South Dakota State Laws

Homeschooling Laws, Information, and Resources for South Dakota

If you’re living in South Dakota and are looking into homeschooling, you’re in the right place! This page provides the resources and information you need to determine whether homeschooling in the Mount Rushmore State is right for you.

Summary of South Dakota Homeschool Laws

Knowing the requirements for homeschooling in South Dakota is one key to successful homeschooling. Below is a summary of the homeschool laws in the state of South Dakota. You can find additional information on Home School Legal Defense Association’s (HSLDA) website as well: South Dakota HSLDA Reference

Homeschool Options in South Dakota

To homeschool in South Dakota, just follow the steps below.

South Dakota State Law Homeschool Summary

Notify the state or your local school district within 30 days of beginning homeschooling using the Department of Education’s form. The form must include your child’s name, birthdate, resident district, and open enrolled district (if applicable). It must be signed by the child’s parent, guardian, or other person having control of the child.
Notify the state or your local school district within 30 days of a transition if you move to a different school district or enroll your child in a public or non-public school.
No single individual is permitted to homeschool more than 22 children.
Teach your child with instruction in the basic skills of language arts and math that will lead to a mastery of the English language.

South Dakota State Education Resources

Here you’ll find websites for any questions you may have about education in the state of South Dakota.

South Dakota Department of Education: https://doe.sd.gov/
South Dakota State Government – Education: https://sd.gov/education.aspx
U.S. Department of Education – South Dakota: https://www.ed.gov/category/location/south-dakota
List of South Dakota school districts:https://ballotpedia.org/List_of_school_districts_in_South_Dakota

South Dakota Homeschooling Support Groups

Whether you already homeschool in South Dakota or are looking to do so, these resources are quite useful if you’re searching for support, co-ops, or answers to questions about homeschooling in your state.

South Dakota Christian Home Educators (SDCHE): https://www.homeschool-life.com/sd/sdche/
Aberdeen Area Christian Home Educators: https://aberdeenhomeschoolers.wordpress.com/
West River Christian Homeschoolers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/431165813569627/
Sioux Metro Area Social Homeschoolers (SMASH): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1306966619323884/
Black Hills Homeschool Association: https://bhha.tripod.com/index.html
The Education Alliance of Christian Homeschoolers in South Dakota (TEACHSD): https://www.homeschool-life.com/462/
Rapid City Homeschool Music: https://www.facebook.com/Rapid-City-Homeschool-Music-1959846174271368/
Mitchell Area Homeschool Group: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchellareahomeschool/
Families for Alternative Instruction Rights in South Dakota (FAIR SD): https://www.facebook.com/FAIRSD/?ref=py_c
The Natural Learning Network of South Dakota: https://www.facebook.com/NaturalLearningNetwork/

Top South Dakota Homeschooling Field Trip Ideas

One of the many benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility to explore! Here are some ideas for amazing–and educational–field trips around the great state of South Dakota!