The Ultimate Homeschool Guide to the Upstate

YMCA of Greenville’s Homeschool PE program provides a place where children can exercise and participate in sports in an instructor-led setting. The program is designed to show participants how much fun exercise can be and is offered at YMCA Program Center in Simpsonville.

YMCA Program Center
100 Adams Mill Road
Simpsonville, SC 29681
Age: 6-15
Day: Monday and Wednesday
Time: 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Registration: Month prior to session
Member rate: $35/month and $15 for each additional student or $50/day and $20 for each additional student
Non-member rate: $45/month and $20 for each additional student or $60/day and $30 for each additional student
The program runs from September through May.

Contact Erica Snyder or Tyree Mathis

In addition to the PE program, YMCA of Greenville offers a diverse array of programs for all families including youth sports,  aquatics lessons and family camps.

Early College (Dual Enrollment) at Greenville Technical College (GTC) is designed for motivated high-school-age students from Greenville County schools, charter schools, private schools, online academies, homeschool, etc., who seek academic challenges and want to get a head start on advanced academic goals.

Getting an early start on college credits will:

• Save you time and money
• Let you experience college classes
• Help you explore academically-centered career planning
• Allow you to lighten your load or finish college ahead of schedule

Visit www.gvltec.edu/early-college/ to learn more. 

Wilderness Survival Classes specifically designed for home school students. Just for 6 to 9 year olds and 10 to 14 year olds. Each month attend a class where you learn important survival skills such as shelter building, food and water procurement, staying safe, and much more!

For more information call us at (864) 263-3850 or to sign-up today!

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PGA offers a variety of classes, such as gymnastics for boys and girls, preschool, ninja, tumbling, just bars, special needs, and adult classes. PGA also offers Playtime, Mom’s Morning Out, summer and holiday camps, and Parent’s Night Out.

Eden farms offers English riding lessons for ages 6 through adult with private or group lesson options. They also offer birthdays, field trips, summer camps and more.

Homeschool at the Barn- Includes an hour long riding lesson or trail ride, learning about life on a working horse farm (grooming, saddling, equine anatomy, feeding and more), horse themed crafts, bible study, snack, and time to play on the new playground.

Field Trips: Eden Farms has offered educational field trips for all ages and sizes including church groups, Scout troops, and schools. Groups rotate through their 40-stall barn to different hands-on horse stations to learn about grooming, saddling, healthcare, horse breeds, feeding, healthcare, and more! Horseback riding, playground, and time for a picnic are also available.

The South Carolina Homeschool Accountability Association offers planning and record-keeping documents, monthly newsletter, membership cards, and an online support group. Optional services include high school transcripts and report cards.

This Facebook group offers support, information about co-ops and field trips, and allows members to buy and sell homeschool materials via the group.

Offers several programs just for homeschoolers. Check their website calendar and search for “homeschool” to see which locations are offering homeschool events you’d be interested in.

If you want reassurance that your children are on pace with other students of the same age, get a FREE Math assessment!
Mathnasium offers tutoring services for all students in math.

Ignite Learning Center offers unique hands-on activities and programs for students exploring STEAM. Programs include problem-solving challenges, engineering, arts and more.

This group meets at Grace Church’s Taylor’s campus in Greenville, and beginning 2022-2023 will have a Spartanburg campus at Church at the Mill in Moore (K3-8th grade).

Classes are offered to elementary through high school students. Parents may drop- off children, but there is a volunteer requirement. Nursery is available.

The South Carolina State Museum offers a free day of lessons for SC homeschoolers on the third Thursday of each month. Registration prior to the event is required and the programs fill early.

The South Carolina State Museum offers free admission for homeschoolers to explore their 4 floors of Carolina history, art, natural history and science. Homeschoolers receive discounted admission for planetarium shows and 4D theater films

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Music Programs

These groups offer an ensemble opportunity for student musicians both homeschooled and traditionally schooled. Auditions are required.

A group that meets at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Greer and offers classes for homeschoolers in K4 – high school. Vanguard offers a variety of academic and enrichment classes to choose from. Students may enroll in just one or two classes or can choose to enroll in a full day of classes. Parents are asked to volunteer where possible. No nursery is available. Email [email protected] for more information.

Hollowed Earth Pottery, located in Hampton Station, offers classes during the day for kids in hand building and in using the pottery wheel.

Learn about amazing raptors at the Carolina Raptor Center. They offer variety of field trip options with educational programming for groups, as well as homeschool days. See our review of one program here.

• Age: All grade levels, and programs vary to suit each age group
• Subject: Science
• See these amazing birds up close!

Homeschool Days are offered. Please contact Carolina Raptor Center for specific dates and times.

Originally based in South Carolina, this group offers fun adventures for homeschool families around the United States (a spin-off of Carolina Homeschooler).

Paris Mountain offers group hikes and educational programs about nature and the history of Paris Mountain State Park. Find our review of one guided hike here.

• Ages: School Age, plus family programming
• Subjects: Science, History
• Families can enjoy Creek Ranger Hikes in addition to other educational events.

There are several paths to legally homeschooling in the state. Families who choose to homeschool through the school district as their means of legally homeschooling can find information from the district at this site.

The theater offers camps and classes afterschool and during breaks. They also offer programs and classes during the day for homeschool students and others. Classes available starting at age three through high school.

Homeschool: Museum and Gallery at Bob Jones University host Homeschool Days monthly for students ages 5-14 years old. Classes are at 10 am and 2 pm. Parents may check their child in and leave or stay for a discounted lesson. Classes are held in the Mack Building on the campus of Bob Jones University.

Field Trips: Tours are available for K-12 classes of selected collections on display on the campus of Bob Jones University including: a closer look at American artist Benjamin West during the Revolutionary War and experiencing ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Hebrew cultures as far back as 3200 BC! Learn more about tours!

Museum on the Move brings museum learning to your K-12 classroom by integrating art with the core subject areas and meeting SC state and national standards.

This National Park offers field trip experiences. A range of curriculum materials are also available on the Cowpens National Battlefield web site, as part of the Parks as Classrooms initiative.

Though this is a complete school for students who are not homeschooled, 9th through 12th-grade homeschoolers are welcome to enroll to take individual classes through Greenville Classical Academy’s upper school university model classes. Homeschoolers also have the opportunity to join an athletic team.

EspritGVL is a co-op that meets in the North Greenville area on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes are offered to 1st through 12th-grade students. The co-op is a drop-off co-op with some volunteer requirements. A wide spectrum of classes are offered as well as park days, meetups, field trips, and support.

These FREE, monthly events will help your child develop an appreciation of the arts, academic abilities and practical life skills, all while getting to know BJU faculty and students. These events are designed for students in 9th through 12th grades.

This gym in Greer offers gymnastics and tumbling classes for homeschool students age 3 to 16 years old.

This association offers membership documentation, assistance with accountability and record keeping and a graduation ceremony with diploma.

Visit the Downtown Greenville Airport and/or Runway Park! Learn about aviation, meet a pilot, see aircraft up close, and more!

• Age: 6th grade and up can meet a pilot, visit the control tower, see an aircraft, and more. All ages can participate in a field trip hosted by Runway Park which includes climbing inside a real plane.
• Subjects: social studies, science, careers
• Groups can add on lunch at Runway Cafe with special group pricing.

During the school year, Big Air Greenville has $15 for 2 hours of jump time ($12 if homeschool status shown) on Wednesday and Thursday from 1-3 pm. Don’t forget your socks!
Big Air Trampoline Park is full of unique attractions that won’t be found anywhere else in the upstate.

A 3rd Option homeschool accountability association that covers the entire state of SC. They offer in-person consultations and walk side-by-side with all families who are interested in homeschooling, even if they are not a member of the association.

This website offers specifics for homeschooling in the state of South Carolina. There is a particularly nice list of accountability and support groups to search through.

The Biltmore offers group tours for homeschool and school groups, as well as educational programming in their barn.

• Age: A wide variety of programming is available for different ages
• Subject: Program can include: Social Studies, Science, Math, English Language Arts, Information Skills, Healthy Living, Visual Arts

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PGA offers a variety of classes, such as gymnastics for boys and girls, preschool, ninja, tumbling, just bars, special needs, and adult classes. PGA also offers Playtime, Mom’s Morning Out, summer and holiday camps, and Parent’s Night Out.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Indoor Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites Finalist: Educational Family Fun

The Greenville County Library System offers a large variety of virtual and in-person programs for babies, preschoolers, children, and adults! Some programs include take-home kits that can be requested online. Topics include history, art, and science.

The Greenville Library offers field trips including story times, a look-and-find tour, reference tours, and more.

• Age: Programs available for multiple age groups
• Subject: English, Reading, Literature
• The library can also bring programs to your location for groups.

2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Educational Family Fun
2023 KABOOM Family Favorites First Place: Field Trips

Located just minutes from downtown Greenville, Roper Mountain Science Center is one of the nation’s most unique learning experiences. As a pinnacle of innovative learning, an engine for community engagement, and a national leader in science education, Roper Mountain’s mission is to ignite the natural curiosity of all learners to explore and shape their world.

The beautiful 62-acre campus contains an array of state-of-the-art educational facilities including a Planetarium and Observatory, Marine and Ecology labs, a Rainforest, a Living History Farm and a new Environmental Science and Sustainability Center.

Each year, more than 50,000 students, 6000 teachers and 30,000 families experience the latest in explorative STEM education through these interactive exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities. Families can attend numerous events throughout the year including Friday Starry Nights, Afternoon Explorations, Summer Adventure, Laser Days of Summer, Summer Exploration Camps, and seasonal holiday laser shows. Regardless of age, Roper Mountain provides everyone the opportunity to explore, discover, imagine and grow.

Big Air Spartanburg’s Homeschool Jump is offered when local schools are in session. On Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 pm, you can jump for $15 ( $12 if proof of homeschool provided). Don’t forget your socks!

Offers:  This co-op meets at New Image Church in Easley on Mondays. They offer a variety of academic and enrichment classes. Parents must remain on-site with their children and participate in the classroom and fulfill other roles.

Lucky Acres Farm is a small family farm in Townville, SC featuring alpacas. Learn about alpacas and how the farm is run, including what products the alpaca fibers are used to create.

• Age: All ages
• Science, agriculture
• The farm is also home to goats, horses and chickens.

The 7,000-acre Croft State Park offers miles of hiking, biking, fishing, and even equestrian trails. You can read more about Croft State Park here.

A source for BJU Press materials and more.

This gym offers gymnastics classes for homeschool students ages 6 and up. They are offered one day a week when the gym is less crowded. Additional days a week are available and classes run year round.

This parent led co-op meets on Fridays at Clear Springs Baptist Church in Simpsonville. They offer a full day of academic and enrichment class options for K-12 and offer a nursery program.

Offers weekly in-person and virtual programs for homeschool students K5-8th grade. Topics covered in each class change monthly. Offered November through May.
Contact the Education Department to register by phone at 864.467.4850

With Lowes Foods’ From the Field Trips, learn about healthy food, local food, exercising and healthy living.

• Age: Programs available for Pre-K through 6th Grade
• Subject: Science, Health/PE
• These field trips are free!

1 hour gymnastics classes are offered to homeschool students ages 6 – 18 years old. They offer two locations, one on Miller Road and one in Mauldin.

Visit the Zentrum Museum and learn about the history of BMW and view examples of BMW’s vehicles throughout their history.

Zentrum museum hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Guided plant tours are available and students will have the chance to see how the cars are built.

• Age: Plant Tours are limited to age 12 and up
• Subject: Science and Engineering, History
• Closed toe shoes must be worn on the plant tour

A source for BJU Press materials and more.

A school supply store for classroom teachers, but homeschoolers will find some goodies here, as well.

Learn about agriculture at Stewart Farms. Enjoy the pumpkin patch and the corn maze.
Offers field trips and occasional special events for homeschoolers.

Homeschool Days for fall 2022 are September 27 & 28. 

Book a multi-day field trip through their Adventure Guides program, Family Camp program, and other programs that allow children to learn about nature while learning how to work together as a group.

• Ages: Depends on programming
• Subject: Nature, PE, problem-solving

Tours and group reservations are currently limited in number, so please contact the farm before submitting a form to visit.
Carl Sandburg Home also offer online virtual lessons. These are not live presentations, but rather virtual lesson plans. Students can learn about the Sandburg family and the significance of Carl Sandburg’s writing. Here are the virtual lesson plans.

This historic estate of poet Carl Sandburg in nearby Flat Rock, NC offers a 1-2 hour educational tour for groups that include writing activities, house tour, and farm visits.

• Age: Kindergarten through high school
• Subject: Writing, poetry, language arts, history, social studies, science
• Homeschool trips are also available.

This resource for South Carolina homeschool families includes a directory of homeschool associations and co-ops.

This homeschool association provides proof of membership documents, assistance with high school transcripts, and, while standardized testing is not required, they provide assistance finding sites where homeschoolers can participate if desired.

Lake Conestee Nature Preserve offers a wide variety of science and nature field trips and programs.

• Age: Preschool through high school
• Subject: Science and Nature
• Programs include a variety of topics depending on age. Topics include plants, bees, ecology, water quality, and more!
• Programs available include Field Trips, Nature Discovery After School Program (February – May), Knee-High Naturalists (Ages 2-4), and more.
• Field trips for 2022 are FREE of charge for public schools.

A Facebook closed group marketplace for homeschool materials.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Music Programs

Located at Converse College in Spartanburg, this academy offers many music and dance opportunities, including group lessons, private lessons and full ensemble opportunities throughout the school year, as well as summer camp.

Provides guidelines, resources, and laws about the three homeschool options in South Carolina.

In addition to being an accountability group, Carolina Homeschooler offers field trips, online classes, book clubs, and online parent support forums. Their page offers helpful information about legally homeschooling in South Carolina.

Co-op drop-off program. Two- and three-day programs. Half-day and full-day options. Tuesday through Thursday, 9 am – 3 pm. Ages 3-12.

A Facebook community providing information about homeschooling resources, events, and more.

At the Sigal Music Museum, explore the exciting world of music through exhibitions, concerts, and music classes for both children & adults.

2023 KABOOM Awards Family Favorites Finalist: Art Programs

Art classes, camps, and playgroups for ages 1-11 in a spacious in-home art studio.

Shop online or in the store for a large variety of homeschool teaching and learning tools.

Spartanburg County Historical Association offers tours and living history activities at several historic sites one Friday per month.

• Age: Programs are modified to serve the age group
• Subject: Social Studies/History and English Language Arts
• Sites include Walnut Grove Plantation, Regional History Museum and Seay House

WNC Nature Center currently offers self-guided tours for school groups (registration required), as well as virtual small group programs, virtual auditorium programs, and recorded programs on various topics that include a live animal guest.

View 60 species of native animals at the WNC Nature Center! Programs are available for groups as small as 10.

• Age: all ages
• Subject: science
• Guided as well as self-guided and in-school programs are available.

This group on Facebook facilitates the planning of homeschool field trips for families in the Oconee, Pickens, Anderson and Greenville areas and shares information and opportunities for area homeschoolers.

Offers a wide variety of art classes.

A consignment store for homeschool curriculum for a variety of learning styles.

Offers: A homeschool partnership program offering K-12 programs in the academics and the arts. They meet at Airport Baptist Church on Mondays,  Wednesdays, and Thursdays. High school students can enroll in college prep arts courses in Theater, Art, Music, Media Arts and Creative Writing.

This third option homeschool association serving upstate families, provides membership documentation, GPA, class ranking and transcripts. In addition, this association requires its high school students to take standardized testings (ACT/SAT).

Families following the Classical Conversations curriculum have many options for weekly groups in the Greenville area. See the website for more information.

In-studio and virtual homeschool classes are available for elementary and middle school students. Topics include poetry, math, topography and more all in a hands on maker environment. Read class descriptions and register on-line.

An athletic organization for homeschool students, offering 9 different competitive sports including archery, baseball, basketball, cheerleading and volleyball. They meet at multiple locations throughout the upstate.

Offers after school programs, theatre programs, private lessons, and songwriting classes that homeschool students can participate in.

Shop online or in the store for a large variety of homeschool teaching and learning tools.

PE classes give homeschoolers the opportunity to play organized games and sports, make friends, and stay active. Weekly class meets in Boiling Springs and Greer.

Monthly homeschool classes. Grade levels may fluctuate based on the exhibit. Topics vary from month to month. Registration is online only. Classes meet on the third Friday of each month at 1:3o pm.

Additionally, the Upcountry History Museum offers tours for school-age children that immerse the kids in a period of history through exhibits, discussion, and hands-on activities.

Email [email protected] for more information.

This co-op for elementary through high school students meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at Siloam Baptist Church in Easley. E-mail [email protected] for more details.

Crestview Christian Homeschool Academy offers full day to à la carte academic & enrichment classes on Thursdays.  Classes are for students in Kindergarten – High school. The group meets at Riverside Baptist. Parents may drop off children or stay and be a part of the community.

This piano studio offers private and group music lessons in piano, guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele.

Offers hands-on educational programs for homeschoolers of all ages.

• Homeschool Day Winter (February), Spring (April), and Fall (September).
• Event costs cover admission to the park, supplies, and all programs and activities. Check the website for costs and registration info.
• Programs can also be arranged year-round. Contact them for more information.

Interactive classes in art, music, PE, and swim are offered each semester to homeschoolers ages 6 – 12.

Offers monthly homeschool skate events.