REACH the TOP Members
REACH the TOP is a 3rd option accountability group available for new and returning members of REACH support group. If you have questions about your legal status and requirements, we're happy to help!
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Kim Andrysczyk, RTT Director
Becci Rindahl, RTT scholarships/transcripts
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Links to help understand the laws and help you with your record keeping:
Below you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about our group, and homeschooling legally in South Carolina.
How do I start homeschooling?
South Carolina has several accountability options for legally homeschooling your child: 1. School district 2. SCHAIS 3. Other groups maintained by parents to hold one another accountable. Please note that you must be covered by a legal accountability group within 10 days of the beginning of school in your school district, or your children will be considered truant.
What is a homeschool accountability group?
An accountability group is an organization operated by homeschoolers that provides a means of legal compliance for its members under SC Code of Laws 59-65-45 (SCAIHS) and 59-65-47 (all others). Each organization has its own policies and membership fees. New and renewing REACH members have the option of joining REACH the TOP (Third Option Participants.)
What do I have to do if I belong to a "Third Option" group?
Third option accountability groups have less structure than the other accountability options. Your school year must be at least 180 days long; your curriculum must include, but not be limited to, the areas of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, and for grades 7 and above, composition and literature; and you must keep records of lesson plans, gradebook, attendance and a portfolio of student work.
What do I have to use for curriculum?
RTT has no mandatory curriculum materials; you are free to choose any that satisfy your family’s personal home schooling goals, as long as you teach the required subjects and keep the required documentation. RTT also does not prescribe any specific sort of record keeping. REACH's yahoo group can help you find materials to suit your personal style.
What kind of records do I have to keep?
The records must include a plan book, diary, or other record indicating subjects taught and activities in which the student and parent-teacher engage; a portfolio of samples of the student’s academic work; and a semiannual progress report including attendance records and individualized documentation of the student’s progress in each of the required academic areas. Examples of these can be found on the Internet or from a Homeschool Planning book or program. We do not collect these records from you; however, you must submit to RTT a 90-day progress report by January 1st of the school year, and a 180-day report by June 1st of the school year.
Do I have to test my child?
Each accountability group has its own rules about standardized testing. Testing is only required by state law if you homeschool through the school board of the district where you reside (see Section 59-65-40), although SCAIHS also has an annual testing program. RTT does not require testing. If you would like to test your children even though we do not require it, you may contact the following for information on their testing programs: Bayside School services ; Bob Jones University Testing; HSLDA members – see the HSLDA web site.
What services are provided by REACH the TOP?
Aside from providing the means of legal compliance under SC Code of Laws 59-65-47, REACH the TOP provides the following services for its members: REACH the TOP keeps records of your students' membership and 90-day and 180-day compliance forms on file should you have need of them at any time, class ranking, and letters for college admissions & scholarship boards.
