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Greenwood Christian School Home Educators Association (GCSHEA) was originally established as a ministry of Greenwood Christian School (GCS) in 1996. Eventually, GCSHEA grew to independently form its own by-laws and is now governed by a board of volunteer home-educating parents. Today GCSHEA maintains an exclusive relationship with GCS as the only Option 3 association from which GCS accepts students for part-time coursework and participation in athletics or other extra-curricular activities.

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GCSHEA exisits to provide accountability for parents in complying with South Carolina Homeschool Laws and to support quality home education. According to this purpose, parents submit documentation of their plans and progress two to three times per year. The Responsibilities of Membership outlines expectations, and the Parent Report Card forms (Elementary and High School) provide simple documentation of plans and progress.

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Standardized testing is required twice throughout a student's homeschool years: once during the 4th-6th grades and once in the 8th or 9th grade. Many standardized tests are accepted. GCSHEA typically offers a testing event in the spring of each year for member families who choose to participate.

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GCSHEA aims to provide a high level of accountability with high-quality service. As a non-profit organization, fees cover basic operational expenses including a part-time administrator. Besides legal accountability, some additional benefits included in GCSHEA membership are: local access to guidance in curriculum decisions, consultation for high school course planning, the production of transcripts, and coordination of an annual commencement event.

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At the annual GCSHEA commencement ceremony, a diploma is awarded to students who have met all South Carolina graduation requirements according to reports submitted by parents.

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The GCSHEA school term runs from June 1 to May 31 each year. The 180 days required by SC law for each year of school must be accomplished any time between these dates and fully documented by parents.

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Attendance at the annual members' meeting, curriculum consultation day, and commencement are strongly recommended. These opportunities for community and communication exist to encourage and strengthen every member of GCSHEA.

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Membership in GCSHEA is open to families who are home-educating their children and are willing to abide by the stated Responsibilities of Membership.

The application process has 3 steps: 

Step 1)

Complete the preliminary online membership application. This includes agreement with the GCSHEA Statement of Faith, Responsibilities of Membership Form, and Fee Schedule. Following Board of Director review of the preliminary application, an email will be sent prompting next steps.

Step 2)

A. Submit documentation of the primary instructor's high school diploma, G.E.D., or higher education degree.

B. Complete a Parent Report Card (high school or elementary) for each student, along with any Course Description/Evaluation forms for teacher-developed courses. These forms may be found in the Documents Library.

C. Submit school records (i.e.: official transcript) and a copy of test results from any former schools or accountability groups.

D. Submit the appropriate fees for membership (See Fee Schedule).

Step 3) 

Notification of membership will include a certification letter and membership cards verifying GCSHEA membership.

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Although membership with Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is optional in South Carolina, HSLDA can provide legal counsel for its active members and has given GCSHEA valuable advise over the years.

A discount may be available with GCSHEA membership.

Contact information:  www.hslda.org  or (540)338-5600

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Yes. In addition to the semi-annual Parent Report Card, annual documentation from a professional is required, which should include the student's plan and progress. Special testing is requested at least every 3 years. Curriculum is determined by parents, who may choose to award an optional certificate of attendance if state high school diploma requirements are deemed unattainable.