South Dakota Homeschool Information
—Homeschool In South Dakota—
Homeschooling in South Dakota
Find Out What the State Says About Home Education
South Dakota School Choice
Click above for general information on the school choice.
South Dakota Department of Education
Click above for the state Education Information.
South Dakota Homeschool Review
🏡 Homeschooling Requirements in South Dakota
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Alternative Instruction Notification
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Parents/guardians must file a one-time Alternative Instruction Notification form with the South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) or local district when starting homeschooling.
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An updated notification must be filed within 30 days if you move district or enroll in a school
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Age Range & Compulsory Attendance
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Homeschooling starts at age 5–6 (must start before turning 7 by September 1) and continues until age 18 or graduation
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Instructor Qualifications & Family Size
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No teaching credential required.
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A parent/instructor may teach up to 22 students at a time
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Curriculum Requirements
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Instruction must include basic math and language arts, aiming for mastery of the English language
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Testing & Record‑keeping
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No standardized testing is required under current law (since SB 177 took effect July 1, 2021)
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No mandated portfolio or daily attendance logs, though parents may keep records for personal or college-use
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Birth certificate filing is no longer required under SB 177
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Public School Access
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Homeschool students can enroll in public school classes or extracurricular activities (including sports), subject to local eligibility rules.
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Transfer between districts is simplified, and notices aren’t burdensome
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Dual‑Credit & College Prep
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Homeschoolers can pursue dual‑credit courses; they must submit the notification; an MOU may also be required
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🎓 Enrolling in a Private Accredited Online School
When homeschooling through a private accredited online school, a few aspects change:
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Notification Requirement Changes
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Since your child is enrolled in a nonpublic school, you must file the Alternative Instruction Notification, but under SB 177, renewals aren’t needed annually—only upon change (move or school enrollment)
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Teacher Qualifications & Oversight
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The online school itself employs certified instructors, but as a parent, you still don’t need certification.
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South Dakota law doesn’t impose extra curriculum or testing requirements—accreditation adds its own internal standards, not state ones .
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Assessment & Records
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Completed courses will include school-provided grades, tests, and credits.
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The private school handles diplomas, transcripts, and accreditation documentation—likely beneficial for college admissions.
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Public School Interactions
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As with traditional homeschoolers, students can participate in public school classes and activities, following the same eligibility rules (e.g. transcripts may be required) .
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Cost & Curriculum
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Accredited online schools charge tuition and follow a structured academic calendar.
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You gain curriculum guidance, pacing, and instructor-led assessments—but lose some flexibility inherent in traditional homeschooling.
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🎯 Bottom Line for Parents
If you enroll your child in a private accredited online school:
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You still submit a single notification—but you won’t need to file annually unless circumstances change.
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The online school handles academic standards, testing, and transcripts, which simplifies college preparation.
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Your child remains eligible for public school classes and activities under the same rules.
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The trade-off is less schedule flexibility and added tuition—but you gain formal accreditation benefits without extra state regulatory strings.
South Dakota K-12 School Choice
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📌 Bottom Line
South Dakota families can access tax-credit scholarships for private school tuition via SGOs if they meet income criteria. No state-funded vouchers exist now, and homeschooling or private online education must be privately financed, though open‐enrollment public schooling remains available at no cost.
Let me know if you’d like help applying for SGO scholarships or staying updated on school-choice legislation!
South Dakota School Choice
Here’s an updated look at South Dakota’s school‑choice landscape and whether there’s public funding available for private schools or homeschooling:
🎓 What school‐choice options are available?
1. Public Charter & Magnet Schools
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No charter schools are currently permitted in South Dakota—one of just four states without them There are also no freestanding magnet schools statewide, though some traditional districts may offer magnet-style programs
2. Open Enrollment in Public Districts
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You’re free to enroll your child in public schools outside your assigned district via open enrollment, subject to available space and district approval.
3. Private Schools
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Over 80 private schools serve around 15,000 students. Tuition averages ~$4,125 (elementary) to $6,156 (high school)
4. Microschools, Homeschooling & Online Programs
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Homeschooling, microschools, and accredited online programs are recognized under the state’s alternative instruction laws (e.g., SB 177).
5. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) & Voucher Proposals
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In early 2025, House Bills 1009 and 1020 proposed ESAs (~$3,000–$7,400 per student), usable for private school tuition, curriculum, homeschooling, etc.
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Both bills were defeated in committee on January 29, 2025
💰 Is there any public funding for private school or homeschool?
A. Tax-Credit Scholarships via “Partners in Education” (SGO)
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Enacted in 2016, the Partners in Education Tax-Credit Program allows insurance companies to donate to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) and receive 100% premium tax credits s
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Scholarships are then awarded to eligible families:
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Income ≤ 150 % of free/reduced lunch initially (up to 200 % if already receiving support) .
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Scholarships average $2,200 (2024–25), up to 82.5 % of state per-pupil funding (~$6,700)
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No statewide enrollment cap; program capped at $5 million/year for the tax credits
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~1,771 students and 48 schools participated in 2024–25
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B. ESA / Voucher Bills (HB 1009 & HB 1020)
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Proposed to provide ~$3,000/student ESA funded by state general revenue (2026).
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Would allow use for private school, homeschooling expenses, curriculum, testing, tutoring, transportation, technology.
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Both bills died in committee in January 2025 and did not pass
Homeschool Resources for South Dakota
Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.
In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.
Homeschool Legal Defense Association
Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney. Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice. The information provided was assisted in writing by AI.