Cola City Homeschool Expo 2026
Saturday, June 27th, 10 am-4 pm
Jamil Center, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia

Whether you’re considering homeschooling, new to it, or a seasoned homeschooler, Cola City Homeschool Expo 2026 is the place to Connect, Expand, and Thrive!

This year’s theme, “Grow Your Village” celebrates building strong community connections while exploring diverse learning resources. Our Expo is designed to create a welcoming space where every family, learner, and educator feels included, valued, and inspired to discover new ideas.

We are looking for vendors and exhibitors who bring a variety of educational resources, creative products, and services that reflect diverse learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and ability levels. Join us in cultivating a vibrant, connected community — where together, we can make meaningful connections, broaden our bookshelves, and thrive as a collective.

>>Vendor Hall 2026<<
>>Facebook Event for Updates<<

The post Cola City Homeschool Expo first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Local homeschoolers in the Midlands area, consider this additional opportunity to connect with others.
Cola City PLUS.

More Than Activities. A Place to Belong.

Cola City PLUS is a collaborative homeschool social club focused on meaningful connection, shared learning, and community-building.

Through reading discussions, collaborative planning, and member-led opportunities, we’re creating a space where homeschool families can connect, grow, and thrive together. Third Place theory and Let Grow Play initiative encourage our youth to develop greater agency, independence, creativity, and confidence through mixed-age, unstructured play.

Planning regular opportunities for homeschool families to gather in welcoming public spaces where people are free to come and go, connect naturally, and build relationships over time. Our goal is not to over-structure every moment, but to create environments where authentic community can grow.

Inclusive. Intentional. Community-driven.

Membership is just $5/month to join the private app at Our School Hangout.
Set up your account for a free peek inside the app

Click HERE to set up your account
at Our School Hangout

Read more at Cola City Homeschoolers:
What are you gonna do about socialization?

The post Cola City PLUS first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Senior Graduation 2026 Program
on Saturday, May 23 @12:30-3 pm
Pre-registration by May 8th
at St. David Lutheran Church (Gym)
Hosted by SC TOP Homeschool Association

Let’s celebrate this important milestone of completing your final year as a homeschooler! We’ll compile a promo video that you can share with your friends and family. We’ll also have a fun in-person graduation program at 132 St Davids Church Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170.
Caps/gowns are optional and optional color choice.

NOTE: Grades are not due until June 5, so it is fine if you are still completing courses and credits. More information will be coming soon about final grades and transcript preparation.

This is a non-religious, non-traditional program–uniquely homeschool. We welcome all homeschool graduates to participate, no matter which association you belong to. Milestone Awards Program for Kindergarten/5th/8th grade graduates and anyone who has completed their first year of homeschooling (any grade level): Click here to register for 10-noon program

Fill out the pre-registration form for each student honoree that you want included in the video and/or the virtual program. Pre-register by May 8th so we can finalize the program. 

• Video participants: Picture and first name will be included–and will be available to share to your extended friends and family. See examples of the promo videos: 2022 grads,  2023 grads and 2024 grads, 2025 grads. (Video only participation is free).
• Program participants: Name and photo of the student will be included in the live event. Please submit a short summary of your homeschool journey (1-3 paragraphs). Participants will receive a printed diploma certificate and commemorative gift. ($40 participation fee for SC TOP members/$55 for non-members)

Guests: Seating is limited. Limit guests to no more than 10 who have actively contributed to the educational development. Please prepare your guests that this a non-traditional, non-religious program.

Grad Gear is optional. Check out my Amazon Store for recommendations: 

*Registration has closed*

The post Senior Graduation first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

2024-2025 Numbers Reports

Each year in January, associations prepare our attendance reports for the various school districts. The SC Code of Law 59-65-47 states that the reports must be sent by January 30th. As those reports are going out to the superintendents, I also like to publish our enrollment numbers for members and the general public also.

By January thirtieth of each year, all associations shall report the number and grade level of children home schooled through the association to the children’s respective school districts.

• If you’ve ever wondered about where are the SC TOP members zoned to attend.
• If you’d like to compare the various district counts.
• If you’re interested to see what grades we have more students enrolled. The total of Elementary, Middle or High Schoolers.
• Or if you just like numbers and statistics.

For the first time, SC TOP has reached capacity. In order to continue with the high level of service, we have made the difficult decistion to close registrations during the school year.

Total students: 2251; Total families: 1380

The majority of our members are located in the Midlands area. But, we have members scattered across the state in 60 school districts. (There’s 82 school districts in SC).

5th Grade cohort has the highest total enrollment, followed by 1st grade. We tend to have more elementary age students registered. Then, the students transfer to other schools for high school opportunities.

This is our largest senior cohort than we have ever had before with 116 students. Six seniors who have met the eligibility requirements to apply for Palmetto Fellows. Several who are pursuing NCAA athletics.

Anectodally, I think that many high schoolers are choosing homeschooling to have more agency/autonomy over their educational choices. SC TOP offers personal consulatations to help families plan out their course of study.

Compare to our enrollment numbers in 2022-2023

The post 2024-2025 Numbers Reports first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Homeschooling a student with learning difficulities often requires some additional assistance and advice. SC TOP is happy to point out some resources that you might need!

Disabilities Resources

Local School District: Homeschoolers can get screening tests and some services through the school district for free. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA 2004) distributes funding to the school districts for private school and homeschool students. Each school district has a set amount of funding available (and it’s different amounts from one district to the next). Depending on how many students access that—determines how much services the district can offer.
Contact: your local school district “child find” or “special services” coordinator.

However, the diagnosis is workable without the school.

In fact, many homeschoolers don’t want the school’s help or advice on the matter. There is no legal obligation to notify or involve the school if you don’t want to.

Understood.org is a great place to start investigating your child’s learning issue.
It’s a free, national resource hub. Tune in for weekly webinars and live chats with experts on various learning disabilities.
Understood has developed Thru Your Child’s Eyes simulations to show you how your child views the world and why they are getting frustrated. You select the child’s age and learning issue to personalize the simulation.

Richland Library Education Studio has a variety of educational materials for check out or to browse before purchasing your own copies. You can schedule a FREE one-on-one consultation with a reading specialist. You need a county library card to check out materials–and many of the materials can be loaned out for the year. You can get an out of county library card for $65.

*******************
Educational Consultants

Homeschoolingthespecialneedschild.com is a local consultant, Susan Blackwell, who offers testing and curriculum counseling for SC Homeschoolers. She can help formulate a complete course of study.
Contact: sblackwelltesting@gmail.com  Phone: (803) 429-3899

Dandelion Coach offers consultations via video conferencing on Google Meet. 15 minute free consultation phone call to discuss your needs. To schedule a session, Text/Call 864-749-0786 or Email hope@dandelionhomeschoolcoaching.com

*********

Dyslexia Resource Center offers testing and tutoring for struggling readers.
Contact: info@dyslexiasc.org

Discovery Therapies, a learning center goes beyond tutoring to address the underlying issues that cause students to struggle. NILD program services located in Columbia or via Telehealth.
Contact: admin@dtiusa.org

All Kinds of Minds offers Neurodiversity-Affirming Occupational Therapy Services in Chapin SC. Also available virtual consulations and telehealth OT.

SC Assistive Technology Program  uses technology devices and services to help people with disabilities live, work and learn more independently. They are federally funded and part of a national network that provides the devices that increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities for people with disabilities.

Carolina Autism & Neurodevelopment Research Center offers practical resources for families navigating neurodevelopmental differences, including autism and related conditions. Connect with assessment providers, therapy services, advocacy groups and social programs across South Carolina.
Participate in a research study, too.

Family Connection of SC offers a variety of programs and services to address the questions and concerns on the complex healthcare, mental health, and educational systems that families must navigate when parenting a child with a disability.

Children’s Mental Health Resoure Center offers resouces and webinars on various Mental Health disorders including: Bipolar and Mood Disorders, ADHD, and crisis support.

The post Disabilities Resources first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

*** Scroll down to the registration form ***

ASVAB Aptitude & Interest Inventory Exam

*** Scroll down to the registration form ***

NOTE: Results will not be released to any recruiters. The results are confidentially yours, along with information to explore your career opportunities.

BRING: Your own computer so we can take the iCAT format of the test (instead of paper pencil).

• More information about ASVAB Career Exploration Program: https://www.asvabprogram.com/
• More about Careers in the Military: https://www.careersinthemilitary.com/home
• Sample Test Questions: https://www.asvabprogram.com/student

ASVAB Career Exploration Program is the only career planning resource that allows students to explore multiple paths to success — college, certificates, apprenticeships, licensure programs, or the Military – in one place.

• MULTIPLE-APTITUDE TEST: The ASVAB assesses a student’s ability to learn new skills and is a predictor of success in training and education programs regardless of post-secondary intention.
• INTEREST INVENTORY: The Find Your Interests inventory is based on John Holland’s widely accepted theory of career choice.
• CAREER EXPLORATION TOOLS: Armed with an understanding of their skills and interests, students then explore careers that coincide with their unique skill-interest profile.
  • OCCU-Find, a catalog of careers with job-related information all geared toward helping students identify satisfying occupations.
  • My Portfolio, a customizable resume-like document designed to help students chart and share their plans and accomplishments.
  • My Educational and Career Plans, a guided exercise to encourage students to explore occupations based on their interests, achievements and favorite experiences, make initial career plans, and evaluate current and future programs of study.
  • My Coursework Planner, an activity to help students determine remaining coursework requirements for entry into occupations of interest.
  • www.careersinthemilitary.com, a comprehensive online resource powered by ASVAB CEP that allows students to discover extensive details about military career opportunities across all Services, their Service-specific ASVAB line scores and which Services offer which jobs.
  • ASVAB CEP promotes career literacy through exposure to career-field entry requirements and future-oriented planning tools to help students develop an action plan to share with parents and educators.

Parent Guide to ASVAB Career Planning
Student Guide to ASVAB Career Planning

REGISTER below to secure your seat:

The post ASVAB Aptitude and Interest Inventory first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Each year in January, associations prepare our attendance reports for the various school districts. The SC Code of Law 59-65-47 states that the reports must be sent by January 30th. As those reports are going out to the superintendents, I also like to publish our enrollment numbers for members and the general public also.

By January thirtieth of each year, all associations shall report the number and grade level of children home schooled through the association to the children’s respective school districts.

• If you’ve ever wondered about where are the SC TOP members zoned to attend.
• If you’d like to compare the various district counts.
• If you’re interested to see what grades we have more students enrolled. The total of Elementary, Middle or High Schoolers.
• Or if you just like numbers and statistics.

Here’s how the numbers stack up this year 2022-2023:
Total SC TOP Enrollment: 1932

Count by Grade Level:

Kindergarten: 165
1st grade: 182
2nd grade: 173
3rd grade: 197
4th grade: 142
5th grade: 173
6th grade: 174
7th grade: 156
8th grade: 146
9th grade: 130
10th grade: 133
11th grade: 88
12th grade: 72

Count by Districts:

Lexington 1: 352
Lexington/Richland 5: 303
Richland 2: 236
Richland 1: 170
Kershaw: 83
Lexington 2: 78
Aiken: 75
Greenville: 75
Newberry: 60
Lexington 4: 35
Fairfield: 31
Orangeburg: 27
Horry: 25
Lexington 3: 22
Oconee: 22
Sumter: 18
Cherokee: 17
Dorchester 2: 17

Other Districts with less than 15 students per district: Abbeville 60, Anderson 1& 5, Bamberg, Barnwell 19 & 45, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Chester, Clarendon 1 & 5, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon 3 & 4, Edgefield, Florence 1, 3 & 4, Georgetown, Greenwood 50 & 51, Lancaster, Laurens 55 & 56, McCormick, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg 1-7, Sumter, Union, Williamsburg, York, 1-4.

It is an honor to serve the members of SC TOP–all across the state! Thanks so much!
~Kim, SC TOP director

Compare to the 2020-2021 numbers:

The post 2022-2023 Numbers Reports first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Homeschooling a student with special needs often requires some additional assistance and advice. SC TOP is happy to assist you with it!

Here’s some links to help you find what you need:

Local School District: Homeschoolers can get screening tests and some services through the school district for free. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA 2004) distributes funding to the school districts for private school and homeschool students. Each school district has a set amount of funding available (and it’s different amounts from one district to the next). Depending on how many students access that—determines how much services the district can offer.
Contact: your local school district “child find” or “special services” coordinator.

However, the diagnosis is workable without the school.

In fact, many homeschoolers don’t want the school’s help or advice on the matter. There is no legal obligation to notify or involve the school if you don’t want to.

Understood.org is a great place to start investigating your child’s learning issue.
It’s a free, national resource hub. Tune in for weekly webinars and live chats with experts on various learning disabilities.
Understood has developed Thru Your Child’s Eyes simulations to show you how your child views the world and why they are getting frustrated. You select the child’s age and learning issue to personalize the simulation.

Richland Library Education studio has a variety of educational materials for check out or to browse before purchasing your own copies. You can schedule a FREE one-on-one consultation with a reading specialist. You need a county library card to check out materials–and many of the materials can be loaned out for the year. You can get an out of county library card for $65.

*******************
Educational Consultants

Educational Learning Services is a local consultant, Nancy Willoughby, who offers testing, tutoring, curriculum counseling for homeschoolers in SC and beyond. She can help formulate a course of study and lots more.
Contact: nancy.w@educationallearningservices.net Phone: (803) 212-8001

Homeschoolingthespecialneedschild.com is a local consultant, Susan Blackwell, who offers testing and curriculum counseling for SC Homeschoolers. She can help formulate a complete course of study.
Contact: sblackwelltesting@gmail.com  Phone: (803) 429-3899

Dandelion Coach offers consultations via video conferencing on Google Meet. 15 minute free consultation phone call to discuss your needs. To schedule a session, Text/Call 864-749-0786 or Email hope@dandelionhomeschoolcoaching.com

*********

Dyslexia Resource Center offers testing and tutoring for struggling readers.
Contact: info@dyslexiasc.org

SC Assistive Technology Program  uses technology devices and services to help people with disabilities live, work and learn more independently. They are federally funded and part of a national network that provides the devices that increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities for people with disabilities.

Family Connection of SC offers a variety of programs and services to address the questions and concerns on the complex healthcare, mental health, and educational systems that families must navigate when parenting a child with a disability.

The post Special Needs Info first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

2020-2021 Numbers Reports

Each year in January, associations prepare our attendance reports for the various school districts. The SC Code of Law 59-65-47 states that the reports must be sent by January 30th. As those reports are going out to the superintendents, I also like to publish our enrollment numbers for members and the general public also.

By January thirtieth of each year, all associations shall report the number and grade level of children home schooled through the association to the children’s respective school districts.

• If you’ve ever wondered about where are the SC TOP members zoned to attend.
• If you’d like to compare the various district counts.
• If you’re interested to see what grades we have more students enrolled. The total of Elementary, Middle or High Schoolers.
• Or if you just like numbers and statistics.

Here’s how the numbers stack up this year 2020-2021:
Total SC TOP Enrollment: 1788

Count by Grade Level:

Kindergarten: 207
1st grade: 233
2nd grade: 191
3rd grade:165
4th grade: 185
5th grade: 149
6th grade: 140
7th grade: 131
8th grade: 106
9th grade: 97
10th grade: 72
11th grade: 68
12th grade: 44

Count by Districts:

Lexington 1: 310
Lexington/Richland 5: 293
Richland 2: 254
Richland 1: 217
Aiken: 95
Greenville: 81
Kershaw: 72
Lexington 2: 60
Horry: 31
Newberry: 25
Lexington 4: 24
Berkeley: 22
Farifield: 22
Orangeburg: 20
Oconee: 17
Pickens: 17
Sumter: 17
Calhoun: 15
Charleston: 15
York 3: 15
Dorchester: 11
Saluda: 11
Other Counties: 145

Other counties include:  Abbeville 60; Anderson 1, 2, 4, 5; Bamberg; Barnwell 19, 45; Beafort; Cherokee; Chester; Chesterfield; Colleton; Darlington; Dillon; Edgefield; Florence 1; Georgetown; Greenwood 50, 52; Lancaster; Laurens 55, 56; Lee; Lexington 3; Marion; McCormick; Spartanburg 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; York 1, 2, 4

This association has grown this year with many covid-homeschoolers. It’s an honor to serve the members of SC TOP!
Thanks so much!
~Kim

Compare to 2019-2020:

The post 2020-2021 Number Reports first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.

Each year in January, associations prepare our attendance reports for the various school districts. The SC Code of Law 59-65-47 states that the reports must be sent by January 30th. As those reports are going out to the superintendents, I also like to publish our enrollment numbers for members and the general public also.

By January thirtieth of each year, all associations shall report the number and grade level of children home schooled through the association to the children’s respective school districts.

• If you’ve ever wondered about where are the SC TOP members zoned to attend.
• If you’d like to compare the various district counts.
• If you’re interested to see what grades we have more students enrolled. The total of Elementary, Middle or High Schoolers.
• Or if you just like numbers and statistics.

Here’s how the numbers stack up this year 2019-2020:
Total SC TOP Enrollment: 972

Count by Gradelevel:

Count by Districts:
Aiken: 38
Fairfield: 19
Greenville: 19
Kershaw: 53
Lexington 1: 175
Lexington 2: 48
Lexington 4: 13
Lexington 5: 191
Orangeburg: 10
Richland 1: 153
Richland 2: 142
York: 17
Other Counties: 114

Other counties include: Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Colleton, Darlington, Dorchester, Edgefield, Florence, Horry, Lancaster, Laurens, Lee, McCormick, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg and Sumter.

This association has grown this year now that we offer accountability statewide. It’s an honor to serve the members of SC TOP!
Thanks so much!
~Kim

The post Enrollment Numbers 2019-2020 first appeared on SC Third Option Participants.