English Composition 1
Self-paced online English Composition 1 course (ENG 101). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →South CarolinaHomeschool
Option 3 associations and college-level courses on the transcript
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
An Option 3 homeschool transcript in South Carolina is written by the parent, under the association's standards in S.C. Code 59-65-47. College-level courses can appear as high school courses with a note of the provider and any credit recommendation. Any college credit comes only via a college transcript, so ask colleges in writing first.
What the law asks Option 3 families to keep
Section 59-65-47 sets the minimum standards an Option 3 association must require. The parent has a high school diploma or GED. The instructional year is at least 180 days. The subjects are reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, plus composition and literature in grades 7-12.
Families keep a plan book or diary of subjects and activities, a portfolio of samples of the student's work, and a semiannual progress report with attendance and individual assessments in each basic subject. These records are the backbone of a good high school transcript.
- Plan book or diary: what you taught and when.
- Portfolio: samples of the student's work.
- Semiannual progress report: attendance and assessments.
How to list a college-level course
A clear transcript shows the course name, the year, the grade and the high school credit you give it. For a college-level course, add a short note so a reader understands what it was. Many colleges like to see the provider and any credit recommendation listed.
| Course | Year | Grade | High school credit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition 1 | Grade 11 | A | 1 | College-level; ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended |
| College Algebra | Grade 11 | B+ | 1 | College-level |
| American Literature | Grade 12 | A- | 1 | College-level; meets literature |
| US History 1 | Grade 12 | A | 1 | College-level |
High school credit versus college credit
On the homeschool transcript, the parent decides how much high school credit a course earns, within the association's standards. Many families give one high school credit for a full college-level course.
College credit is a separate question. It exists only when a college reviews the course and posts it on a college transcript. UPI Study courses are ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended, and UPI Study is not accredited. Ask each college on your teen's list in writing whether it reviews such credit, and keep the replies.
Questions to ask your association
Associations differ in what they want to see, so ask before the school year starts.
- How should college-level courses appear in the plan book and progress report?
- Do you want course outlines or work samples in the portfolio?
- Do you review or sign the final transcript?
- Do you issue a diploma, or does the parent?
A sample plan for grades 11 and 12
A teen who is ready for college-level work might take four to six such courses over the last two years, alongside regular high school subjects. Start with composition and literature, which the law names for grades 7-12, then add mathematics, science and social studies.
On the UPI Study homeschool plan, at $250 once for the family, every course is open at the teen's own pace. Keep a copy of each course outline and the final grade in the portfolio, so the transcript is easy to build at the end.
- Grade 11: English Composition 1 and College Algebra.
- Grade 11 spring: Biology 1.
- Grade 12: American Literature and US History 1.
- Grade 12 spring: Introduction to Psychology.
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Before you enrol, ask your association how it records college-level courses, and ask each college on your teen's list in writing whether it reviews ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit.
UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited. ACE and NCCRS review our courses and recommend credit; a college decides whether to give that credit and records it on its own transcript.
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Questions people ask
Who signs a South Carolina Option 3 homeschool transcript?
Usually the parent, as the teacher of record. Some associations also review or sign transcripts. Ask yours what it does, and keep a signed copy with the portfolio. Keep the syllabus and grade report in your portfolio so you can show the work if a college asks.
Should I list grades or pass and fail for college-level courses?
Letter grades are clearer for colleges and scholarships. Use the grade the course reported, and keep the record in the portfolio in case a college asks. If you are unsure, ask your association how it prefers outside courses to be shown, and keep its answer.
Can college-level courses replace the literature requirement?
A college-level literature course can meet the literature subject the law names for grades 7-12, if your association agrees. Ask before you plan the year. A short note on the transcript, plus the syllabus in your portfolio, answers most questions colleges raise.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
College Algebra
Self-paced online College Algebra course (Math 111). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →
American Literature
Self-paced online American Literature course (ENG 201). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Ask your association and the colleges on your list in writing first, then choose the courses.
Sources
- South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 59 Chapter 65 (59-65-40, 59-65-45, 59-65-47) (official)Option 1 (59-65-40): district board approves; parent diploma or GED plus basic skills exam, or a bachelor's; 180 days of 4.5 hours; annual statewide testing. Option 2 (59-65-45): South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools; diploma or GED; 180 days. Option 3 (59-65-47): association of at least 50 members; diploma or GED; 180 days; reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, plus composition and literature in grades 7-12; plan book, portfolio, semiannual progress report; State Department of Education reviews standards each year; associations report numbers to districts by 30 January. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.