How to homeschool in South Dakota

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: Yes

ESA Option

: No

An illustration of judiciary scales within a simple house outline to illustrate homeschooling laws.

South Dakota homeschooling laws and options

South Dakota has specific laws governing homeschooling that parents must follow to ensure compliance. Compulsory education laws require children aged 6-18 to attend school or be enrolled in a qualifying homeschool program.

The primary homeschooling option in South Dakota is to operate under the Alternative Instruction Exemption. Below is an overview of the homeschooling legal framework in the state.

Notification requirements: Parents must file a "Notification for Public School Exemption Certificate" with their local school district before starting homeschooling and renew it annually by the established deadline.
Parent education requirements: South Dakota does not require parents to have specific educational qualifications to homeschool their children.
Subjects required: State law mandates that homeschool instruction includes the same "basic skills" as public schools, typically covering language arts and mathematics. However, there is flexibility, and no strict subject list is enforced.
Required records: South Dakota homeschool laws require parents to maintain records such as attendance logs, immunization records, and evidence of student progress, including test scores or portfolios of completed work. While there is no explicit requirement to submit detailed records to the state, it is advisable to keep attendance records, samples of the child's work, and any standardized test results.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the South Dakota Department of Education website.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in South Dakota

Time4Learning is an excellent resource that makes homeschooling easier for parents. Our comprehensive, interactive curriculum can help you meet South Dakota's homeschooling requirements while keeping your children engaged. Here’s how to get started.

Submit your notification form – Complete and file the Alternative Instruction Notification Form with your local school district.
Choose a curriculum – Select an educational program that covers the required subjects (math and language arts). Time4Learning offers an all-in-one curriculum tailored to students of all grade levels.
Develop a schedule – Create a homeschool routine that suits your child’s learning style and interests. With Time4Learning, you can customize your lesson plans and work at your child’s pace.
Start homeschooling – Access Time4Learning to begin a structured, interactive learning experience without the stress of planning every lesson.
Keep records – Maintain a portfolio of your child’s work, including test scores and attendance, to stay organized and prepared for any review requirements.

With Time4Learning’s flexible online curriculum, South Dakota homeschoolers can focus on learning and meeting their educational goals.

FPO lifestyle image

An illustrated graduation cap above a rolled up diploma with a seal.

South Dakota’s high school graduation and diploma requirements

South Dakota does not issue high school diplomas to homeschoolers. Parents are responsible for setting their own graduation requirements and awarding diplomas upon completion. To meet college admissions or employment qualifications, homeschool students typically include transcripts and standardized test scores as part of their portfolio.

Time4Learning offers high school courses that can fulfill graduation requirements, including core subjects like math, science, social studies, language arts, and various electives. Parents can easily track progress and organize transcripts for their student.

An illustration of a laptop with a circle and check mark, and a multiple choice question layout with one answer selected on screen to illustrate online standardized tests.

Standardized test requirements for South Dakota homeschoolers

South Dakota requires homeschool students to participate in standardized testing in certain years. Students in grades 4, 8, and 11 must take a state-approved standardized test, and their results must be submitted to the school district.

While Time4Learning is not a standardized testing platform, our curriculum aligns with state standards, helping students prepare for required assessments.

Illustration of a college like building with columns and a small dome on roof.

Applying to college as a homeschooler in South Dakota

Homeschoolers in South Dakota are well-positioned for college applications due to the flexibility and customization of their education.

Here are a few ways homeschoolers can stand out when applying to colleges in South Dakota and beyond:

Maintain detailed records – Keep transcripts, test scores, and samples of your child’s work to present a comprehensive academic portfolio.
Focus on extracurriculars – Highlight activities such as sports, volunteer work, or internships that showcase well-rounded development.
Take college entrance exams – SAT or ACT scores are essential for most college applications and help validate your academic rigor.
Write a compelling essay – Many admissions officers value the unique perspective homeschoolers bring. Encourage your child to emphasize their independent learning experiences.

With these strategies, South Dakota homeschoolers can confidently leverage their education to gain college admission.

An illustrated simplified structure with columns and a dollar sign within a circle, to illustrate financial aid options for homeschool students.

Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in South Dakota

Currently, South Dakota does not offer an Education Savings Account (ESA) program for homeschoolers. However, families can minimize costs by choosing affordable resources like Time4Learning, which provides an all-in-one solution for curriculum needs at a fraction of the cost of private schooling.

If South Dakota introduces ESA programs in the future, they could provide families with financial assistance for education-related expenses. Stay updated by visiting South Dakota’s Department of Education or other state education pages.