My sister’s oldest son is having problems in public school. She has to work and asked if I would home school her son. Is this possible?
It is possible to home school your sister’s son if you obtain legal guardianship. Writing a statement that you and your sister would sign is not enough. To do this legally, you will have to contact a lawyer. The office of PIE requires a copy of guardianship documentation to be maintained in the members file located at the office of PIE.
Are we required to join Home School Legal Defense Association?
No, you are not required by law to join HSLDA. We do recommend joining HSLDA for a couple of reasons. 1.) They provide professional legal representation for home schools. 2.) They work to protect and advance our rights to home school.
My daughter turns six years old on September 14th. Who do I notify that she will not be going to school this year?
A parent or guardian whose child turns six years old after September 1st of a particular school year may choose to not send their child to kindergarten. The parent will have to sign a written document provided by the school district in which the parent resides. According to the Department of Education, the office of PIE is not authorized to provide this document.
Does Home School Legal Defense provide legal services to Palmetto Independent Educators?
No, Home School Legal Defense Association provides legal services to its members. Palmetto Independent Educators is registered with HSLDA through their group discount program. Members of PIE who want to join HSLDA for their services are eligible for a discount. Contact the office of PIE or visit the Member Center to obtain our group discount number.
Do I have to join a group or an organization?
Yes, you have three legal options that are available to home school by;
1st option: Establish and operate a home school as approved by your local school district.
2nd option: Establish and operate a home school under the membership auspices of South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS).
3rd option: Establish and operate a home school under the membership auspices of an association for home schools with no fewer than fifty members.
How many days a year are we required to home school?
A minimum of 180 days per year are required. The office of PIE recommends the following in order to avoid any confusion concerning the compulsory attendance laws.
Students Enrolled In Public School: Do not remove your student from the public school to a home school setting until you have completed all the necessary steps for transferring the student. Make contact with the option of your choice to find out the necessary steps if you are not sure. You will ultimately combine public school days with home school days to achieve 180 days.
Students Not Enrolled In Public School: You should have your child enrolled in your home school before the start up of the public school year, each year.
Which subjects am I required to teach?
Reading, writing, math, science, and social studies; also composition and literature in grades 7-12.
Are there any requirements that need to be met before the parent can teach?
Yes, the parent/teacher is required to have a high school diploma or a G.E.D.
Are we required to test each year?
Under your local school district (first option), you are required to participate in the annual statewide testing program and the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT). Under SCAIHS (second option), testing is required according to their guidelines. Under the 3rd option you are not required to test. However, the office of PIE arranges opportunities for members to test using the Stanford 10. The 2nd and 3rd option home schoolers will not have access to the PACT, which is a test for public school students. 1st option home schools are required to take the PACT because they are registered under the district.