How to Start Homeschooling in South Dakota

Yes. Homeschooling is fully legal in South Dakota. SDCL Chapter 13-27 provides a dedicated legal framework called "alternative instruction." The compulsory attendance law, SDCL 13-27-1, lists alternative instruction alongside public and nonpublic school.

Your notification is a filing, not an application. The Department of Education says no school board action is required to finalize it; once you submit it on the Department's form, the district must consider the notification submitted. You receive a copy as proof.

Under SDCL 13-27-1, compulsory attendance applies to a child who is not younger than five or older than six by September 1, or who is at least six by September 1, until the child turns 18, graduates, or is excused under the chapter. Each child must attend kindergarten before age seven.

This means kindergarten-age children can be covered, including through alternative instruction. The Department of Education advises families to file a notification when instruction begins.

Your one-time notification remains in effect unless your child enrolls in a public or nonpublic school or moves to a different school district.

One special provision: SDCL 13-27-1.1 excuses a child who has completed eighth grade from compulsory attendance if the family belongs to a recognized church or religious denomination that objects to regular public high school education and that provides a supervised program of instruction.

Here is how to start homeschooling in South Dakota.

Step 1: Complete the standard notification form. The notification must be on the standard form provided by the South Dakota Department of Education (SDCL 13-27-7). Under the statute, the form asks for your child's name, birthdate, resident district, open enrolled district if applicable, your signature, and information for returning the form. The Department's online notification system sends your notification to the district and the Department at the same time. A paper form is also available.

Step 2: File within 30 days. File the notification within 30 days from the first time your child begins alternative instruction (SDCL 13-27-7). You will receive a confirmation or a signed or stamped copy as proof. Keep it.

Step 3: Withdraw from school (if enrolled). South Dakota does not require a withdrawal letter. If you would like, a short note to the school with your child's name and the date you are beginning alternative instruction keeps everyone on the same page. Keep copies of every document.

Step 4: Teach language arts and math. SDCL 13-27-3 requires instruction in the basic skills of language arts and mathematics, given so as to lead to mastery of the English language. You choose your own curriculum and materials, and you may teach any other subjects you like.

Step 5: Set your schedule. The statute sets no minimum number of days or hours for alternative instruction. Structure your week however fits your family.

Step 6: Update when needed. Your notification stays active unless your child enrolls in a public or nonpublic school or moves to a different school district. If either happens, file an updated notification within 30 days (SDCL 13-27-7). If your child plans to take state dual credit courses in 11th or 12th grade, the Department asks you to update the notification the semester before.

Your only required document is a one-time notification to the South Dakota Department of Education or your local school district, on the Department's standard form.

The form asks for your child's name, birthdate, resident district, open enrolled district if applicable, your signature, and return information (SDCL 13-27-7). The statute says the form may not require more details than that. You do not need to submit a birth certificate with it.

Use the online notification system or the paper form. A plain letter does not meet the requirement because the statute calls for the standard form.

Beyond this form, South Dakota requires no progress reports, curriculum descriptions, test results, or annual renewal. You only file an updated notification if your child enrolls in a school or moves to a new district.

Under SDCL 13-27-3, alternative instruction covers the basic skills of language arts and mathematics, and all instruction must lead to mastery of the English language.

Science, history, the arts, physical education: these all matter for your child's growth and future, and you decide what else to include based on your child's needs and interests. You choose your own curriculum and materials. Public school boards must loan textbooks without charge to alternative instruction students who live in the district, according to the Department of Education.

One rule matters for co-ops: no person may instruct more than 22 children (SDCL 13-27-3). If a group would exceed 22 under one instructor, split into smaller groups or add instructors.

Use the right legal terminology. South Dakota statutes say "alternative instruction," not "homeschool." Using this term with school officials prevents unnecessary confusion.

Your child can join school activities. Under SDCL 13-36-7, each public school district must allow a child receiving alternative instruction to participate in athletics, fine arts, or activities in the district where the child lives. Your child follows the same local training rules and South Dakota High School Activities Association transfer and non-academic eligibility rules as enrolled students. Before each season, provide proof of age and a parent-issued transcript of the previous semester's coursework. Contact your district's activities director early to get registered.

Part-time public school enrollment. Under SDCL 13-28-51, your resident district must admit your child to a public school on a partial basis on your request, while your child continues alternative instruction.

No teaching credentials needed. Under SDCL 13-27-3, the person providing instruction does not need to be certified.

Re-notify when you move. If your family moves to a different school district, file an updated notification within 30 days (SDCL 13-27-7).

Dual credit. Eligible 11th and 12th graders can take reduced-tuition dual credit courses at South Dakota public universities and technical colleges. Alternative instruction families need a notification on file with the Department of Education and a signed memorandum of understanding; update your notification the semester before your child becomes eligible.

High school. You create your child's transcript. A student who is at least sixteen may be approved to take the high school equivalency tests. Contact your target college's admissions office early for its current requirements.

Special needs families. You can refer your child to your district for a Child Find evaluation. The Department of Education explains that to receive special education services, a student must enroll in the district at least part time, depending on the services needed. Contact your local district to ask about options.

No ESA program. South Dakota does not have an education savings account for homeschoolers as of 2026.

You are not alone in this. The South Dakota Home School Association (sdhsa.org) is a statewide homeschool organization where you can connect with other families.