South Dakota Homeschooling: A Guide to Alternative Instruction

South Dakota is one of the most homeschool-friendly states in the nation. Following significant legislative changes in 2021 (Senate Bill 177), the state reduced the administrative burden on families, making it easier than ever to direct your child’s education. In South Dakota, homeschooling is legally categorized as “Alternative Instruction.”

The Legal Landscape

In South Dakota, children between the ages of 6 (on or before September 1) and 18 are subject to compulsory attendance laws. If you choose to educate your child at home, you are exempt from public school attendance requirements as long as you comply with the state’s alternative instruction laws (SDCL 13-27-3).

Getting Started: The Notification Process

To begin homeschooling, you must file a notification with your local school district.

1. One-Time Filing: Unlike many states that require annual paperwork, South Dakota only requires a one-time notification. You file when you first start homeschooling in the district.
2. Relocation: If you move to a new school district within South Dakota, you must file a new notification with the new district.
3. Content: The notification typically includes the names and ages of the children and your contact information. The South Dakota Department of Education provides a standard form for this purpose.

Educational Requirements

While South Dakota grants parents significant freedom, there are two primary instructional requirements:

• Required Subjects: Your curriculum must include Language Arts and Mathematics.
• Instructional Time: You must provide instruction for a “like period of time” as the public schools, which generally equates to roughly 180 days or the equivalent hours.

There are no teacher qualification requirements in South Dakota; you do not need a teaching certificate or a high school diploma to teach your own children.

Testing and Assessment

As of 2021, South Dakota no longer requires homeschool students to participate in standardized testing. Previously, testing was mandated for grades 4, 8, and 11, but this requirement has been repealed. However, parents who wish to have their children tested may still request that the local school district provide standardized tests at no cost.

Participation in School Activities

South Dakota law is very supportive of “dual enrollment” in extracurriculars. Homeschool students are eligible to participate in interscholastic activities (sports, music, debate, etc.) sanctioned by the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA). Students must meet the same scholastic and residency requirements as public school students, which generally means showing progress in their language arts and math coursework.

Record Keeping

South Dakota law does not require you to submit records, attendance logs, or portfolios to the state. However, it is highly recommended that you maintain:

• A list of subjects taught and curricula used.
• An attendance log.
• A portfolio of student work samples.
• Detailed records for high schoolers to create a transcript for college admissions.

ESA and School Choice

South Dakota does not currently offer an Education Savings Account (ESA) or a universal school choice program that provides direct funding to homeschool families. The existing ‘Partners in Education’ program is a tax-credit scholarship aimed at low-income students attending private schools, rather than home-based instruction.

Summary of Steps to Comply

1. File the Notification: Submit the Alternative Instruction notification to your local school district office when your child reaches age 6 or when you decide to withdraw them from public school.
2. Plan Your Curriculum: Ensure you are covering Language Arts and Mathematics.
3. Track Progress: Maintain internal records for your own use and future academic transitions.
4. No More Annual Filing: Enjoy the freedom of teaching without the need to re-file paperwork every year, unless you move.

For the most up-to-date forms and local district contacts, visit the South Dakota Department of Education website.