How to start homeschooling in South Dakota

Everything you need to legally begin homeschooling in South Dakota, broken into clear steps. Plan to spend about an hour completing the paperwork before your first day.

The short version

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

The full process, step by step

Step 1

Obtain the Public School Exemption Certificate from your local school district or state DOE.

Step 2

Submit annually before starting the school year.

Step 3

Submit a withdrawal letter to your child's public school if applicable.

Step 4

Plan curriculum covering language arts and math (other subjects encouraged).

Step 5

Maintain attendance and immunization records.

Things that help on day one

A binder, folder, or app to keep paperwork in one place.
Your child's most recent report card or academic records.
A simple weekly rhythm sketched out — even one bullet list of subjects per day.
A camera or phone for documenting the first weeks of moments.
A list of any homeschool co-ops, libraries, or community groups in your area.

Disclaimer: This guide summarises commonly known South Dakota homeschool requirements. Laws change. For official, up-to-date legal guidance, consult the HSLDA state guide or your state Department of Education before submitting paperwork.

Read the full South Dakota homeschool law summary →

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