:
- ~Notification: South Carolina (Required — homeschool association with at least 50 members) → Virginia (Required — superintendent of the local school division by August 15 annually; within 30 days if moving into a new school division mid-year)
- +Virginia requires testing (Required (composite score in or above the fourth stanine on any nationally normed standardized achievement test)). South Carolina does not
- -Good news: Virginia has no required subjects requirement
- -Good news: Virginia has no instructional time requirement
- -Good news: Virginia has no recordkeeping requirement
Transition checklist
Before you leave South Carolina:
- ▢Withdrawal letter recommended (but not legally required) in South Carolina
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
When you arrive in Virginia:
- ▢Notify superintendent 'as soon as practicable' after moving in. Comply fully within 30 days of notice. Include curriculum description and qualification evidence.
Within 30 days of starting:
- ▢File within 30 days of starting (Va. Code §22.1-254.1(C))
- ▢Children under age 6 as of September 30 are exempt from the annual assessment requirement. Standard (existing families) deadline is August 15.
Moving from Virginia to South Carolina
What changes:
- ~Notification: Virginia (Required — superintendent of the local school division by August 15 annually; within 30 days if moving into a new school division mid-year) → South Carolina (Required — homeschool association with at least 50 members)
- -Good news: South Carolina has no testing requirement
- +South Carolina requires required subjects (5 subjects). Virginia does not
- +South Carolina requires instructional time (180 days/yr). Virginia does not
- +South Carolina requires recordkeeping (attendance, portfolio). Virginia does not
Transition checklist
Before you leave Virginia:
- ▢No formal withdrawal required in Virginia
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Complete any pending assessments before you leave
When you arrive in South Carolina:
- ▢File notification with homeschool association with at least 50 members
Military families
Neither South Carolina nor Virginia has military-specific homeschool provisions. MIC3 (Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children) does not apply to homeschoolers — it covers public schools only. Your School Liaison Officer can help with the transition.
Planning a move?
Enter your move date to get a timeline with specific deadlines.
Common questions
What are the differences between homeschooling in South Carolina and Virginia?
South Carolina and Virginia have different homeschool regulations covering notification requirements, testing, required subjects, instructor qualifications, and recordkeeping. See the comparison table above for the exact differences.
What do I need to do to move my homeschool from South Carolina to Virginia?
When moving from South Carolina to Virginia, you must comply with Virginia's homeschool laws from scratch. See the transition checklist above for step-by-step guidance.
Data sourced from state statutes and administrative codes. Comparison based on default homeschool pathway for each state. This is compliance guidance, not legal advice. Terms · How we verify