Homeschooling in South Dakota is flexible and straightforward. With a one-time notification and minimal subject requirements, parents can educate their children without much red tape. This guide outlines the essentials you need to know.
South Dakota is home to approximately 5,000 homeschooled students, making it one of the active homeschooling communities in the nation (NCES estimates, 2023). Homeschool regulations vary dramatically across the U.S. — 11 states have no requirement to notify the government, while 6 states require curriculum approval, standardized testing, or professional evaluations (HSLDA, 2024).
South Dakota homeschool requirements at a glance
Homeschooling in South Dakota is pretty simple now. Thanks to a law change in 2021, you only need to notify the state once. Here’s a quick look at what changed:
Before 2021:
- Annual notification to your local school district
- Standardized tests in grades 2, 4, 8, and 11
- School boards could deny requests
- Parents had to explain why they were homeschooling
After 2021:
- One-time notice to the SD Department of Education
- No testing required
- No school board approval needed
- No need to explain your reasons
This means you can file once and then homeschool as you wish. Over 11,500 students are now in alternative programs, up from 7,425 since the law change.
Required subjects
In South Dakota, you only need to teach two subjects:
- Language arts: reading, writing, spelling, grammar
- Mathematics
There's no state requirement for subjects like science or history. Most families choose to teach more than just the basics, covering a wider range of topics. You have total freedom to pick what works best for your child.
How to start homeschooling in South Dakota
Record-keeping practices
South Dakota doesn’t require you to keep records. There are no attendance logs or portfolios needed. However, it's smart to keep some records for your own benefit:
- Helps with high school transcripts for college
- Documents education if your child goes back to public school
- Shows evidence of learning if questions come up
- Tracks your child’s progress
You can keep records in any way that works for you, like spreadsheets or planners. Just make sure it’s something you'll stick with.
Optional testing
While testing isn’t required, you can choose to have your child take standardized tests if you want. The state offers free testing for grades 4, 8, and 11. You can contact your local school for more info.
Why consider testing?
- Track your child’s progress
- Identify strengths and weaknesses
- Prepare for college entrance exams
- Just satisfy your curiosity
There are also private testing options available if you prefer.
High school, graduation & beyond
As a homeschool parent, you decide what your child needs to graduate. South Dakota doesn’t set specific requirements for high school credits. When you create transcripts for college applications, include courses, credits, grades, and any necessary descriptions.
South Dakota universities accept homeschool students. They usually ask for transcripts and test scores. Check with the admissions office for exact details. Plus, many colleges let high schoolers take classes for credit.
Sports and extracurricular access
Homeschoolers in South Dakota may not automatically join public school sports or activities. It depends on local district rules. Some districts allow it, so check with your local school's activities director.
For those who want alternatives, there are sports leagues and co-ops in bigger cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Rural families might need to travel further for these options.
Special considerations
- Special needs: If your child has an IEP, you might need to enroll them part-time to access public services.
- Starting mid-year: You can start homeschooling anytime. Just file your notification.
- Moving to South Dakota: File your notification with the state once you move.
- Returning to public school: Kids will be placed based on age and assessment. Good records help with this.
The bottom line
South Dakota has made homeschooling quite easy. Just notify the state once and teach two subjects. The changes in 2021 have made it all about trust in parents. Your first step? File your notification with the SD Department of Education and choose a curriculum that fits your family’s needs. Enjoy the journey of homeschooling in South Dakota!
