South Dakota Homeschool Laws: Requirements, Steps, Options in 2026
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- 13 min read
You don’t need approval, a teaching license, or a long checklist to homeschool in South Dakota, but you do need to get a few key things right from the start.
The state keeps regulations low, which is exactly why many families choose it. But that same simplicity can trip you up if you assume there’s nothing to follow at all. One missed requirement, like not filing your notification on time, is enough to put you out of compliance.
Understanding South Dakota homeschool laws is less about dealing with restrictions and more about knowing your boundaries, what the state expects, what it doesn’t, and where you have complete control.
This guide walks you through that line clearly, so you can start homeschooling without second-guessing every step.
Key Takeaways
South Dakota requires you to file an Alternative Instruction Notification within 30 days and include language arts and math in your instruction.
There are no state requirements for standardized testing, teacher qualifications, attendance hours, or annual progress reporting.
You only file the notification once per child and update it only if you move districts, enroll in school, or opt for dual credit.
Homeschool students can participate in public school activities, take select classes, earn college credit, and request free textbooks from districts.
While not legally required, keeping academic records helps with college applications, re-enrollment, and meeting eligibility for extracurriculars.
Is Homeschooling Legal in South Dakota?
Yes, and it has been for a long time. South Dakota formally recognized home education in 1939, making it one of the earliest states to do so. Today, the state is widely regarded as one of the most homeschool-friendly in the country.
In 2021, South Dakota updated its laws around alternative instruction, making the process even more streamlined. Key changes from that update included:
Revised procedures for notifying the Department of Education.
Elimination of the requirement to report student assessment results to the state.
Clarified truancy statutes to reduce confusion for homeschool families.
Expanded rights for homeschool students to participate in public school activities.
South Dakota does not use the word 'homeschool' in its official statutes. The state calls it alternative instruction, and this label applies equally to families educating their children at home and to small unaccredited schools or micro-schools.
Note: South Dakota's homeschooling framework is rated 'low regulation' by legal organizations, including HSLDA, meaning the state places minimal oversight on how families educate their children.
South Dakota Homeschool Laws: What the Statutes Actually Say
Understanding what the law requires and what it does not is the foundation of a confident homeschool journey. Here is a breakdown of the key statutes that govern alternative instruction in South Dakota.
Compulsory Attendance: SDCL 13-27-1
South Dakota law requires every child to attend school, either public, nonpublic, or through alternative instruction, until they reach age 18. If your child is 6 years old before September 1 of the upcoming school year, they are subject to this requirement.
Right to Provide Alternative Instruction: SDCL 13-27-3
This is the core statute that makes homeschooling legal in South Dakota. Under SDCL 13-27-3, parents and guardians have the right to provide alternative instruction to their children outside the public school system. The law specifies:
No teacher certification is required. Parents do not need any formal teaching credentials.
One instructor may not teach more than 22 students at one time.
Instruction must include, at a minimum, basic skills in language arts and mathematics with the goal of leading to mastery of the English language.
Note: The 22-student limit matters most for micro-school educators or co-op teachers providing formal instruction to groups. For individual family homeschooling, this limit is rarely an issue.
Notification Requirement: 30-Day Rule
Before you begin homeschooling, you must file an Alternative Instruction Notification (AIN) form with either the South Dakota Department of Education or your local school district. This must be submitted within 30 days of the start date.
The AIN form requires:
Child's full name and date of birth.
Resident school district.
Open enrollment district, if applicable.
Signature of the parent, guardian, or person responsible for the child's education.
South Dakota does not require you to provide a birth certificate when filing the AIN. That requirement was removed under SB 177.
Status Updates: When You Must Re-File
One of South Dakota's most family-friendly rules is that you do not re-file every year. The AIN is a one-time filing per child. You only need to submit an updated notification within 30 days if:
Your child moves to a different school district.
Your child enrolls in a public or nonpublic school.
Your child plans to participate in dual credit (indicated on the AIN form).
Textbook Access: SDCL 13-34-23
This is an often-overlooked right that many families never use. Under South Dakota law, every public school district must loan textbooks, at no charge, to all persons between the ages of 5 and 19, including homeschool students. You can call your local school district's office to request books your child needs.
Here is a quick-reference summary of South Dakota homeschool law requirements:
Requirements | What South Dakota Law Says |
Compulsory school age | Ages 6 to 18 (must be 6 before September 1) |
Notification form | AIN filed within 30 days of starting |
Re-filing | Not required annually; only on status change |
Teacher certification | Not required |
Minimum subjects | Language arts and mathematics |
Instruction hours/days | No minimum set by law |
Standardized testing | Not required |
Record-keeping | Not required (but recommended) |
Max students per instructor | 22 students |
Birth certificate required | No (removed under SB 177) |
Free textbook access | Yes, from the local school district (SDCL 13-34-23) |
South Dakota Homeschool Requirements Explained
South Dakota gives families wide latitude, but there are still specific requirements you need to understand. Let’s understand what is actually required, what is strongly recommended, and what is entirely optional.
What Is Required
File the AIN form within 30 days of beginning homeschooling.
Teach language arts and mathematics at a minimum.
Keep instruction to no more than 22 students per instructor.
Update your AIN within 30 days if your circumstances change.
What Is Strongly Recommended but Not Required
Keeping a homeschool portfolio or basic records of your child's work.
Aligning your curriculum with South Dakota's content standards, especially if your child may transition back to public school.
Tracking hours and subjects to support future college applications or transcript preparation.
What Is Completely Optional
Standardized testing. South Dakota has no state testing mandate for homeschool students.
Annual progress reports. You are not required to submit any documentation of your child's academic progress.
Immunization records. South Dakota does not require immunization documentation for homeschool students.
While record-keeping is not required, most families who plan to send their child to college or re-enroll them in public school later find that having some organized records of coursework and progress saves a lot of effort down the line.
How to Homeschool in South Dakota: Step by Step
Starting homeschool in South Dakota is genuinely straightforward. Here is the process from decision to the first lesson day.
Step 1: Decide to Homeschool
South Dakota allows you to begin homeschooling at any point during the school year, not just at the start of the academic calendar. Once you make the decision, the 30-day notification clock starts.
Step 2: File the Alternative Instruction Notification (AIN)
Complete and submit the AIN form online through the South Dakota Department of Education's Alternative Instruction Notification system, or download the paper version and mail it to your local school district.
The online system is not compatible with handheld devices, so use a desktop or laptop when submitting online. Once your form is submitted and accepted, you are authorized to begin homeschooling.
Step 3: Withdraw Your Child from Public School (If Currently Enrolled)
If your child is currently attending public school, you need to formally withdraw them from public school. Contact the school's administrative office and notify them that your child will be receiving alternative instruction. Most schools have a simple withdrawal form. Once submitted, your child is no longer required to attend.
Tip: Keep a copy of your withdrawal confirmation and your AIN submission. These are the two documents that establish your legal homeschool status in South Dakota.
Step 4: Choose Your Curriculum and Approach
South Dakota law does not prescribe any specific curriculum, teaching method, or schedule. This means you have complete freedom to build your child's education around their learning style, your family's rhythm, and the subjects you want to prioritize.
Many families use a structured curriculum to bring organization and progression to their teaching. Others build their own from individual resources. The state's only requirement is that language arts and math are part of the program.
Step 5: Set Up Your Learning Space and Schedule
There are no minimum instructional hours or required school days in South Dakota. You choose when and how long you teach. Most homeschool families find that a consistent weekly rhythm, even a flexible one, helps children stay on track and build good learning habits over time.
Step 6: Update Your AIN When Your Situation Changes
If you move districts, decide to enroll your child back in public school, or add dual credit to your plan, file an updated AIN within 30 days. Outside of these changes, you are not required to file or report anything else.
Do You Need Testing for Homeschooling in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota does not require homeschool students to take any standardized tests. There is no state-mandated assessment, no minimum score requirement, and no results you need to submit anywhere.
That said, some families choose to test voluntarily, and there are good reasons to do so.
Why Some Families Test Voluntarily
Progress monitoring: Nationally normed exams like the Iowa Assessment and Stanford Achievement Test give you an external benchmark for where your child stands academically.
College preparation: SAT and ACT scores are important for college-bound students. Starting preparation early and taking practice assessments helps.
Academic eligibility for public school activities: If your child participates in SDHSAA-sanctioned sports or activities, they may need to demonstrate academic eligibility. Having some assessment records can support this.
Testing is a personal choice in South Dakota. There is no penalty for not testing, and no state-administered evaluation system to which homeschool families are subject.
Can Homeschoolers Join Public School Programs in South Dakota?
Yes, and South Dakota is one of the more generous states in this regard. Homeschool students have legal access to several public school programs and opportunities without needing to fully enroll.
Sports and Extracurricular Activities
Under SDCL 13-36-7, South Dakota public school districts are required to allow homeschool students to participate in athletics, fine arts, and other activities in the district where they reside. This includes school-sponsored activities and those sanctioned by the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA).
To participate, your child must:
Meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled public school students.
Submit required documents, including proof of age when applicable.
Provide a transcript from the previous semester for SDHSAA-sanctioned activities.
Complete the SDHSAA Eligibility Checklist for Alternative Instruction Students.
Important: A high school student cannot withdraw from public school mid-semester and continue participating in SDHSAA-sanctioned activities that same semester as a homeschool student. The restriction lifts in the following semester.
Partial Enrollment in Public School Classes
Homeschool students may partially enroll in public school, attending specific classes while continuing to homeschool for the rest of their education. This is a useful option for families who want access to specialized instruction, lab equipment, or electives.
If your child is enrolled in more than 50% of the school day, they are considered a public school student and become subject to standardized testing requirements.
Dual Credit Programs
High school homeschool students in 11th and 12th grade can enroll in South Dakota's reduced-tuition dual credit program, earning college credits while still completing their home education.
To do this:
You must have an active AIN on file with the SD DOE.
Indicate dual credit participation on the AIN form by answering 'yes' to the dual credit question.
Complete and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) through the DOE system once your AIN is saved.
After the MOU is signed by the DOE, it is sent to the specified institution. Your student then applies to the college program and, if admitted, registers for courses. This is a practical way for academically motivated students to reduce future college costs.
Free Homeschooling in South Dakota: What Are Your Options?
One of the most common questions from families new to homeschooling is whether it has to be expensive. In South Dakota, it does not. There are real, substantive, free, and low-cost options available.
1. Free Textbooks from Your School District
This is South Dakota law, not just a courtesy. Under SDCL 13-34-23, your local public school district must loan textbooks to homeschool students at no charge. Students aged 5 to 19 are eligible. Call your district's office to ask what is available and how to request loans.
2. Public Library Resources
South Dakota's public library system gives homeschool families access to books, audiobooks, educational DVDs, and digital platforms such as Libby. Many libraries also offer reading programs and occasional workshops free of charge. Making the library a regular part of your weekly schedule significantly lowers costs.
3. Free Online Learning Platforms
Several reputable online platforms offer free educational content that can supplement any homeschool program:
Khan Academy: Free, structured lessons in math, science, computing, and humanities for all grade levels.
CK-12: Free digital textbooks and learning tools aligned to common academic standards.
Smithsonian Learning Lab: Free access to Smithsonian collections, lessons, and activities for K-12 learners.
PBS LearningMedia: Free video lessons and resources across subjects.
4. Homeschool Co-ops and Resource Sharing
South Dakota has an active homeschool community with co-ops in several cities and regions. Co-ops allow families to share teaching responsibilities, split the cost of curriculum materials, and give children regular peer interaction. Some well-known groups include:
Black Hills Homeschool Association (Rapid City area).
Sioux Metro Area Social Homeschoolers (SMASH) in Sioux Falls.
Our Way of Learning Homeschool Collective (Sioux Falls).
TEACHSD (The Education Alliance of Christian Homeschoolers in South Dakota) is a statewide network.
Aberdeen Area Christian Home Educators.
Families for Alternative Instruction Rights in South Dakota (FAIR SD) is a statewide advocacy and support group.
Note: South Dakota does not provide direct state funding or tax credits specifically for homeschool families. However, federal programs like Coverdell Education Savings Accounts allow money to grow tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. Consult a tax professional to understand what applies to your situation.
Looking for a complete curriculum that fits your budget and goes beyond the minimum? TSHA's 6-Week AEC Sessions give you everything you need to start without piecing resources together from scratch. Explore the program at tshanywhere.org
Choosing the Right Homeschool Curriculum in South Dakota
With no state-mandated curriculum, you have complete freedom to choose what works for your child and your family. That freedom is real, and it also means the quality of your child's education depends entirely on the choices you make.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to curriculum. But there are some helpful questions to ask before you commit:
Does this curriculum cover language arts and math at my child's current level?
Does it suit my child's learning style, whether that is hands-on, visual, auditory, or reading-based?
Is it structured enough to keep us on track without being so rigid that it creates conflict?
Can I expand it to include science, social studies, and other subjects as my child grows?
Does it fit our schedule and budget?
Types of Homeschool Approaches Common in South Dakota
Approach | What It Looks Like | Best For |
Classical | Literature-based, logic, and rhetoric. Three-stage learning cycle. | Families who value structured, tradition-rich academics |
Charlotte Mason | Living books, nature study, narration, and short lessons. | Younger children, nature-oriented families |
Eclectic | A mix of methods and resources chosen by subject. | Families who want flexibility across different subjects |
Emergent / Project-Based | Child interest drives topics. Hands-on projects and real-world connections. | Active learners, families with varied age groups |
Unit Studies | One theme is explored across all subjects simultaneously. | Families teaching multiple children at different levels |
Online / Digital | Structured online programs with video lessons and assessments. | Families needing more structure or supplemental instruction |
Whatever approach you choose, consistency and a clear progression of skills matter more than using the most expensive or most popular program. Many of the most effective homeschool families in South Dakota use straightforward, low-tech materials paired with deliberate teaching.
How does The School House Anywhere support South Dakota Families?
South Dakota's minimal requirements are a genuine gift to homeschool families. But freedom without structure can be just as challenging as having too many rules. Choosing where to start, how to progress, and whether you are covering the right ground can feel overwhelming, especially in the first year.
That is where a well-built program makes a meaningful difference.
The School House Anywhere (TSHA) is a homeschool program built around the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), a hands-on, secular, developmentally aligned framework for Pre-K through 6th grade. It is designed for parents who want a complete, organized program without the rigidity of a traditional school format.
TSHA directly satisfies South Dakota's language arts and math requirements and goes well beyond them. The curriculum connects subjects to real-world experiences, encouraging children to explore, think, and make meaning rather than just absorb information.
Here is what South Dakota families get when they enroll:
Structured 6-week sessions that break learning into manageable units, so you can get started without committing to a full year right away.
AEC-based printable materials and worksheets built for hands-on, screen-free learning, all in one place.
A built-in system to track progress, organize student work, and maintain records useful for college applications or school transitions.
Live sessions with educators and the founder, giving you space to ask questions, exchange ideas, and connect with other homeschooling families.
Weekly office hours for real-time support whenever you need guidance during the week.
Ongoing access to the member platform and community network for continued resources and peer interaction.
For micro-school educators and education entrepreneurs in South Dakota, TSHA also provides the tools, curriculum, and operational guidance to set up and run a small learning community, whether at home, in a community space, or in a church. The same AEC framework that works for individual families scales to support multi-family learning environments.
Final Thoughts
South Dakota makes homeschooling simple on paper. File your Alternative Instruction Notification, cover language arts and math, and you meet the state’s requirements.
What actually shapes your experience is everything beyond that. The curriculum you choose, how you structure your days, and how consistently you guide your child’s learning will determine whether homeschooling feels clear or overwhelming.
Take advantage of what the state allows. Use public school access where it helps, stay organized with records, and choose an approach that fits your child instead of trying to replicate a traditional classroom.
If you want a complete system that already brings structure, progression, and support together, The School House Anywhere (TSHA) is a practical place to start. Explore the program and see how it fits your homeschool setup.
FAQs
1. At what age can a child be left home alone in South Dakota?
South Dakota law does not set a specific age. Parents decide based on the child’s maturity, safety awareness, and ability to respond appropriately in emergencies.
2. What is the Sunshine Law in South Dakota?
The Sunshine law in South Dakota refers to open meetings and records laws that allow the public to access government decisions, meetings, and official documents.
3. Do homeschool students need to follow a state-approved curriculum in South Dakota?
No, South Dakota does not require a state-approved curriculum. Parents can choose any program or method, as long as it includes language arts and math.
4. Can homeschool students graduate with a diploma in South Dakota?
Yes, homeschool parents can issue a diploma. Colleges and employers accept it when supported by transcripts, coursework details, and sometimes standardized test scores.
5. Is homeschooling legally valid in South Dakota for compulsory education?
Yes, homeschooling is legally recognized as alternative instruction and fully satisfies South Dakota’s compulsory education requirements when parents follow notification and basic subject rules.
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