South Dakota Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in South Dakota Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: Yes

1 Option for Homeschooling: Alternative Instruction

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-18

Record-Keeping Requirements: Yes

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

Starting to Homeschool in South Dakota

Starting homeschooling in South Dakota is a quick and hassle-free process. If your child is attending a public school, you need to inform the school of your decision to homeschool and officially withdraw your child. 

Every homeschooler must submit a one-time Alternative Instruction Notification. After that, you can get started. There are no attendance or assessment requirements, and you have the freedom to choose any curriculum that fits your family’s needs.

Submitting an Alternative Instruction Notification 

Submit an Alternative Instruction Notification to the South Dakota Department of Education is required if you choose to homeschool your child. You need to submit your notification form within the first 30 days of starting homeschooling. 

TIP: Children under 7 and older than 5 need to submit a notice to start homeschooling.

There are two ways to submit this document. 

1. There is a convenient online portal. You will simply create a profile and fill out all the required information.
2. Use this form, then manually submit your notice to the school district. 

Remember to include your child’s name, birth date, resident district, and open-enrolled district (if applicable). The form needs a signature from the child’s parent or

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Qualifications to Homeschool in South Dakota

Homeschool parents in South Dakota are not required to have any special license or education to teach children in their homeschool. In an alternative instruction environment, a teacher cannot teach more than 22 students. 

All you need to homeschool is a passion for your child’s education and a willingness to put in the time and effort it requires.

Legal Requirements to Homeschool in South Dakota

Homeschooling laws in South Dakota are easy to comply with and give home educators ultimate instruction flexibility. 

To successfully homeschool in South Dakota, make sure you do these things: 

• Submit your one-time Alternative Instruction Notification online or manually.
• Instruct your homeschooler in Language Arts and Mathematics
• Keep up-to-date records of the subjects taught and any communication with the school district.

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Mandatory School Age in South Dakota

Children who are 6 years old by September 1st need to begin homeschool or be enrolled in public school.

The state requires children to attend until age 18, or when they graduate high school.

South Dakota Homeschool Subject Requirements

There is not a specified curriculum or method of teaching that is required of South Dakota homeschooling parents. 

TIP: Homeschool laws in the state require parents to provide instruction in the basic skills of language arts and mathematics.

While there are no specifications to provide this instruction, the state gives access to textbooks for homeschool instruction. Contact your local school if you are interested in borrowing educational books to use during the school year.

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South Dakota Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

Parents and guardians should maintain a comprehensive academic record of the student’s learning, including attendance and grades. 

Transcripts issued by the parents or guardians are necessary for various purposes such as participating in activities, enrolling in the state’s dual credit program, admission into public education at a later date, postsecondary education, and scholarship applications.

We recommend keeping a file for your child containing all correspondence with the school district, their transcript or portfolio, immunization records, and test scores. 

  

South Dakota Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Homeschoolers in South Dakota are not required to participate in standardized testing. If a home educator wants to have their child take a standardized test to understand their academic levels or to give them the experience of a test, they will need to coordinate and pay for the test. 

Some school districts will allow homeschoolers to join in testing within the public school testing time. If you’re interested in having your homeschooler participate, reach out to your local school. 

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Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in South Dakota

Homeschooled children are required to provide proof of immunizations or exemptions. As a homeschooling parent, keeping records of your child’s immunizations is a good idea. Public school children are required to be immunized before enrolling in school. If your family ever decides to enroll in public school, having updated immunization records will be necessary.

Resources for Homeschool Families in South Dakota

If you’re like many homeschoolers in South Dakota, you’ll be interested in establishing support and friendship in the homeschool community. 

Many homeschooling families join various groups and organizations to enrich their education, encourage socialization, and support home-based learning. 

These helpful connections are commonly established through homeschool groups, cooperatives, or larger associations.

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Dual Credit Program for Homeschoolers

Dual credit is an opportunity for 11th–12th graders to simultaneously earn credits towards their high school graduation and college degree. Homeschoolers in South Dakota are allowed to participate in this program. 

Homeschoolers must meet eligibility requirements for dual credit courses, just like a public high schooler or college student. These requirements could be GPA levels or course prerequisites.

Homeschool Groups and Co-ops in South Dakota

Joining a homeschool group or cooperative (co-op) can be an excellent way for families to connect with other homeschoolers. These groups and co-ops vary in size, structure, and goals but typically offer opportunities for fun activities, socializing, and educational collaboration among homeschooling families.

TIP: Many homeschool groups and co-ops organize educational outings, classes, workshops, and other events for homeschoolers. 

Home educators and children both benefit from forming friendships, receiving support, and obtaining guidance.

To begin your search for a homeschool group or co-op, we suggest looking online. Below are some popular South Dakota area groups and co-ops to help you get started.

Sioux Falls SD Regional Homeschool Families

Homeschooling South Dakota Discussion Group

Southeast South Dakota Homeschoolers

South Dakota & North Dakota Homeschooling for College Credit

Northeast South Dakota All Inclusive Homeschoolers

South Dakota Homeschool Support

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Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Homeschooling families can enjoy the resources and assistance homeschool organizations and associations provide. 

TIP: These associations tend to be more structured than informal groups or co-ops and may have membership fees. 

Such organizations commonly provide opportunities to attend events, obtain information, access resources, receive legal assistance, and engage in advocacy efforts.

If you’re interested in connecting with a homeschool association in South Dakota, check out South Dakota Christian Home Educators (SDCHE). They have a robust offering of information and support for homeschoolers throughout the state.

Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in South Dakota

South Dakota homeschoolers can participate in public school sports if they meet the same eligibility requirements of public school students. This can include things like health exams and having good grades.  

If you want your homeschooler to participate in athletics outside the public school system, there are many opportunities. Here are some popular South Dakota athletic options for homeschoolers.

Group Name & Website	What Sports They Cover	What Area in South Dakota
YMCA – South Dakota	Basketball, track and field, swimming, soccer, racquetball, tennis, and more!	Pierre, Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Rapid City
VIP Gymnastics, Ninja, Cheer	Gymnastics, tumbling, cheer, ninja obstacles	North Sioux City
South Dakota Gold Rush	Track and field	Sioux Falls, Vermillion, Rapid City, Parker

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South Dakota Homeschool Field Trips 

There are a wealth of field trip opportunities in South Dakota. Whether going on an adventure with just your family or bringing your entire homeschool group, you’re bound to have an enriching experience with hands-on learning. 

Here are five unique field trips for homeschoolers in South Dakota:

Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead – Visit the childhood home of the famous author of the “Little House on the Prairie” book series. The homestead offers guided tours, a museum, and a reconstructed schoolhouse.

Mammoth Site – Explore the world’s largest mammoth research facility and see over 60 mammoth fossils. The site also includes a working paleontology laboratory and an interactive exhibit hall.

Crazy Horse Memorial – Learn about the life and legacy of the Lakota warrior and see the largest in-progress mountain carving in the world. The site also features a museum, cultural center, and art galleries.

Jewel Cave National Monument – Discover the third-longest cave system in the world and view unique geological formations. Guided tours of the cave are available year-round.

South Dakota Air and Space Museum – Explore the history of aviation and space travel, including a collection of aircraft and artifacts from World War II to the present day. The museum also features interactive exhibits and a planetarium.

Special Education Homeschoolers

South Dakota’s homeschool law does not explicitly grant special education services to homeschooled students. Families should contact their local school district to inquire about special needs services that may be available. However, the school district is not required to provide any support.

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South Dakota Homeschool FAQ

How much does it cost to homeschool in South Dakota?

Every family will experience differing costs in operating their homeschool. Homeschooling in South Dakota can be quite budget friendly since the public schools are required to loan textbooks to homeschool families. 

Borrowing books and educational materials and participating in activities at the public library can also help decrease your homeschool education costs. 

Is South Dakota homeschool friendly? 

South Dakota is very homeschool friendly and supportive of homeschooled students. The state has laws that allow homeschoolers access to school sports, extracurriculars, and textbooks. The state laws also let home educators choose their method of education with very little oversight in curriculum or attendance. 

How do South Dakota homeschoolers get a diploma?  

South Dakota homeschoolers are not subject to state-mandated graduation requirements, and they are not obligated to comply with the same procedures as public school students. As the home educator, you have the flexibility to design your high schooler’s coursework, evaluate their grades and work assessments, and award them a diploma accordingly.

TIP: We recommend checking prerequisites and other requirements of potential post-high school plans as you create your graduation framework. 

Is unschooling legal in South Dakota?

Unschooling is an alternative educational approach that emphasizes self-directed learning and follows the child’s interests and natural curiosity rather than a pre-set curriculum. 

Because South Dakota has such flexible homeschooling laws, unschooling is a perfectly legal and recognized method of education.

How do I enroll my child in public school after homeschooling in South Dakota? 

Sometimes homeschool families decide to enroll a child in the local public school. When this happens, it’s helpful to know the enrollment process. 

TIP: Typically, homeschooled children will need to take a standardized test to evaluate for subject proficiency. This is how grade level will be determined. 

The state allows a child to be placed a grade level above where their age would normally place them.

If you’re considering placing your homeschooler into public school, it’s a good idea to reach out to your local school district for a complete run-down of their policies and processes. 

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