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Homeschool laws · South Dakota

How to homeschool in South Dakota

One person may not homeschool more than 22 children.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for South Dakota. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

South Dakota requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, once. A standard notification form to the Department of Education or the local district within 30 days of starting, and again after a move or a change of school.

Minimum school time

None set.

Required subjects

Language arts and math, leading to mastery of English.

Parent qualifications

None.

Testing or evaluation

None since 2021.

Records to keep

None required.

Compulsory school ages

6–18

Legal ways to homeschool in South Dakota

  • Homeschool with a notification

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    A standard notification form to the Department of Education or the local district within 30 days of starting, and again after a move or a change of school.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan your school year

    South Dakota sets no minimum number of days or hours. A planned calendar still makes the year easier to keep on track.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records South Dakota asks for: none required. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

South Dakota homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in South Dakota?

A standard notification form to the Department of Education or the local district within 30 days of starting, and again after a move or a change of school.

How many days do you have to homeschool in South Dakota?

South Dakota does not set a minimum number of days or hours for homeschoolers.

What subjects are required in South Dakota?

Language arts and math, leading to mastery of English.

Does South Dakota require testing for homeschoolers?

None since 2021.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in South Dakota?

No. Parents do not need any particular qualification.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for South Dakota and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states