Homeschooling in South Dakota: the law and how to start

Yes. South Dakota's compulsory attendance law (SDCL 13-27-1) lets parents meet the attendance requirement through a public school, a nonpublic school, or alternative instruction under SDCL 13-27-3 — the state's term for homeschooling.

South Dakota is a low-regulation state. Since Senate Bill 177 took effect on July 1, 2021, the rules are simple:

• file a one-time alternative instruction notification;
• teach the basic skills of language arts and mathematics;
• no standardized testing, portfolio or evaluation is required;
• no teaching certificate is needed, though one person may not instruct more than 22 children.

• Fill out the notification. It must be on the form provided by the Department of Education — online through the department's system, or on paper. It asks for your child's name and birthdate, your resident school district (and open-enrolled district, if any), and your signature.
• Submit it within 30 days of starting alternative instruction, to either the Department of Education or your local school district.
• Keep your proof. The Department or district gives you a signed or stamped copy of the notification as proof that you filed. Keep it with your records.
• Withdrawing from school. If your child is enrolled in a school, file the notification and let the school know in writing that your child is leaving for alternative instruction. Keep copies of everything.
• Update when things change. You don't renew every year, but you file an updated notification within 30 days if, for example, you move to another district or your child enrolls in a public or nonpublic school.

The law requires alternative instruction in the basic skills of language arts and mathematics. Beyond that, you choose your curriculum, materials, schedule and teaching approach.

South Dakota's alternative instruction statute doesn't set a minimum number of days or hours, and you don't submit a curriculum for approval.

South Dakota no longer requires standardized testing for children in alternative instruction. Before 2021, students took tests in certain grades; Senate Bill 177 removed that requirement along with other paperwork.

The law doesn't require you to keep a portfolio or attendance log, or to submit progress reports. Keeping your own records is still wise — your stamped notification, a list of courses and materials, and samples of work — in case your child returns to school or applies to college.

As the parent directing alternative instruction, you decide when your teen has completed high school and can issue a diploma and transcript. Keep a running record of courses, credits and grades from grade 9 onward.

If your teen wants to take college courses during high school, contact the college or university directly about its admission rules for students in alternative instruction.

South Dakota law (SDCL 13-36-7) requires public school districts to let children in alternative instruction take part in athletics, fine arts and other activities in the district where they live.

To take part, you provide proof of your child's age. Your child must follow the same local training rules and the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) transfer and non-academic eligibility rules as enrolled students. Before each season, you give the school a transcript of your child's coursework from the previous semester, and you must tell the school if your child becomes ineligible. The law doesn't guarantee a spot on a team — selection works the same as for other students.

If you think your child may have a disability, contact your school district: under the federal IDEA, districts must locate and evaluate children who may need special education, including those in alternative instruction. Ask what services, if any, the district offers.

South Dakota has statewide homeschool organizations, local support groups and co-ops, and many public libraries offer programs that homeschool families use.

For official questions about the notification, contact the Department of Education's alternative instruction office or your local school district.