From Public School to Homeschool Freedom: 5 Steps to Start Option 3 Homeschooling in South Carolina

(Plus How We Turned Our Cruise into a Learning Experience!)

Are you leaving public school and feeling both excited and overwhelmed by the idea of homeschooling?

You’re not alone.

Many moms in South Carolina are making the switch to Option 3 Homeschooling — This option is favored by many Faith-based homeschooling families due to its flexibility and minimal regulations.

Families are realizing they have so much more freedom to teach in a way that shares their beliefs, as well as fits their child’s interests and everyday life.

After years of feeling boxed in by rigid schedules and online curriculum, I can tell you this: you don’t have to recreate public school at home to do it right.

If you're ready to embrace a more relaxed, real-life homeschool approach, here are 5 simple steps to help you start strong:

Step 1: Join an Option 3 Accountability Association

This is your legal first step in South Carolina. Under Option 3. You must have at least a high school diploma or GED. Enroll in a homeschool accountability group that’s recognized by the state. These associations provide support and help you stay compliant with the law by tracking:

- Your 180 instructional days

- Core subjects taught: reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and composition/literature in grades 7-12. 

- Progress reports

Once you’ve joined one, you’re officially homeschooling! You’ll receive official documentation from your association that can be used when withdrawing from public school.

(Your homeschool card is also good for things like Homeschool Days at the Museum and for Teacher Discounts.

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Step 2: Take Time to Deschool

Before diving into curriculum or planning, give your family space to decompress from the traditional school mindset. This is called “deschooling”. Think of it as a reset button for your child’s natural curiosity. A big mistake new Homeschool moms make is jumping right into curriculum because they may feel pressure to “catch-up” or stay on track. But if you’re child has lost a love for learning, Deschooling will actually SAVE you time in the long run.

Use this time to:

- Go on Field trips

– Explore nature

- Read fun books

– Add Family Devotions

- Play board games

– Get outside more

- Cook together

- Let your child choose what they want to learn about

– Discover your child’s learning style.

A good rule of thumb? About one month of deschooling for every year your child was in public school.

You can start documenting this time as homeschool days. Everything counts as long as they are learning!

(I’m going to show you how to document a family vacation as homeschool days below)

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Step 3: Create a Simple Learning Plan

Don’t stress about fancy curriculum right away. SC law requires you to cover:

- Reading

- Writing

- Math

- Science

- Social Studies

But how you cover them is completely up to you! You can use:

- Library books

- Documentaries

- Field trips

- Conversations

- Life experiences (yes, even vacations!)

If you choose to use a curriculum, think of it as a guide but you don’t have to be locked in.

No Testing Required in SC.

Unlike other options, Option 3 does not mandate standardized testing

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Step 4: Keep Simple Records

You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy portfolio. Just keep:

- A basic plan of instruction or daily journal

- A daily attendance log (180 days)

- Samples of your child’s work (writing, drawings, photos, etc.)

- A simple progress report twice a year for each subject

Binders, folders, or Google Drive all work just fine!

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Step 5: Find Your Village

Homeschooling isn’t meant to be done alone. It doesn’t have to look like 8 hour school days. You can meet up with friends, and create a schedule that follows your child’s interests and enjoy freedom in how your days flow.

How Our 5-Day Cruise Became a Full Homeschool Lesson

We recently took a 5-day family cruise to Cozumel and guess what? We didn’t miss school — we were learning the entire time! While relaxing and making memories, we covered:

-Geography by mapping out the cruise route and learning about the ports

- Science through ocean observations, marine life, and the engineering of cruise ships

- Cultural studies as we explored new destinations, met people from all over the world, and tried new foods

- Math by budgeting onboard expenses and calculating travel distances

- Reading by reading signs, brochures, schedules, menus and excursion details.

This is what real-life learning looks like. It was hands-on, engaging, and most of all — unforgettable.

If you’re ready to step into a more peaceful, purpose-filled homeschool journey — one that works with your real life, not against it — I’d love to help.

Join me in creating your Homeschool Success Plan — a step-by-step guide tailored to your family, your values, and your unique vision for homeschooling. We’ll make sure you’re not just legal, but also confident and calm — with a plan that works.

Ready to get started?

Click here to set up a call with me and I’ll help you take your next step with peace (not panic).

Cruise Homeschool Lesson Plan.pdf