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Advance, Protect, Secure
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    • Home
    • ABOUT US
    • Take Action
      • Action Alerts!
      • Free Civics Guide
      • Coffees & Cracker Barrels
      • How to get involved
    • Day at the Capitol
    • Donate
    • SD Laws
    • FAQ
    • More
      • Blog
      • Resources
      • Spotlight Family
      • Spotlight Leader
FAIRSD
Advance, Protect, Secure
  • Home
  • ABOUT US
  • Take Action
    • Action Alerts!
    • Free Civics Guide
    • Coffees & Cracker Barrels
    • How to get involved
  • Day at the Capitol
  • Donate
  • SD Laws
  • FAQ
  • More
    • Blog
    • Resources
    • Spotlight Family
    • Spotlight Leader

Welcome To

FAIRSD

FAIRSDFAIRSDFAIRSD

Families for Alternative Instruction Rights 

in South Dakota 


Our Mission

FAIRSD is dedicated to advancing, protecting and securing Alternative Instruction rights in South Dakota. Sign up for our email bulletins to stay on top of issues that might affect your rights. We rely on families like you to help us get the word out. It's an easy way to be active in securing and maintaining our freedoms.

Sign Up to receive critical updates and action alerts

Homeschool is Alternative Instruction

In South Dakota, the legal term for people who educate their children in their home without government oversight or funding (homeschool) is Alternative Instruction (AI). Alternative Instruction also includes small unaccredited schools or microschools. There are very specific laws that apply to Alternative Instruction. Some families may choose to use an online South Dakota public school program in their homes. This is not considered Alternative Instruction and the Alternative Instruction laws do not apply. However,  homeschoolers generally welcome everyone to their events regardless of the legal definition of their education choice. 

South Dakota Laws

You can find a complete listing of all the South Dakota laws on Alternative Instruction here.

the Legal Requirements to Homeschool in SD

  1. Homeschooing is just one click away in South Dakota! Within thirty (30) days of beginning homeschooling, you must file a standard notification form with either the SD Department of Education (DOE) or your local school district. This form notifies the state that you are now a homeschooler. Complete one entry for each child, and you only need to update if you move or if you decide to put your child back into a public or accredited private school. Note: The online form is not compatible with handheld devices.
  2. South Dakota has a compulsory education law. Any child under the age of 18 must be receiving an education. File a notfication for your child if they are least 5 and before they turn 6 on September 1st.  
  3. Your educational program must (at a minimum) include instruction in the the basic skills of language arts and mathematics.


Other things to know:

  • Testing is not requrired by law.
  • Homeschool students are eligible for partial enrollment in classes and participation in any activities at your local public school, and dual enrollment in college courses in the 11th and 12th grades.

File Your Notification

This will take you to the SD Department of Education website. You can choose to file online or you can print a copy of the form and submit it in person or by mail.

Notification Form

Make plans to join us Thursday, January 15, 2026

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Homeschool Day at the Capitol

  • You do not need to register to attend. Come and enjoy the day! 
  • Meet and spend time with families from all over the state
  • Tour the Capitol Building
  • Attend Committee meetings in the morning 
  • View student displays, listen to student musical performances
  • Listen to speakers
  • Join in on the group photo on the Capitol steps
  • Attend the General Sessions when our group will be introduced to the legislators

Homeschool Day at the Capitol
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