ReleasedTime.org Representing Released Time Bible Education: Off School Premises, On School Time State-By-State Analysis
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Released Time Laws and Guidelines for
South Carolina
Updated July 2009
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SUMMARY for South Carolina
General Information The first step is to gather as much information as you can about South Carolina's Released Time statute, what classes, if any, are being conducted, and how a Released Time program may address state educational objectives (e.g. self-esteem, values education). Determine who will make the decision whether to allow a program and make an appointment to see that person. If the principal refers you to the school board, you would be wise to meet individually with school board members before presenting the concept at a school board meeting.

Keep in mind that school officials are not required to approve a program. However, with a carefully crafted approach and with statutory recognition, you should expect success in gaining approval for the program.

 

Department of Education Website South Carolina State Department of Education

Website: http://www.myscschools.com/

 

DETAILS for South Carolina
Statutes South Carolina compulsory education laws requires student to attend private, public, or at home education. SC Code Ann. § 59-65-10

Further, South Carolina also allows Released Time. SC Code Ann. § 59-1-460 permits a school board to adopt a policy allowing for religous instruction by a private institution providing that is conducted in entirety by private institutions.

South Carolina also allows high school to honor Released Time instruction as elective credit. SC Code Ann. § 59-39-112. However, this statute is currently pending in a case in U.S. District Court.

 

Regulations South Carolina recognizes Zorach v. Clauson, 343 U.S. 306 in its school manual as the standard for establishing a proper policy regarding Released Time for religious instruction. Released Time, therefore is allowed in South Carolina as long as it is treated merely as an excused absence granted by the local school board and not a part of the official public school program.

 

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