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A:

Parents may homeschool their children in South Carolina but must comply with SC Code of Law 59-65, section 59-65-40. To homeschool in South Carolina, you must also have at least a high school diploma or GED and teach at least 180 days per year. In addition, you must teach the following required subjects: reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and, in grades 7–12, composition and literature. 

In addition to complying with the above requirements, you must choose one of these three options for homeschooling legally and follow the requirements listed below the one you choose. 

• Option 1: Homeschooling under the homeschool statute.
• Option 2: Homeschooling with the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS):
• Option 3: Homeschooling with a homeschool association, also known as a “third option group”

Q:

A:

While a teaching degree is preferred, we do not require our teachers to have one. We do generally require teachers to have a four year degree, although we may make an exception in the case of an applicant who has a significant amount of teaching experience (beyond teaching their own children). We do require teachers to have a clear background check and complete a Child Protection Policy course. We also require teachers to regularly attend a church whose Statement of Faith is in alignment with 3:17’s.

Q:

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No, 3:17 is not a third option group. You as the parent are responsible for registering with a 3rd option oversight group prior to the start date of 3:17, as well as meeting all requirements for homeschooling in the state of South Carolina.

Q:

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Yes!  This is a drop off program.  Parents are not required to stay at the building while their children are in classes.  Parents can volunteer throughout the year but they will not be at the co-op weekly nor need to stay for the entire day when volunteering.  

Q:

A:

3:17 Hybrid is not a substitute for homeschooling.  Parents are still required to file all necessary paperwork for their district and meet the state guidelines for testing and subjects taught.  The nature of our one-day or two-day per week program requires that instruction at home with parents is completed the remaining school days per week.  

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If your child has a learning disability, learning difference or special need, we strongly encourage you to reach out and discuss your child's particular needs with the Director prior to enrolling your child or paying any non-refundable fees. While we love all children and have a passion to see every child thrive and learn to their greatest potential, our teachers are not special education trained. This unfortunately limits us at this time as to how we can care for students. While milder learning issues and differences can likely be accomodated, 3:17 may not be a good fit for students with needs beyond the scope of our ability. 

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We hope and pray we get to keep our students in school all year! We will abide by state and county mandates that are applicable to 3:17, and we intend to give parents as much personal liberty as possible to make decisions.  At this time we do not require masks for teachers or students.  Children may of course attend school with a mask should the parents deem it appropriate.   

One way YOU can help us stay open is by abiding by our sick policy, which can pretty much be summed up with the familiar saying: "When in doubt, keep them out!" By abiding by our sick policy, you will help us do our best to keep students and teachers healthy throughout the school year, giving us the best chance possible to stay open all year. 

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While we would love to be able to offer a discount for multiple children from one household, we are currently unable to do so.    

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No, at this time we do not intend to provide grades for the students attending 3:17 (* with the exception of 7th grade and higher students). The main reason for this is that you, as the parent, are the primary teacher for your child; we are supplementary. Additionally, the majority of what we will do in class will be oriented around learning experiences, not testing the students' knowldge. 

*Seventh grade teachers will provide recommended grades to parents to consider as they file their student's grades.  

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Currently, our plan for the 2025-2026 school year is to open K-8th grade enrollment to 123 slots on Tuesday and 123 slots on Thursday.  We plan to keep class sizes small, with a teacher-to-child ratio of 1:13-14 or smaller.  

We also plan to offer high school classes starting in the fall of 2025.  Class sizes may vary according to teacher, subject, and demand.     

Q:

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We do not have any plans to turn into a full-time school.  We offer the choice of one or two days each week.    

Q:

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Currently we offer classes for K4 - 8th grade.

2025-2026 We plan to expand to high school.  Children enrolling in K4 must turn 4 years old by June 1, 2025 and be 100% potty trained by the start date of class.  Our vision is to grow by one grade each year.   

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Every year we have teaching slots that need to be filled and are paid positions.  We plan to hire teachers who are aligned with the mission of 3:17 and also have experience teaching children, preferably in a classroom setting. If this is you and you would like to teach, please reach out to the Director at [email protected]

Q:

A:

Providence Athletic Club (“PAC”) provides competitive high school and middle school sports opportunities for home-schooled athletes as well as students who attend charter, virtual, and private schools that do not have a sports program in the Columbia, South Carolina region. Another option for your students to play sports would be at the high school that they are zoned for. For more information, contact your local school district.