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Last updated: January 2026 · Approx. 6 minute read

By Sarah Mitchell · Reviewed by Amanda Chen, Esq. · Last reviewed: January 2026

Low regulation

Homeschool Laws in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota requires only an annual exemption application. Recently simplified, with no required testing.

Quick facts at a glance

Compulsory Age
6 to 18
Notification
Submit a Public School Exemption Certificate annually to your local school distr…
Required Hours/Days
Equivalent to public school year
Evaluation Required
Not required as of recent law changes (previously required i…

Notification & registration

Submit a Public School Exemption Certificate annually to your local school district.

Required subjects in South Dakota

South Dakota requires homeschool families to cover the following subject areas:

Hours & days of instruction

Equivalent to public school year

Evaluations & testing

Not required as of recent law changes (previously required in select grades).

Recordkeeping requirements

Maintain attendance and immunization records.

Tip: Homeschool Moment automatically organises every learning moment with a date, AI-written description, and subject tags — producing a portfolio-ready PDF that satisfies most state recordkeeping rules.

Legal homeschool options in South Dakota

How to start homeschooling in South Dakota

  1. Obtain the Public School Exemption Certificate from your local school district or state DOE.
  2. Submit annually before starting the school year.
  3. Submit a withdrawal letter to your child's public school if applicable.
  4. Plan curriculum covering language arts and math (other subjects encouraged).
  5. Maintain attendance and immunization records.

Read the full step-by-step start guide for South Dakota →

Notes & nuances

South Dakota removed standardized testing requirements in 2021, making it more homeschool-friendly than before.

Frequently asked questions

Does South Dakota require homeschool testing?

No, testing was removed from state law in 2021.

What subjects must South Dakota homeschoolers teach?

Language arts and math are required; other subjects are at parental discretion.

When is the South Dakota homeschool exemption due?

Annually before starting the school year.

Disclaimer: This page summarises commonly known South Dakota homeschool requirements as of 2026. Laws change. For official, up-to-date legal guidance, consult the HSLDA state guide or your state Department of Education before withdrawing your child or filing paperwork. Homeschool Moment is an educational documentation app, not legal counsel.

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