Direct testing answer
No statewide testing requirement was identified in the available sources.
SD
Low regulationDo homeschoolers need standardized testing in South Dakota?
Testing rules are one of the fastest ways parents get confused. This page gives the direct South Dakota answer first, then explains what to keep and where to verify it.
Plain-English note: this is a parent guide, not legal advice. Use the official source links at the bottom of the page before a deadline or filing decision.
Frequency
Not required.
What to keep
The available HSLDA guidance says South Dakota's alternative instruction statute does not require routine recordkeeping, but families should keep attendance records, curriculum information, work samples, correspondence, filed notification forms, and permanent high school records.
Deadline connection
Within 30 days of beginning homeschooling. File another notification within 30 days if you move to a different district or enroll the child in a public or nonpublic school.
Before you submit anything
Verify the current official guidance and keep a copy of any test report, evaluator letter, portfolio review, or submission receipt.
Related homeschool guides for South Dakota
These internal links connect curriculum, schedule, special-needs, testing, and state-law pages so parents can move from a search question to the legal checklist without starting over.
Free printables
Download the homeschool starter kit
Print these before you start: a state startup checklist, letter-of-intent template, attendance tracker, and high-school transcript template.
New homeschool families
State homeschool startup checklist
A printable first-week checklist for choosing your pathway, handling notices or withdrawal, tracking deadlines, and setting up records.
Download PDF →
Notice or withdrawal paperwork
Homeschool letter of intent template
A parent-safe fill-in notice/withdrawal template with reminders to use official state forms when required.
Download PDF →
Recordkeeping
Homeschool attendance tracker
A simple school-year tracker for days, hours, holidays, field trips, and notes you can keep with your records.
Download PDF →
High school planning
Homeschool transcript template
A fill-in high-school transcript starter with course records, credit summary, and parent certification lines.
Download PDF →
These printables are general planning tools, not legal advice. Always verify the current rule on your state page and official source links before filing deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Does South Dakota require standardized tests for homeschoolers?
No statewide testing requirement was identified in the available sources.
How often do homeschoolers test in South Dakota?
Not required.
Where do I keep test results?
The available HSLDA guidance says South Dakota's alternative instruction statute does not require routine recordkeeping, but families should keep attendance records, curriculum information, work samples, correspondence, filed notification forms, and permanent high school records.
Start with the South Dakota legal checklist
This guide is useful only if it sits on top of the actual South Dakota homeschool requirements. Review the state law hub before buying curriculum, changing schools, or setting deadlines.
South Dakota homeschool requirementsSources for South Dakota
- https://hslda.org/legal/south-dakota
- https://hslda.org/post/how-to-comply-with-south-dakotas-homeschool-law
- https://hslda.org/post/public-school-access-for-homeschoolers-in-south-dakota
- https://doe.sd.gov/parents/alternativeinstruction.aspx
- https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/13-27-3
- HSLDA state law summary
Last verified: 2026-04-21. Last updated: 2026-04-21.