Homeschooling in South Dakota is a growing educational choice for families seeking more flexibility and control over their child’s learning experience. Whether you’re just starting your homeschooling journey or looking to refine your approach, understanding state requirements and available resources is crucial. This guide provides all the information you need, from legal obligations and educational options to financial support and strategies for managing multiple children with different needs.
Homeschooling in South Dakota is legal and relatively straightforward. Homeschoolers are classified under alternative instruction programs, which require parents to meet specific criteria to homeschool legally. However, South Dakota also provides parents with considerable freedom in how they design their child’s education.
To homeschool legally in South Dakota, parents must file a Notification for Alternative Instruction with their local school district. Here’s how to complete this process:
Unlike many states, South Dakota does have specific academic standards for homeschoolers. Here are the key points to know:
This is the most flexible option for South Dakota families. Parents design a customized curriculum for their children, using a mix of books, online resources, and experiential learning. This option gives parents complete control over teaching methods, pacing, and subject matter, while still meeting the required subjects outlined by the state.
While South Dakota does not offer a state-run virtual school, parents can choose to enroll their children in accredited private online schools. Some online platforms provide a complete curriculum and live teacher support, giving parents the option of a hands-off, guided educational experience. These virtual programs typically require tuition, but they offer convenience and support for families seeking more structure. Check out Dailies for a great variety of options to help assist your family on your homeschool learning path.
Hybrid homeschooling blends at-home learning with in-person classes, often through partnerships with local co-ops, community centers, or local schools. This option allows students to attend classes in specific subjects or participate in extracurricular activities while still being homeschooled for the majority of their coursework. Dailies is a great option for hybrid learning, as we offer a wide range of enrichment classes to advance your students’ learning.
Homeschooling co-ops and learning pods provide a shared educational experience for children from multiple families. In a co-op, parents take turns teaching specific subjects, often rotating responsibilities. Learning pods, on the other hand, are smaller, family-driven groups where parents may pool funds to hire a tutor or teacher to facilitate learning for multiple children at once.
South Dakota does not provide direct financial support to homeschooling families. However, families who choose online private schools or virtual academies may receive access to free educational resources and tools if the program covers them.
Currently, South Dakota does not offer specific tax credits or deductions for homeschooling expenses. While homeschooling-related expenses (like textbooks, curriculum, and technology) aren’t eligible for state tax relief, some federal education credits may apply if your student pursues higher education later on.
Even without direct financial aid, there are several ways to reduce the cost of homeschooling:
For families with children of multiple ages, structuring your day can be a challenge. Try to find a balance between structure and flexibility! Many families use the “block scheduling” method, where they focus on group learning in the morning (history, science, art) and individual instruction in the afternoon (reading, writing, and math).
Instead of creating a separate curriculum for each child, you can use a multi-age curriculum. For example, while all children study the same history topic (like Ancient Egypt), older students can complete deeper research or projects, while younger students focus on the basics.
For older children, encourage independent study using online courses or self-paced learning platforms. This allows parents to spend more focused time with younger children while older students work independently. Teaching children how to manage their own schedules is a valuable life skill.
Homeschooling is more than just academics. Family activities like cooking, gardening, and household chores can double as lessons in math, science, and critical thinking. Field trips to South Dakota’s national parks, museums, and historical sites offer rich, hands-on learning opportunities for children of all ages.
This may sound like a lot. Connect with a Dailies Head Educator to help develop a plan that works best for your family.
You don’t have to homeschool alone! There are several support groups and organizations in South Dakota where you can connect with other homeschool families, exchange resources, and participate in group activities. Organizations like South Dakota Home School Association (SDHSA) offer legal support, curriculum recommendations, and event planning for homeschool families.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed balancing parenting and teaching roles, create a plan that includes self-care and structured downtime. Use co-ops or learning pods with Dailies, to offload some teaching responsibilities, and schedule breaks in your day to recharge. Learn how to transition from one activity to the next seamlessly!
Homeschooling allows parents to tailor instruction for children with special needs or gifted children. South Dakota offers special education resources through public school districts, but parents must actively seek these resources. Curriculum providers like Dailies offer classes designed for different learning needs.
Although South Dakota requires testing at grades 4, 8, and 11, it’s helpful to track your child’s progress throughout the year. Create a homeschool portfolio that includes completed assignments, test scores, and projects. This not only prepares you for testing but also provides a record of your child’s growth.
Homeschooling in South Dakota offers a blend of flexibility and structure that works for many families. From filing your annual Notice of Intent to customizing a curriculum that fits your child’s needs, homeschooling in this state is both manageable and rewarding. While there are state guidelines to follow—like testing requirements and subject coverage—there is still plenty of freedom to create a unique learning experience.
If you’re ready to start your homeschooling journey in South Dakota, be sure to connect with local support groups, explore curriculum options, and plan a strategy that works for your family. Homeschooling isn’t just about academics—it’s about developing a love for learning, creating strong family bonds, and tailoring education to fit each child’s needs.
Still have questions? Reach out to Dailies today and let’s get you started on the right foot!
Happy Homeschooling!
Written by
Jillian Burger Read all posts by this author