How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in South Dakota

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what South Dakota requires to start

   South Dakota requires a notice only, with no approval: the parent files the Department of Education's Alternative Instruction Notification form, one per child, with either the Department of Education or the local school district. The Department also runs an online system, and no school board approval is required (SDCL 13-27-7).

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The statute and the Department's FAQ describe only the notification and do not say that it withdraws the child from the current school or that a separate withdrawal form, exit meeting or waiting period applies. Open enrollment has separate rules, and it is common courtesy to tell the school in writing.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   File within 30 days from the first time the child begins alternative instruction (SDCL 13-27-7). It is not repeated each year; a new notification is due within 30 days if the child enrolls in a public or nonpublic school or moves to a different school district. This follows the 2021 law (SB 177), and SDCL 13-27-1 was amended again in 2025.

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   Not found in primary sources: South Dakota statute and the Department FAQ do not address a parent right to school records on withdrawal. Federal FERPA gives a parent the right to inspect and request a copy of the child's education records; the FAQ says the parent keeps academic records and issues transcripts.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   The Department FAQ says a parent can refer a homeschooled child to the district for evaluation, but for special education services to be provided the student must enroll in the district at least part-time; if parents refuse enrollment, no further district action is needed. Federal rule 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) lets a parent revoke consent to special education services in writing, after which the district gives prior written notice and stops the services.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for South Dakota: it goes to your child's current school to withdraw, and the state filing described above is a separate step. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The principal of my child's current school [name and address]

Re: Withdrawal from school and home education, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Please accept this letter as notice that I am withdrawing my child from [name of current school], effective [start date]. I will be providing a home education program under SDCL 13-27-1, 13-27-3 and 13-27-7.

I am filing the Alternative Instruction Notification form with the South Dakota Department of Education or my local school district.

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in South Dakota

South Dakota Department of Education, Home Schooling, last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions