How to start homeschooling in South Dakota
Everything South Dakota asks of a homeschool family, in order, from the state’s own sources, checked October 1, 2026. Each step links to a free tool that does it, and there’s a checklist to print at the end.
Step by step
Know what South Dakota requires
A parent files a one-time Alternative Instruction Notification with the Department of Education or the local district. Instruction must cover the basic skills of language arts and mathematics; the instructor need not be certified.
Required school ages in South Dakota: From age 6 by September 1 (or a child not younger than five or older than six by September 1 who is enrolled) until age 18, graduation, or excused/withdrawn; each child must attend kindergarten before age 7. Teacher qualification for this option: Instructor is not required to be certified. No person may instruct more than 22 children.
If your child is in school now, withdraw in writing
Send the school a dated withdrawal letter saying your child will be educated at home, and keep a copy. South Dakota also asks for a notice under this option (the next step); file it by its deadline.
File your notice
Required.
When: Within 30 days of beginning alternative instruction; one time per child unless a transition occurs.
What it includes: Standard Alternative Instruction Notification form (child's name, birthdate, resident district, open-enrolled district if any, parent signature) filed with the SD Department of Education or the local district, which returns a signed/stamped copy as proof. Confidential. New notification only if the child enrolls in a public or nonpublic school or moves to a different district (within 30 days of the change).
South Dakota names its own form, affidavit or filing for this. Use that where it’s required; our letter can go with it as a cover letter or a record.
Plan your school year: days and hours
South Dakota doesn’t set a number of days or hours for this option.
No minimum days in statute. No minimum hours in statute.
Planning about 180 days, as schools do, gives the year a shape and makes a move to another state easier.
Cover the required subjects
Language arts, mathematics.
Instruction in the basic skills of language arts and mathematics; all instruction shall lead to mastery of the English language.
Testing or evaluation
Not required under this option.
Keep records anyway
South Dakota doesn’t require records under this option.
Our suggestion: keep attendance, a reading log and a few work samples each year. A move to another state, a college, or a question from the district is much easier with them.
Start teaching
Put your books on a lesson schedule, and the planner spreads the lessons across your school days and moves them when a day is missed. Log attendance in a tap, and keep grades, a portfolio and a transcript as you go.
High school and graduation
No state graduation requirements for alternative instruction; DOE pages do not address diplomas.
Official sources for this option
Not confirmed on an official page: Final status of 2026 HB 1158 not confirmed on the legislature site; codified 13-27-7 (checked 2026-10-01) still shows one-time notification. Who issues a diploma is not stated in official sources. Check these points with the state or your local school district before you rely on them; everything else above comes from the official sources listed.
Your South Dakota checklist
Homeschool Corral · How to start homeschooling in South Dakota · homeschoolcorral.com
- Read South Dakota’s rules for “Alternative instruction”
- Withdraw from school in writing (if enrolled), and keep a copy
- File the notice (Within 30 days of beginning alternative instruction; one time per child unless a transition occurs)
- Set the first and last day, school days and breaks
- Choose curriculum for each required subject
- Start a simple attendance log and reading log
- Make a first-week plan and start
Questions South Dakota parents ask
Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in South Dakota?
Yes. When: Within 30 days of beginning alternative instruction; one time per child unless a transition occurs. What to file: Standard Alternative Instruction Notification form (child's name, birthdate, resident district, open-enrolled district if any, parent signature) filed with the SD Department of Education or the local district, which returns a signed/stamped copy as proof. Confidential. New notification only if the child enrolls in a public or nonpublic school or moves to a different district (within 30 days of the change).
How many days or hours do homeschoolers need in South Dakota?
No minimum days in statute. No minimum hours in statute.
Do homeschoolers have to take tests in South Dakota?
No testing requirement in current SDCL 13-27-3 (testing provisions removed by SL 2021, ch 76). 2026 HB 1158 proposed requiring state assessments and annual September 1 notification; the codified law checked on October 1, 2026 does not include it.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in South Dakota?
Instructor is not required to be certified. No person may instruct more than 22 children.
What subjects are required in South Dakota?
Language arts, mathematics.
What records do I need to keep in South Dakota?
South Dakota doesn’t require records. Keeping attendance, a reading log and work samples is still wise.
Keep going
This is a plain-English summary of the state’s official sources, checked on the date shown. It is not legal advice, and laws change. Read the linked official pages, and check with the state or your local school district if anything is unclear.
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