Homeschool Owl

South Dakota Homeschool Requirements

Low Regulation

South Dakota requires only a one-time notice (SDCL 13-27-3), no testing, no periodic reporting, and NO instructional-day minimum in statute. HSLDA's own overview also describes South Dakota as low-regulation; the prior "moderate" classification did not match the actual law. The 180-day figure shown is a general recommendation only. For homeschool-specific questions, contact [email protected] or (605) 773-3134.

No Minimum

180 days is a recommendation

Required

notification

Not required

testing

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Triple-Checked

This data was last checked against official sources on August 4, 2026. Laws change, so if something looks off or your state updated its requirements since then, confirm current details on your state's official homeschool page or use the correction form below.

Notification

Required

Deadline: one-time per child; must refile within 30 days of a status change (e.g., moving districts, discontinuing)

Testing

Not required

Required Subjects

  • Language Arts
  • Mathematics

Instructional Days

No Minimum

South Dakota does not set a minimum number of instructional days or hours by law. 180 days is shown here as a general planning recommendation only, not a legal requirement.

Report Frequency

none (only on status change)

Submission Method

SD DOE online portal (altinstructionnotification.appssd.sd.gov) or paper form

Key Deadlines

Notification Deadline

one-time per child; must refile within 30 days of a status change (e.g., moving districts, discontinuing)

Report Due

none (only on status change)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the homeschool requirements in South Dakota?+
South Dakota requires only a one-time notice (SDCL 13-27-3), no testing, no periodic reporting, and NO instructional-day minimum in statute. HSLDA's own overview also describes South Dakota as low-regulation; the prior "moderate" classification did not match the actual law. The 180-day figure shown is a general recommendation only. For homeschool-specific questions, contact [email protected] or (605) 773-3134.
How many instructional days are required for homeschooling in South Dakota?+
South Dakota does not set a minimum number of instructional days or hours by law. 180 days is shown as a general planning recommendation only, not a legal requirement.
Does South Dakota require notification to homeschool?+
Yes, South Dakota requires families to submit notification to homeschool. The deadline is one-time per child; must refile within 30 days of a status change (e.g., moving districts, discontinuing).
Does South Dakota require standardized testing for homeschoolers?+
No, South Dakota does not require standardized testing for homeschool students.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in South Dakota?+
South Dakota requires the following subjects to be taught: Language Arts, Mathematics.
How to start homeschooling in South Dakota →Portfolio reviews explained →Required subjects by state →Free homeschool tools →All state guides →

Track South Dakota compliance automatically

Log instructional days and generate South Dakota compliance reports with Homeschool Owl, South Dakota sets no minimum, so we'll track toward a 180-day recommendation as a helpful reference.

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South Dakota homeschool requirements, verified by Homeschool Owl
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