If you are not the parent of the child, you must have court-appointed custody to be the primary instructor.  Even if the child is claimed on your taxes and carried on your insurance, custody through the courts is required.  You may, however, assist the mother or father by providing up to 49% of the instruction.

What are the differences between SCAIHS and the third option groups?

All of the accountability groups must follow certain state requirements (see SC State Law).  After those requirements are met, the policies and services vary according to the individual group.  SCAIHS is the oldest, most recognized association in the state.  We offer a highly qualified staff available from 9:30-5:00 daily, curriculum counseling, official transcripts, diplomas, and a Special Needs program, most of which may not be offered by other associations.  For more information on our services, please see Advantages of membership and/or request an information packet.

I notice a scripture reference on some of your materials.  Are you affiliated with a church or other religious group? 

No, we are not affiliated with a church or religious group.  Membership is open to all faiths, but we do adhere to Christian principles.  Our purpose is to assist all of our members in providing a quality education for their students.  

What do my fees cover?

We maintain a staff of nineteen highly qualified counselors and office personnel to assist you throughout the school year.  We provide curriculum counseling, reporting systems, permanent records, guidance counselor services, a resource room, workshops and seminars, informative newsletters and e-mail updates, graduation ceremony, and personal concern for our member families.  We keep in touch with our members via phone, postal service, and e-mail; our office is open on a year-round basis.

I ran across your web site and am interested in your curriculum counseling, accountability methods, transcripts, and diploma possibilities.  However, we do not live in South Carolina.  Can I still use your services?

Yes, you can be a full member of SCAIHS.  You should, however, research to see if further registration is necessary to fulfill the requirements of the state or country in which you reside. 

My student is falling behind in school and I believe that a year of one-on-one instruction would bring him back to the appropriate grade level.  Can I home school just one year?

Yes, it is possible to home school for just one year.  (Studies show that most students flourish more each year that they home school.)  If you do plan to return to a traditional school setting, check to see that the school will accept the credits earned through home schooling.

Will my student still take the PACT Test and/or Exit Exam?

No.  We do require a standardized test each year in grades 3-12, but the testing is done privately instead of through the public school system.

I have been told that it is very expensive to home school.  How expensive is it?

Besides our fees (which are detailed in our application), you will need to purchase your curriculum and pay fees associated with the annual standardized testing.  The curriculum cost will vary according to the grade level and the additional resources you require or desire to purchase.  Consider the cost of clothing, lunches, transportation, activity fees, etc. associated with the public school, and you will probably find that there is not a great difference in overall cost.

I really feel that my student would benefit from one-on-one instruction at home, but I only have a high school diploma.   I would never be able to teach the higher math courses, science labs, etc.    How would I handle this situation?