Homeschooling in South Dakota

South Dakota DRAMATICALLY simplified homeschooling with SB 177 (effective July 1, 2021). Where families once faced annual enrollment AND mandatory standardized testing in grades 2, 4, 8, and 11, the state now requires only a ONE-TIME notification and instruction in just TWO subjects (language arts and math) — the most minimal curriculum requirement of any state in the country. South Dakota now has over 11,500 students in alternative instruction programs (growth of 4,075 since SB 177). The state shifted from oversight to trust. Homeschoolers GUARANTEED access to public school sports and activities under SDCL. Compulsory ages 6-18 (must start before turning 7 by September 1).

Legal framework at a glance

Legal options: One pathway — Alternative Instruction (AI) under SDCL 13-27-3.

Notification: ONE-TIME Alternative Instruction Notification (AIN) form to SD Department of Education OR local school district when starting homeschooling. Update only if you move district or enroll child in school..

Instructional time: No specific days/hours required..

Required subjects: Just 2 required subjects: language arts (reading, writing, spelling, grammar) and mathematics. Most minimal curriculum requirement of any state..

Testing and evaluation: NO testing required..

What South Dakota families need to know

**SB 177 OF 2021** (effective July 1, 2021): TRANSFORMED South Dakota homeschool law. Eliminated annual enrollment renewal, eliminated mandatory standardized testing at grades 2, 4, 8, and 11, eliminated birth certificate filing requirement.

**ONE-TIME NOTIFICATION (AIN form)**: file Alternative Instruction Notification form within 30 days of beginning homeschooling. Filed with the SD Department of Education OR local school district. Use the interactive map at doe.sd.gov/oatq/homeschooling.aspx to identify your school district. NOT compatible with handheld devices.

**Notification updates required ONLY for**:

• Moving to/open enrolling in another district (still homeschooling)

• Enrolling child in public or accredited private school

• Otherwise, NO annual renewal needed

**ONLY 2 REQUIRED SUBJECTS** under SDCL 13-27-3: language arts (reading, writing, spelling, grammar) AND mathematics. Most minimal curriculum requirement of any state. Most families teach far more than the legal minimum.

**No testing required**: no state-mandated assessments. No quarterly reports, no portfolio reviews.

**No teacher qualifications**: no parent education or certification requirements.

**Up to 22 students per parent/guardian/alternative instructor** (SDCL 13-27-3) — this allows for larger family or co-op-style alternative instruction.

**No mandated record-keeping**: state does not require attendance logs, hour tracking, or portfolio submission. Many families maintain voluntary records for transcripts, college applications, or potential transitions.

**SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES GUARANTEED**: each public school district SHALL allow alternative instruction students to participate in athletics, fine arts, or activities (school-sponsored AND SDHSAA-sanctioned) within their district of residence. Same eligibility requirements as enrolled students. Submit SDHSAA Eligibility Checklist for AI students plus athletic physical form.

**SDHSAA rules**: AI students cannot leave public school mid-semester and continue participating in SDHSAA-sanctioned activities that semester. Must follow SDHSAA transfer and non-academic eligibility rules.

**Dual credit access**: AI families interested in SD's reduced tuition dual credit program must have AIN on file with DOE plus signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Mark 'yes' on AIN form for dual credit.

**Special education**: AI students CANNOT access public school special ed services unless enrolled part-time. Schools required to evaluate at parent request (IDEA), but provision of services beyond evaluation is not legally required.

**Multiple-family homeschools/microschools**: AI laws also apply to small unaccredited schools or microschools.

**SD DOE Accreditation Office**: (605) 773-3134 for AI questions.

Compulsory attendance: ages 6-18 (must start before turning 7 by September 1).

Always verify current requirements with the South Dakota Department of Education before filing any official paperwork. State rules can change.

Diploma recognition

South Dakota homeschool parents issue their own diplomas. The state does NOT issue diplomas to alternative instruction students. South Dakota public colleges (USD, SDSU, BHSU) accept homeschool transcripts. Strong ACT/SAT scores significantly strengthen applications. SD's dual credit program is available with AIN and MOU on file. Document courses thoroughly with credit hours, grades, and course descriptions.

Getting started in South Dakota

If you are new to homeschooling in South Dakota, here is the practical sequence to follow:

1. Read the statute. Visit the South Dakota Department of Education website and read the current homeschool regulations in full. The summary on this page is a starting point, but the official statute is the final authority.
2. Choose your legal pathway. South Dakota offers specific options described above. Choose the one that fits your family before you file anything.
3. Prepare your notification. Gather the information required for your notice or registration — child's name, date of birth, address, subjects, curriculum plans, and anything else your chosen pathway requires.
4. File before withdrawing. If your child is currently in public school, file your homeschool notification before you send the withdrawal letter to the school. See our withdrawal guide for the full process.
5. Set up your record-keeping system. Even in low-regulation states, keep attendance records, a list of curriculum used, and samples of your child's work. See our record-keeping guide for what to save and how.
6. Connect with a local homeschool organization. South Dakota has active statewide homeschool organizations (listed below) and usually several local co-ops in each region. These are your best source of current, practical information.

South Dakota homeschool organizations

The following organizations provide advocacy, support, and current information for South Dakota homeschool families:

• Families for Alternative Instruction Rights in South Dakota (FAIRSD) — Statewide alternative instruction advocacy organization — fairsd.net
• South Dakota Christian Home Educators (SDCHE) — Statewide Christian organization
• HSLDA South Dakota — Legal defense and member support

Local homeschool co-ops often meet in libraries, churches, and community centers throughout the state. A search for "South Dakota homeschool co-op [your city]" typically surfaces groups meeting near you. The statewide organizations listed above maintain co-op directories.

Beyond the legal requirements

Meeting South Dakota's legal requirements is only the foundation. The day-to-day work of homeschooling — choosing a curriculum, teaching multiple children at different levels, building a transcript — is the larger task. Once your legal compliance is in order, explore the rest of this site:

Homeschool360 • South Dakota State Guide