How to Homeschool in South Dakota
If you’re wondering how to homeschool in South Dakota, it’s a good idea to do your research first. Homeschool laws vary by state, and each one’s are a little different! Whether you’ve homeschooled before, or you just decided to make the switch to homeschooling, you’re in the right place.
In South Dakota, the Department of Education recognizes homeschooling as alternative instruction. Homeschooling your children in the Mount Rushmore State gives you near complete control over your child’s education. There are only a handful of simple laws you need to remember to start homeschooling.
Homeschooling in South Dakota at a Glance
South Dakota – The Mount Rushmore State
| Required Age | 6-18 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | Language arts and math |
| Time Requirements | None required |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | One person may not homeschool more than 22 children without another teacher to provide assistance. |
| Financial Assistance Available | No |
Parent Qualifications
The homeschool laws in South Dakota do not outline any specific requirements for parents who wish to homeschool.
Notice of Intent
To homeschool in South Dakota, you’ll first need to provide a Notice of Intent for each child. You can complete this on paper or online. You need to submit the notice if your child:
- Was enrolled in a public or nonpublic school the previous year
- Moved to a different school district
- Needs their demographic information updated
This notice is due no later than 30 days from when you begin to homeschool. You’ll need to submit the notice again when you stop homeschooling or if you move out of state. Unlike other states, you do not need to submit a copy of your child’s birth certificate when filing your notice.
Attendance
South Dakota allows for flexibility and freedom in the homeschool environment. There are no restrictions for the amount of days or hours you need to homeschool. This allows parents to choose a schedule that works best for their family.
Curriculum
Parents are responsible for providing a homeschool curriculum that teaches, at minimum, language arts and mathematics. Your child should be able to master the English language through their coursework.
For more information on the subjects your child can learn, you can visit the Department of Education’s Content Standards website.
Many families aim to meet or exceed South Dakota’s content standards when homeschooling. This can help ensure that your child would be prepared to return to public school in the future, should the need arise.
Testing
Homeschooled students in South Dakota do not have to participate in standardized testing. However, some parents still test their children annually to track their academic progress.
Some nationally normed exams are available for purchase, such as the Iowa Assessment and Stanford Achievement exams. High school students are strongly encouraged to take the SAT and ACT for college readiness. Most colleges and universities require an SAT or ACT test score upon application.
Record Keeping
South Dakota homeschool laws don’t require you to maintain any records. However, it’s still a good idea to keep some. A homeschool portfolio is a great way to keep your Notice of Intent copies safe. Other materials to keep in your homeschool portfolio can include:
- Courses taken
- Test scores
- Final grades earned
- Some of your student’s best work
Transcripts
If your student is college-bound, they will likely need a high school transcript for their application. A transcript includes a list of the courses taken, credit hours, and final grades your student earns from grades 9-12. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
In South Dakota, parents get to decide when their homeschooler is ready to graduate. Some parents discuss career goals with their child and design a diploma path around them. Once your student completes all of their credit hours, you can provide them with their own homeschool diploma.
Some students take the GED exam, which is a good way to ensure colleges and employers recognize their high school education. Upon completion, the GED exam awards a high school equivalency diploma that is recognized in all 50 states. For more information, you can visit the Department of Labor’s page linked above or visit the official GED website here.
Financial Resources
Unfortunately, there are no state-funded programs available to help cover the cost of homeschooling at this time. However, some private grants and other funding sources may be available.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling and how to find other homeschool groups in South Dakota, check out:
- The Homeschool Mom for homeschool groups
- Alternative Education FAQ from the Department of Education
If you have any questions about homeschooling or how Miacademy and MiaPrep align with the laws in your state, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team!
Please keep in mind that the information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on South Dakota homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
How do I homeschool my child in South Dakota?
Homeschooling is simple in the Mount Rushmore State. You’ll need to provide a Notice of Intent and teach English language arts and math.
Is unschooling legal in South Dakota?
South Dakota’s homeschooling laws allow for parents to explore a variety of teaching styles. Unschooling is legal as long as you submit proper notice, and your child receives instruction in English language arts and math.
Information accurate as of: 09/15/2023. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.