South Carolina School Enrollment Requirement
Under South Carolina state law, children must be six years old on or before September 1 to enter first grade. An exception is made for children who have completed first grade in another state that has a different age requirement. To enter kindergarten, children must be five years old on or before September 1. Only children who have completed kindergarten in another state that has a different age requirement are exempt.

Parents who do not enroll their children in a public or private kindergarten are required by law to sign a waiver to that effect. Children who will be five years old on or before September 1 must enroll in a public or private kindergarten program unless the parent or legal guardian signs a waiver or chooses to home school their child under the guidelines of South Carolina law. Waiver forms are available at your local school. By state law, students must be in school from age five to 16.

Bring the following for registering your child: (* required) (-- suggested)
*Birth certificate
*Shot Records
*Three proofs of residency (rental agreement, utilities bills etc., housing letter if on post)
* On post schools also require PCS orders, social security cards, & custody
documentation from non biological parents.

--Many of the high schools and some of the middle schools are requesting a letter of discipline as well. A statement of discipline problems or lack thereof may be requested from the old school.
--some local schools may request a social security number for the children.
--a photocopy of records is not required, but very helpful especially in high school
--contact information for your old school (phone, fax, email, POC)
Immunization requirements: All students are required to be immunized. Students must obtain a certificate of immunization prior to enrolling in school. This certificate must be signed by an individual licensed to practice medicine, surgery, or osteopathy, or his/her authorized representative. The S.C. Certificate of Immunization form must be used. Most local school nurses will transfer shot records onto a SC form. Moncrief Army Hospital Immunization Clinic can also transfer records to the SC form for you. (Please allow 24 hrs. for completion.)

Link to SC immunization requirements: http://www.scdhec.net/health/disease/immunization/immunizations.htm For specific questions regarding medical exceptions, etc., call DHEC region 3 at (803) 286-9948.