S.C. Department of Education Updating Online Program

A new law allows seventh- through 12th-graders to take more courses through South Carolina's virtual education program. A State Board of Education subcommittee will be updated on the program Wednesday morning. Students are no longer limited to three online credit hours per year or a total of 12 toward a high school diploma.

Gov. Nikki Haley signed the changes into law last month, following unanimous approval in both the House and Senate. State law continues to bar students from earning a diploma through the free program that's available to public, private and home-schooled students, depending on enrollment availability.

The agency-run program differs from the fully virtual public charter schools that are part of the statewide charter school district.