Homeschooling in South Dakota
Tend Wonder makes it easy to start homeschooling in South Dakota. This guide explains who can homeschool, how to give notice, what to plan and record, and how testing works. Tend Wonder then follows your child’s curiosity and helps you find hands-on ideas, books, resources and nearby experiences around South Dakota. Document your learning together in a Learning Journey, and use Education Coverage to see how your child’s activities connect to learning areas in South Dakota.
Requirements
How to start homeschooling in South Dakota
Ages and exceptions
You must ensure your child regularly attends public school, nonpublic school or alternative instruction until age 18.
Register or give notice
You must file an Alternative Instruction Notification once for each child unless a transition occurs. State law expressly allows you to file it with either the South Dakota Department of Education or your local school district.
You must submit an updated notification within 30 days of a reportable change in your child's status.
Plan instruction
You may not instruct more than 22 students.
You do not need state certification to provide alternative instruction.
Keep records
You must provide the school district with your child's previous semester transcript for activity participation.
Other requirements
Your child must meet the same participation requirements as public school students to join activities.
Official resources
- Home Schooling, SD Department of Education
South Dakota Department of Education
- SDCL 13-27-3: alternative instruction notification
South Dakota Legislature
Sources checked November 4, 2026
General information, not legal advice. Requirements can change. Check the official resources for your family's circumstances.
Financial support
Homeschool funding in South Dakota
Programs open to homeschoolers
Your homeschooled child can participate in South Dakota's reduced tuition dual credit program if admission requirements are met.
Good to know
Your school district is required to loan textbooks without charge to people ages five to nineteen.
Official sources
Last checked November 4, 2026. Eligibility rules change, so confirm with the program before applying.
Your homeschool journey starts with their curiosity.
Discover activities, books, and nearby experiences around your child’s interests. Record their learning and see the learning areas they explore along the way.