Homeschooling Regulations by State: South Dakota

by Christina Yeager

Homeschooling isn’t as hard as it sounds! You’ve taught your children numerous things over the span of their lives, this too can be done - just takes a little knowledge! By learning the laws in your state on homeschooling, you’ll be one step closer to making the process easier! We can guide you on the beginning process of homeschooling in the State of South Dakota!
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Each state is the U.S. has a very specific set of regulations for homeschooling. If you are thinking about teaching your child at home, you'll need to know the ins and outs of what needs to be done beforehand and during. In this series, Homeschooling Regulations by State, we'll explore information to help with the decision, what to do to get started and what to do correctly to continue.
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The regulations, laws and suggestions in this post may not reflect the needs for your particular situation. Not all apply to each individual family. To learn more about the laws and regulations in this state on homeschooling, click the link at the end of the post! This will direct you to the states’ Board of Education or government education site.

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Compulsory School Age	School enrollment and attendance is required of all students in the State of South Dakota once they have turned age five by September 1st and must continue to attend until the age of eighteen or until they have graduated.
Notice of Intent	Each and every year of the students participation in a homeschool program a Notice of Intent must be filed via form provided by the local school district. The form can be found here.  ​This form requires two witness signatures and must be notarized. The notice is effective immediately and you may begin to teach at home. The initial filing of this form must include: A copy of the child's' birth certificate or an affidavit swearing that the child is the same as appearing on the original birth certificate. The affidavit must be signed by two witnesses and notarized. ​ It's important to note that if you withdraw your child to homeschool, file the form immediately to avoid violation of violation of truancy law.
Curriculum	The State of South Dakota only requires that the following subjects absolutely be taught: Language Arts Mathematics
Instruction	Learning instruction must take place in the equivalent as public schools. This may vary per district, however, the state provides at least nine months of instruction per term.
Testing	Standardized testing is mandatory for grades 4, 8 and 11. The same test used by the local school district is acceptable or a national test may be used upon school board approval.
Record Keeping	Sufficient records of testing and attendance should always be properly maintained. At any time the State Secretary of Education may ask for these records.

Visit the website of the South Dakota Department of Education for more detailed information.

Are you a homeschooler (new or veteran) seeking to share insight? Read our guidelines and thenreach out introducing yourself to obtain blogging credentials! And if you're a homeschool parent, be sure to follow the Homeschooling Heroes page on Facebook for tons of resources and insight, and join the Unschool Homeschool group to expand your horizons as to what homeschooling is/can be. And finally, if you're looking for activities to join, we have a group with New Orleans-based activities, which will be expanding to an area near you - so join our group! And be excited about that, because we offer tons of exceptional educational and extracurricular activities for homeschoolers and parents, and can't wait to include you.

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