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South Dakota

Easy

Homeschool legal: ✅ Yes ·Last verified: 2026-03 ·State code: SD

Overview

Instruction days
175 days per year
Legal status
Homeschooling is legal in this state
Regulatory body
South Dakota Department of Education
Official website
https://doe.sd.gov/oatq/homeschooling.aspx

Notice Requirements

Notice required
Yes — notice must be filed
Deadline
Within 30 days of beginning alternative instruction (homeschooling). File with the South Dakota Department of Education or the local school district. The form requires child's name, birth date, resident district, and open-enrolled district if applicable.
Frequency
Annual — must re-file each school year
Reporting
Required (annually)

Assessment Requirements

Assessment required
No — assessment is optional

Curriculum & Qualifications

Required subjects
Language Arts (basic skills leading to English mastery — minimum statutory requirement)Mathematics (basic skills — minimum statutory requirement)Additional subjects at parent's discretion beyond the statutory minimum
Teacher qualifications
No specific teaching credentials required
Portfolio
No portfolio requirement

Additional Notes

South Dakota is relatively low-regulation. The primary requirements are: (1) file notification within 30 days of starting, (2) operate for 175 instruction days, and (3) provide instruction in at least language arts and mathematics. The 2021 law removed the requirement to report assessment results. Homeschoolers have a statutory right to participate in public school activities.

Tips for Homeschooling in South Dakota

  1. 1

    File your notice on time: "Within 30 days of beginning alternative instruction (homeschooling). File with the South Dakota Department of Education or the local school district. The form requires child's name, birth date, resident district, and open-enrolled district if applicable.". Set a calendar reminder 2 weeks before to prepare documents.

  2. 2

    No formal assessment is required in South Dakota. Consider voluntary portfolio tracking to document your child's progress for college applications.

  3. 3

    Join a local South Dakota homeschool co-op or support group. Peer connections help with curriculum sharing, field trips, and social opportunities for your learner.

Open South Dakota Checklist →

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements directly with South Dakota Department of Education or a qualified education attorney.