Everything you need to know about homeschooling in South Dakota - one of the simplest states for homeschool compliance. File a notification, teach required subjects including the U.S. Constitution, and no testing required. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
South Dakota is one of the simplest states for homeschooling in the country. The requirements are straightforward: file a notification with your local school district superintendent, provide instruction in required subjects, and maintain records at home. There is no testing, no curriculum approval, and no parent qualification requirement.
The governing statute is SDCL § 13-27-3, which establishes homeschooling as an alternative to compulsory school attendance. One unique feature of South Dakota law is the specific requirement to teach the U.S. Constitution, which is mandated separately from other social studies content.
Once you file your notification, the district has no further oversight of your homeschool program. You are free to choose your own curriculum, set your own schedule, and teach in whatever way works best for your family.
South Dakota's notification is just that - a notification, not a request for approval. The school district cannot deny your right to homeschool. Once filed, there is no ongoing oversight or reporting requirement.
South Dakota has a single, straightforward compliance path for homeschooling under SDCL § 13-27-3.
| Requirement | South Dakota Homeschool |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | SDCL § 13-27-3 |
| Notification | Required (to superintendent) |
| Attendance | Equivalent instruction (no specific hours) |
| Teacher Qualification | None required |
| Required Subjects | 5 areas + U.S. Constitution |
| Curriculum Approval | None required |
| Testing | None required |
| Record-Keeping | Maintain at home (not submitted) |
South Dakota's compulsory education applies to children ages 6 through 18. However, students who have completed 8th grade and are 16 or older may exit compulsory education early, providing flexibility for older students.
The 8th-grade completion exception at age 16 is a unique feature of South Dakota law. If your student has completed 8th grade and is at least 16, they are no longer subject to compulsory attendance requirements.
Starting homeschool in South Dakota is a simple process with minimal paperwork.
Contact your local school district superintendent and file a notification of your intent to homeschool. This must be done before you begin instruction.
Select materials covering all required subjects. There is no curriculum approval process - you have complete freedom to choose your approach.
Start teaching. Provide regular and thorough instruction in all required subjects, including U.S. Constitution instruction.
File your notification before beginning homeschool instruction. If your child is currently enrolled in public school, send a withdrawal letter at the same time. Do not leave a gap between withdrawal and the start of instruction.
Keep a copy of your notification and any confirmation from the superintendent. Blue Folder can generate your notification letter and track your compliance requirements. Try it free →
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South Dakota requires a simple notification to your local school district superintendent. This is not an application for approval - it is an informational filing.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Submit To | Local school district superintendent |
| Initial Filing | Before beginning homeschooling |
| Annual Renewal | By September 1 each year |
| Method | Contact district for process |
The district cannot deny your notification. This is not seeking permission - it is simply informing the district that your child is being educated at home. Once filed, there is no further oversight.
South Dakota requires instruction in several core subject areas, plus a unique requirement for U.S. Constitution instruction.
This broad category includes reading, writing, spelling, and grammar. You choose the materials and methods.
South Dakota specifically requires instruction in the U.S. Constitution. This is mandated separately from general social studies and is a unique feature of South Dakota law. It can be integrated into your social studies curriculum or taught as a standalone subject.
There is no curriculum approval in South Dakota. You have complete freedom to choose:
Do not overlook the U.S. Constitution requirement - it is specifically called out in South Dakota law. A simple approach is to include a Constitution unit within your social studies curriculum each year. Many free resources are available online for teaching the Constitution at all grade levels.
South Dakota requires "equivalent instruction" but does not mandate a specific number of hours or days. Instruction must be regular and thorough, typically interpreted as following a schedule similar to the public school calendar.
There is no requirement to submit attendance records to anyone. Records are maintained at home for your own reference.
Even though South Dakota does not specify hours or days, keeping a basic attendance log is wise. Most families aim for 170-180 days of instruction per year. This documentation is helpful if your child returns to public school or applies to college.
South Dakota does not require any standardized testing, portfolio reviews, or assessments for homeschool students. You are the sole judge of your child's educational progress.
If you choose to administer standardized tests for your own purposes, the results are completely private and do not need to be reported to anyone.
Some families choose to test for college preparation or personal benchmarking:
Once your notification is filed, there is no further oversight of your homeschool program. No one will contact you about assessments, progress reports, or curriculum reviews.
South Dakota requires you to maintain records of instruction, but these records are not submitted to the state or district. They are kept at home for your own reference.
Even in a low-regulation state like South Dakota, keeping organized records makes your life easier. Use Blue Folder to track attendance, upload work samples, and build a compliance binder. Try it free →
Access to public school sports and extracurricular activities in South Dakota is at the discretion of the local school district. There is no statewide law guaranteeing access. Contact your local district to ask about their specific policies.
South Dakota currently has no ESA, voucher, or tax credit program for homeschool families.
South Dakota colleges accept homeschool graduates. Most require SAT or ACT scores and a parent-created transcript. Contact individual schools for specific admission requirements.
Homeschoolers may request evaluation through their local school district. Available services vary by district. Many families use private providers for specialized instruction.
While South Dakota does not guarantee sports access, some districts are accommodating. It is worth contacting your local school to ask about their homeschool participation policy.
South Dakota's requirements are simple, but new families still run into avoidable problems.
The September 1 annual renewal deadline is the most important date for continuing South Dakota homeschoolers. Mark it on your calendar and file early. Late filing may trigger a reminder from the district.
No. South Dakota has no parent qualification requirements. Any parent or guardian may provide instruction.
South Dakota law specifically requires instruction in the U.S. Constitution. This can be integrated into social studies or taught separately. It applies to all homeschool students.
Yes. Students who have completed 8th grade and are at least 16 years old may exit compulsory education.
No. South Dakota does not approve or review homeschool curriculum. You have complete freedom to choose your materials and methods.
This is at the discretion of your local school district. South Dakota does not have a statewide access law. Contact your local school to ask about their policy.
File your notification with the superintendent before beginning instruction. If withdrawing from public school, send a withdrawal letter and request student records at the same time.
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Track South Dakota ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the South Dakota Department of Education or consult a qualified attorney. Last updated February 2026.