Option 3: Our Unsung Heroes

I often introduce myself as the self-appointed busybody of homeschooling in SC. I’m a collector of resources and information about education and parenting. This blog is a resource hub. But it started when our homeschool rights came under attack and Option 3, Our Unsung Heroes emerged victorious.

Initial Threat Assessment

I had been blissfully content in my little bubble; Focused on homeschooling my own kids, feeling secure in our homeschool freedoms. I was suddenly alarmed in 2013, when a bill was proposed to remove the entire Option 3 code of law. It burst my bubble of contentment and stoked our collective outrage.

Homeschool advocates coverged on a new discussion forum platform–a Facebook Group–where we discovered that we all have strong opinions and frequent conflicts escalated. (Like Facebook Groups still are.) Because where two or three are gathered, there will be conflict!

The noise of conflicting voices sounded like an orchestra tuning up before a concert. I thought that at some point we could get on the same page and work together beyond the legislative alert. I remained determined that we should not go back into our little bubbles of isolation, but find a way to stay connected.

“We respect the differences among homeschoolers. We recognize that we have different political views, different religious preferences, and different educational philosophies. We can stand united to protect our rights and responsibilities to homeschool.”
~The SC Homeschooling Connection Mission Statement

Emerging Resilience

Part of the reason underneath that bill was suspicion about homeschooling under the Option 3 code of law. Even after the bill was defeated, public misconception remains that 3rd Option homeschoolers are somehow slack or hiding something. Lingering questions persist from critics and skeptics about the quality of education parents can provide. I set out to answer those concerns.

I think Option 3 directors are unsung heroes. They are working every day to hold the line for parental rights AND responsibilities. Advising new homeschoolers how to get started on their journey. Helping open the doors of opportunity after graduation. Encouraging us all along the way. This blog shines a spotlight on all that association directors actually do.

What your association director wants you to know–but might not ever say so.
Going above and beyond the minimums–to open the doors of opportunity.
Standing in solidarity with our members–when officials overreach.
Holding the line against policy slip–working together as colleagues.
Developing friendships and promoting mutual respect.

Seeing all this work that we do, makes me wonder about those unsung heroes who came before us. Let’s salute the work they did to pioneer the way.

Grab this Free Quick Start Guide to Get Started Homeschooling in SC

Pioneering the Way

A brief, “unauthorized” history of homeschooling in SC. Prior to 1988, parents had to prove a “substantially equivalent” learning environment as local public or private school. Approvals varied from district-to-district, but even the “friendly” districts would carefully scrutinize the course materials and even conduct home visits.

1988: Option 1, SC Code 59-65-40. Homeschooling under the supervision of the local school district.
1992: Option 2, SC Code 59-65-45. Homeschooling under SCAIHS, the SC Association of Independent Home Schools.
1996: Option 3, SC Code 59-65-47. Homeschooling under any other association with 50 members.
*2023 & 2025: ESTF, SC Code 59-8-115 (I). Maybe it wouldn’t be so confusing to codify another code of law for ESTFs an exception to the compulsory attendance under the SC DOE to be their own category. These other laws all co-exist without affecting each other.

No matter which option you use, the record-keeping requirements and course of study are similar. Just the authority overseeing is different. Only Option 1 requires standardized testing as part of the law.

Option 2 & 3 file an annual standards assurance form with the SC DOE and send annual numbers reports to the respective school districts. Then the school districts submit those numbers along with any Option 1 students to the DOE.

That’s the minimum requirements to be exempt from compulsory attendance. But, our unsung heroes have paved the way for the doors of opportunity above and beyond that. Somewhere along the way homeschool grads became eligible for State Scholarships, SC Codes 59-149-10 to 59-149-170. BTW, I don’t hear anyone outraged about taking “government money” for those.

In 2013, Equal Access under SC Code 59-63-41. Allows Homeschool participants in Interscholastic Public School Sports. There was a similar “trojan horse” analogy about this opportunity. Because the participants would be required to submit report cards for academic eligibility per high school league policies. The law was seen as a threat that all homeschoolers would likewise be required to submit report cards. Nevertheless, many homeschool athletes now utilize the opportunity.

Expanding Opportunities

While it’s taken decades to establish the viable path of opportunity, we still encounter shady comments about 3rd Option. But, our unsung heroes continue to rise in order to meet the expectations and demands of a changing clientele in homeschooling. Expanding the services that we offer beyond the basics of accountability for record-keeping. Parents have a variety of added opportunities and services provided by 3rd Option Associations, including but not limited to:

Some associations offer transcript assistance for high school–and also ranking: Association transcripts are acceptable for college/university admissions, trade schools, military recruitment, NCAA and LIFE/Hope/Fellows state scholarship eligibility.
Most Associations help format report cards for equal access sports participation or for students transferring back to traditional school.
Some offer curriculum counseling and assistance planning the course of study.
Some offer field trips, clubs/honor societies, cooperative learning, resource centers, microschools
Some offer special events like: graduation programs, prom/formal dances, class pictures, contests for reading/baking/photography/poetry/etc
I don’t see why associations cannot also decide if they want to offer services for ESTF participants, either as an official service provider or as any other pay-out-of-pocket members.

It’s all built on a code of law–allowing for an exception to compulsory attendance. Nobody had it figured out when it got started. We have figured it out along the way. The way inter-connected legislations for other government agencies have to be trained and reminded what the code of law requires (and doesn’t require).

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Some gaps and bumps will have to figured out though. For example, the DMV has to verify the school enrollment status before issuing IDs, under SC Code 56-1-176. (A) School attendance is a condition for the issuance of a conditional driver’s license and a special restricted driver’s license.

(1) has a high school diploma or certificate, or a General Education Development Certificate; or
(2) is enrolled in a public or private school or is home schooled under the provisions contained in Section 59-65-40, 59-65-45, or 59-65-47

Associations provide a letter for the members to take to the DMV, verifying they are currently enrolled. Those agencies are directed to refer to the associations list on the Department of Ed website so they can verify that we’re actually an authorized school agency.

SC Department of Education: Landing Page. This the official reference point for other government agencies. It would help to add on the ESTF information here, whether the officially call it Option 4 or not. Whether they codify it under compulsory attendance or not (59-65-10).

Continuing Vigilance

In July 2016, there was a policy change at the Department of Ed and a dispute that escalated, causing this refence list to be removed. So, we know what a headache it is without this official landing page to verify who is authorized or not. Fortunately that issue was resolved quickly by August 12. Thanks to a collective resolve to remain calm and proactive, rather that outraged and reactive.

3rd Option directors are more comfortable doing paperwork and mentoring new homeschoolers. That’s our zone of expertise. We never wanted to be on the front lines of political debate. But, don’t count that as uniformed or naive about what’s going on legislatively. We’re aware of the history of homeschooling in SC and how concerned parents align for a shared purpose for the best interests of our children.

Consider our state motto: While I breathe, I hope.

Continue to hope for the future of the homeschooling movement as we make space for a new opportunity in Education Scholarship Trust Fund Participants. The noise of conflicting voices sounds like that orchestra tuning up again. I am still determined that we can collaborate and work together.

The ESTF legislation is brand new still smoothing out the bumps. They will pioneer their own path, and blend in to our collective community. They’re already figuring it out.

I fully trust our unsung heros will all remain vigilant in preserving our rights and responsibilities. Come along, there’s plenty of work to do!

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