Homeschool Guide

How to Homeschool in South Dakota

Here is exactly what South Dakota requires to homeschool legally - how to notify (if needed), what records to keep, testing rules, and how to get started.

Last updated June 2026

Notice required
Required
Instructional days
Regular instruction
Portfolio
Not required
Testing / evaluation
Not required

South Dakota homeschool requirements

  • Notification: File a public-school exemption (notification) with the South Dakota Department of Education; the filing covers continued home instruction without annual renewal.
  • Required subjects: Cover Language Arts, Math.
  • Teacher requirement: No teacher certification is required to teach your own children.
  • Portfolio / records: No portfolio is required by the state, though keeping records is recommended.
  • Testing / evaluation: No standardized testing is required by the state.
  • Recordkeeping: No retention period is set by the state; keep records organized year to year.

Key dates & deadlines

At the start of the yearFile your required notification with the district or state.
AnnuallyRenew your notification.

Getting started in South Dakota

  1. File your required notification with your district or the state (see requirements above).
  2. Set up simple records: a log of instruction and samples of your child’s work.
  3. Choose curriculum covering Language Arts, Math.
  4. Keep your records organized from year to year.

Scholarships & funding in South Dakota

South Dakota does not currently run a state scholarship or education savings account program that homeschool families can use. Families here typically fund curriculum and materials themselves, which makes keeping clean purchase records useful at tax time and if the state's rules change.

Official resources

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in South Dakota?
File a public-school exemption (notification) with the South Dakota Department of Education; the filing covers continued home instruction without annual renewal.
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No - there is no teacher-certification requirement.
Is standardized testing required?
No - South Dakota does not mandate standardized testing.
How long should I keep records?
No retention period is mandated, but keeping thorough records is strongly recommended.
Is there scholarship or ESA funding for homeschoolers in South Dakota?
Not at present. South Dakota has no state scholarship or education savings account program open to homeschool families, though families still commonly track purchases for their own budgeting.
What subjects must I teach in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires you to cover Language Arts, Math. Beyond that the choice of curriculum and approach is yours.
How many days or hours of instruction does South Dakota require?
South Dakota does not set a specific hours or days requirement for homeschoolers. Keeping a simple record of instruction is still worthwhile if your circumstances change.
Track all of this automatically

Beyond My Books logs your South Dakota instructional days, required subjects, portfolio, and deadlines - and warns you before anything is due.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Homeschool laws change - verify current requirements with your South Dakota department of education or county superintendent.