HOMESCHOOL DAY AT THE CAPITOL
We hope you will join us and other homeschoolers from all across South Carolina for the 2023 Homeschool Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, March 15th. You will have the opportunity to meet your state Senators and Representatives, observe the current General Session and legislative process in action, hear from keynote speaker Zan Tyler, sign up to tour the State House, and register for a tour of the Governor's Mansion. This is a great learning opportunity and civic experience for the whole family!
2023 Keynote Speaker Zan Tyler
Zan’s homeschool journey began in 1984 in South Carolina when homeschooling was illegal. The State Superintendent of Education threatened Zan with jail for not sending her children to the local public school. For the next eight years, she and other homeschool families battled for homeschool freedom and the establishment of landmark homeschool legislation in South Carolina.
Keynote Address: Ten Things I Learned on the Way to Jail:
Fighting for your Freedom to Homeschool
12:00pm
Our nation is at a crossroads where the liberties we’ve
often taken for granted are at stake. We are one lawsuit, bad law, or treaty away
from seeing our right to homeschool erode, and we must all work to preserve our
freedoms while intentionally raising up a new generation of freedom fighters. This
session will encourage and equip you with powerful principles.
To register, click here.
1 Free Ticket required per person, per event.
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is Homeschool Day at the Capitol?
Homeschool Day at the Capitol is an annual event held near the beginning of each year. The event will be held rain or shine.
Who can attend this event?
This event is open for ALL South Carolina homeschoolers and their families. We ask that you register in advance, if possible, for our planning purposes.
How much does it cost to attend?
FREE! Learning about state government is an important part of our children's education and all events/tours are free. There will be the opportunity to pay in advance to have your lunch provided (by Chick-fil-A in 2023).
Where do I go when we get there?
We meet outside the Statehouse for registration (in case of inclement weather, meet inside the Blatt Building). Look for the registration tables on the South Side of the State House. We will have information about Homeschool Day at the Capitol activities, contests, and area attractions.
Is there a dress code?
There is not a dress code, but we highly recommend that families come dressed nicely in order to make a good impression on the senators, representatives and staff who are accustomed to business dress attire from their colleagues. They love seeing the kids dressed for success!
Tell me about the tours
You must sign up for tours when you register because the space is limited. The activities can include the State House and the Governor's Mansion. Please be mindful of tour length and travel time between locations when you sign up. The tours are about 30 minutes long. Please note that the minimum age for State House tours is 3rd grade. The other tours are open to all ages.
What kind of behavior is expected?
Good behavior and polite manners will stand out to the legislators and make a great impression. Children should stay with their parents and avoid loud noises and running around (even those who picnic outside for lunch).
Is there a kid's business card contest?
Yes! We encourage kids to create their own business cards. This will allow them to easily introduce themselves to the legislators they meet. We will have a prize drawing from the cards that are entered in the Business Card Contest. The cards do not need to be professionally printed and creativity is encouraged.
Tell me about the Scavenger Hunt.
When you sign in at the registration table, you will have a Scavenger Hunt sheet for each child. The Scavenger Hunt will allow your family to learn more about the Capitol ground in a fun way. Your child will receive a small prize when they turn their completed sheet in at the registration table.
Parking Passes Not Available
Free parking will not be available for the Homeschool Day at the Capitol. The city has changed their policy and they are not currently offering complimentary parking to any organization. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Do you have any tips you can share?
We will send tips as the event gets closer.
Why does SCHEA organize this event?
SCHEA cherishes homeschooling freedom! We are a legislative watchdog for homeschool families in South Carolina. As a 501(c)(3) group, we can only give information about legislation that has been introduced or is pending. This event helps families learn more about how legislation works and will help equip your family to take action on bills that could affect your homeschooling rights.