Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in South Carolina

This is general guidance based on South Carolina law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in South Carolina. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.

What happens to your child's services

South Carolina treats homeschooled students with disabilities similarly to private school students for special education purposes. Some services (speech, OT, counseling) may be available through your district. The ESTF can also cover therapies from licensed providers. Contact your district's Child Find office to request a screening.

A child withdrawn generally loses IEP services. Districts must provide equitable services to parentally placed private school students, and some services may be available through ISP.

Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

How to access services while homeschooling

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Child Find

Complete Private School and Homeschool Child Find Screening form

How to request: Contact district Child Find office

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

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Equitable services

Districts treat homeschoolers as parentally placed private school students; services may include counseling, OT, PT, speech

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

Dual enrollment

Varies by district and Option

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: Available through district equitable services or ESTF
Occupational therapy:: Available through district equitable services or ESTF
Behavioral therapy:: Available through ESTF from licensed providers

ESTF covers speech, behavioral, and OT from licensed providers. Some Option 3 associations specialize in special needs.

Before you withdraw

We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:

1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
3
File your homeschool notification with the state as required (our wizard will generate this for you).
4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

If you want to re-enroll

Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.

Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.

Who to call

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Education savings available

South Carolina offers Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF). ESA or scholarship programs may help fund private therapies and educational services. Learn about ESA programs

Common questions

Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in South Carolina?

Yes. Parents in South Carolina have the right to withdraw their child from public school regardless of disability status. No IEP team can block your withdrawal. However, the IEP itself typically does not transfer to the home setting. Run our free wizard to see exactly what services are available in South Carolina.

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in South Carolina?

In most cases, the IEP, which is a contract between your family and the school district, ends when you withdraw. However, federal Child Find obligations still apply, meaning the district must evaluate your child if requested. Some states offer additional protections. Use our wizard to see South Carolina's specific provisions.

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Requirements sourced from S.C. Code Sections 59-65-40, 59-65-45, 59-65-47. Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026