Public and Private Virtual Schools in South Carolina

Public and private virtual schools are often confused with homeschooling. There may be some similarities because you are not attending the brick/mortar local school where you are zoned.

But there are some very important distinctions about legalities and funding under the SC Code of Law. The laws that govern virtual schools are different from homeschool categories. Funding is a whole different conversation that many homeschoolers actively oppose such funding measures.

Note: These Virtual Schools are NOT Home Schools. If your student is enrolled in one of these programs, you should not enroll in a homeschool association.

If traditional brick and mortar local school is not working for your student, you may be considering an alternative educational opportunity.

Homeschooling is one alternative to traditional school. In homeschooling, parents pick the curriculum, maintain lesson plans, and assign grades. The parent is the teacher, guidance counselor and the responsible school official. There are lots of programs and resources to choose from–and sometimes it’s all overwhelming. Homeschooling is not the right educational option for everyone.

Another alternative to traditional school is Virtual Charter Online School. In these schools, there is a set curriculum and a teacher who implements the lessons. The parent will assist as a learning coach (similar to the way you would help with homework).  Charter Online school might be a long-term option for your family. Or you might find it is a good transition between traditional school and home school.

Public Charter Virtual Schools

Maybe try a Public Charter Virtual School. They are tuition-free, statewide, online public schools–with full-time enrollment.  These are public schools, so you would not need to enroll with a homeschool association.
Updated (4/16/2026)

• • Odyssey Online Learning offers a solid education that includes highly-qualified, South Carolina certified teachers and an Academic Advisor who will guide each student as he/she progresses through the high school years. Also works with homeless youth to provide access to quality education opportunities.
    Grades 9–12, Curriculum by K12
    Call: (803) 360-2573 or Contact Form
  • Heron Virtual Academy(HVASC) is a tuition-free online public school serving grades 6–12 specifically designated for students who are considered at risk. A dedicated team of teachers, advisors, and counselors are focused on helping students via personalized alternative pathways to graduation. Offers an asynchronous learning model, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace, accommodating work schedules, family responsibilities, or personal challenges.
    Local School Office: 864.508.7335
  • CoLearn Academy of South Carolina is an accredited K-12 virtual school that collaborates with families to tailor personalized learning plans, fosters a strong sense of community among students, parents, and faculty while igniting a passion for learning through innovative programs.
    Phone:  520-528-3371

• Carolus Online Academy uses quality curriculum from K12 designed to let students find the learning style that works best for them, enabling them to find their own path to success.
  Office Phone: 803.205.4005
• Cyber Academy of South Carolina (CASC) and K12 ignite the minds of children like yours to bring learning and innate possibility alive. Together, we are helping South Carolina students in grades K–12 reach their true, personal potential.
  Grades K–11, Curriculum by K12
  Local School Office: 855.611.2830
• South Carolina Connections Academy  is a public, virtual education for students in grades K-12 who need options beyond the traditional classroom.
  call 803-212-4712 or toll-free 800-382-6010; email  [email protected]
• Lowcountry Virtual is a tuition-free, full-time, online public school program for students in grades K-8 in Low Country Education Consortium member and affiliate districts.
  Contact: 803-574-6234
• Lowcountry Connections Academy offers state-aligned curriculum includes both teacher-led and self-guided lessons for K-12th grade. By getting to know your child, we empower them to confidently take on appropriately challenging coursework—with a strong network of support at every step of their learning journey.
  Call:  833-591-0251
•  The SC Preparatory Academy combines the BEST elements of home school, private school, and traditional public school, in a tuition-free online public charter school. Uses classical curriculum with a flexible academic schedule. Accepting registrations for 6-12th grades.
• South Carolina Public Charter Schools (SCVCS) is a virtual, tuition-free public school chartered by the South Carolina Public Charter School District in 2008. SCVCS uses the K12 curriculum and patented online learning program. SCVCS and K12 offer a competitive, individualized kindergarten through twelfth grade school program.
  Call: 803.253.6222
• SC Whitmore School re-engages “at-risk” students, as well as students who wish to accelerate, in an individual, online mastery-based learning environment. We are the only school in the state to offer an extended academic year with no semesters, making it ideal for students whose schedules make it difficult to attend a traditional public school.
  Grades 9-12
  Call:  866-476-6416 or email [email protected]
• Summit Academy is a new digital-hybrid charter school  providing a unique solution to the challenges faced by middle school students.
  Contact: (803) 291-0040 or email [email protected]

Virtual SC–Supplemental Courses 

Virtual SC operates under a separate code of law from other charter schools. It is a SUPPLEMENTAL program, *not* a full-time school. It’s paid for by the general assembly, so it’s free tuition.

Virtual SC is a supplemental program. It’s not a school. You can pick and choose which classes to take. Take just one class or several classes. Many of the courses are accelerated pace so you can earn a full credit in a semester or short semester.

When you register for classes at Virtual SC, you have to tell them where you are enrolled in school. Public and private school students must get permission from their guidance counselor. As a homeschooler, you have to provide proof of registration in an accountability association.

It’s a great resource when you need advanced course credit that you can’t access elsewhere, like computer/technology classes or world languages.

Private Online Virtual Schools

Another option to consider is a Private Virtual School Online. These programs are appealing because you can delegate some weight of responsibility, especially when you get to high school.

• They promise quality with a certain accreditation.
• They may set the pace and schedule of the assignments.
• There may be certified instructors who can help the student with difficult subjects.
• They keep track of the daily learning and calculate a grade for the progress.
• They may also provide a transcript and diploma when you complete the program.

You pay for these programs privately, but they’re not necessarily recoginized as private schools in South Carolina, especially if they’re located in another state. Popular programs: MiaPrep Academy, Acellus, Blue Tent Online, Liberty University Online.

Some have full-time and part-time enrollment options. The line between homeschooling and private schooling gets blurred with part-time enrollment, creating a hybrid school opportunity. Even if it offers a transcript and diploma at the end, those documents may not qualify for state scholarship eligibility.

Many of these programs do not satisfy compulsory attendance laws in SC, so you WOULD need to enroll with an accountability association. Talk to your association director to see if these part-time programs are allowed under their handbook policies.

Public and Private Online schools are not the same thing as Homeschool. The laws governing each school choice is very different. But, equally valid. So if homeschooling is not the right choice for you, consider one of these Online Schools instead.

Still considering if Homeschooling is for you?
Click here for more about Getting Started Homeschooling.