South Dakota homeschool requirements
South Dakota requires a one-time notification of alternative instruction filed with the state/local district; since a 2021 law change no standardized testing is required.
Program
United States — South Dakota · South Dakota Alternative Instruction
What the South Dakota process looks like
1.Establish the program
File the notification of alternative instruction
Submit the one-time notification/excuse-from-attendance form to the South Dakota Department of Education (online) or local district, including the child's name, address, and birthdate.
Withdraw from prior school (if applicable)
Withdraw the child from any current school.
2.During the year
Teach language arts and math
Provide instruction that includes language arts and mathematics. No testing or reporting is required after the one-time notification.
Sources · Last reviewed 2026-07
Take the South Dakota checklist with you
The same phases and tasks as a one-page PDF you can print, plus the app that tracks them for you.