Homeschooling in South Dakota, planned for you
Start with a clear view of South Dakota's notice, subject, attendance, assessment, and recordkeeping rules—then turn them into a homeschool year that works for your family.
Last reviewed August 5, 2026. This guide is informational, not legal advice; verify requirements with South Dakota and your local district before acting.
South Dakota requirements at a glance
This is the parent-led route most families use. If you enroll through an umbrella, private school, tutor, or public program, that option may have different rules.
- File the state's standard notification form with the Department of Education or local district.
- Teach at least the basic skills of language arts and mathematics.
- South Dakota does not set a separate day or hour minimum for alternative instruction.
- No routine statewide homeschool test or portfolio review is required under the current alternative-instruction law.
- Parents do not need a teaching credential or degree.
Filing dates to put on your calendar
- File within 30 days after beginning; file an updated form within 30 days after moving districts or enrolling the child in a school.
Governing authority: South Dakota Codified Laws §§ 13-27-3 and 13-27-7.1. Local procedures and alternative legal options can add detail.
How Kuraplan helps you meet them
Turn the rules into a workable week, keep the evidence you need, and spend less Sunday night building materials from scratch.
Plans aligned to your state
Build lessons around your child's grade, subject, and the requirements your state expects you to cover.
Print-ready worksheets
Make practice sheets and answer keys for the exact skill each child is working on, ready to print or reuse.
Records from completed work
Keep digital worksheet responses together so progress reports, portfolios, and end-of-year reviews are easier to prepare.
One lesson. All your kids.
$49/yr flat — no per-child fees
Start with one family lesson, then adjust the reading level, practice, and response format for each child without rebuilding the whole day.
South Dakota homeschool FAQ
The short version of the questions parents ask before filing, choosing subjects, and setting the school calendar.
Is homeschooling legal in South Dakota?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in South Dakota when a family follows the applicable compulsory-education rules. File the state's standard notification form with the Department of Education or local district. Requirements can change, so verify your plan with the relevant state agency or local district before you begin.
Do I need to notify the state or district to homeschool in South Dakota?
File the state's standard notification form with the Department of Education or local district.
What subjects are required for homeschoolers in South Dakota?
Teach at least the basic skills of language arts and mathematics.
How many homeschool days or hours are required in South Dakota?
South Dakota does not set a separate day or hour minimum for alternative instruction.
Does South Dakota require homeschool testing or a portfolio?
No routine statewide homeschool test or portfolio review is required under the current alternative-instruction law.
Informational, not legal advice. Laws, agency forms, and local procedures can change. Verify current requirements with the relevant South Dakota agency and your local district.
Your South Dakota homeschool year, in one place
Plan lessons, make printables, and keep each child's completed work organized for the records your family chooses—or needs—to keep.
Plan with Kuraplan