by Rita Onyx
This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.
Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.
There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.
Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in South Dakota. Know the South Dakota homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.
Quick Facts:
- There is one way to homeschool
- Children between 5-18 of age must be in school
- You MUST notify your local school district of your intentions
- There are NO teacher qualifications
- There ARE state mandated subjects
- There ARE required assessments or testing
- There are NO immunization requirements
How to Homeschool in South Dakota
- Notify a local school official using the notification form found on the South Dakota Department of Education’s website here before school starts in the district
- The form must be notarized or witnessed and signed by two people
- Include either a:
a) Copy of the child’s birth certificate
b) Affidavit swearing or affirming that the child for whom the form is being filled out for is the same as the person “appearing on the child’s birth certificate”
- The affidavit must be notarized or witnessed and signed by two people
- Subjects must include language arts and math
- Instruction must be for at least a 9-month regular school term
- Keep a record of attendance
- Ensure that you homeschool no more than 22 children
- Submit standardized tests for children in grades 4, 8, and 11
Helpful links:
https://doe.sd.gov/oatq/homeschooling.aspx
https://www.homeschoolinginsouthdakota.com/
https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/southdakota.html
Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education
- South Dakota Department of Education
800 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501-2294
Phone: (605) 773-3134
Fax: (605) 773-6139
Website: http://doe.sd.gov/
- U.S. Department of Education, South Dakota