South Dakota School Choice
School choice in South Dakota refers to the range of educational alternatives available to families beyond their assigned local public school. South Dakota currently offers one active private school choice program — a tax-credit scholarship for low- and moderate-income families — along with unrestricted public school open enrollment and legal protections for homeschooling (called “alternative instruction”). Scholarship funding through the state program typically ranges from approximately $2,000 to $2,500 per student, while a new federal scholarship tax credit launching in 2027 will expand options further. South Dakota does not yet have charter schools or a state-funded ESA program, though both are actively under legislative consideration.
Partners in Education Tax Credit Program
South Dakota’s Partners in Education Tax Credit Program allows licensed insurance companies to receive state tax credits up to five million dollars for contributions to scholarship organizations. Those organizations then award private school scholarships to eligible students. This initiative depends on voluntary business support rather than direct state funding.
Open Enrollment
Most South Dakota school districts allow inter-district open enrollment, so students can attend a public school outside their home district depending on space and district policies. This system enhances access to diverse public programs without additional state funding.
Choosing the Right Program for Your Family
Seeking Private School Tuition Help
The Partners in Education Tax Credit Scholarship is the primary resource for income-eligible families (up to 150% FRL, ~$86,580 for a family of four). Foster care students qualify regardless of income. Many private schools also offer their own financial aid. Starting in 2027, the federal scholarship tax credit may generate additional SGO-funded scholarships with broader eligible expenses.
Considering Public School Transfers
South Dakota offers unrestricted statewide open enrollment. Any K–12 student may apply to attend any public school in the state, regardless of where they live. South Dakota also has cross-border enrollment agreements with North Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.
Homeschooling Families
Homeschooling is legally termed “alternative instruction” in South Dakota. Parents must file an Alternative Instruction Notification within 30 days of beginning. South Dakota requires instruction in language arts and mathematics — there are no state testing requirements, portfolio reviews, or record-keeping mandates. The state tax-credit scholarship does not fund homeschool expenses, but the upcoming federal FSTC is expected to allow homeschool use.
Seeking Free Public Alternatives
Open enrollment is the main tool. South Dakota has no charter or magnet schools (yet). Some districts offer online learning through the South Dakota Center for Virtual Education, though availability and cost vary.
Income-sensitive vs. Universal
The state tax-credit scholarship is income-restricted. Open enrollment, homeschooling, and (eventually) federal FSTC scholarships are more broadly available, though FSTC will likely serve low- and middle-income families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is school choice in South Dakota?
School choice in South Dakota refers to the options families have beyond their assigned public school, including open enrollment in other public schools, private school attendance (potentially with a tax-credit scholarship), and homeschooling through alternative instruction.
Does South Dakota have a school voucher program?
South Dakota does not have a traditional voucher program. It does have a tax-credit scholarship program (Partners in Education), which provides private school scholarships funded by insurance company donations — not directly by taxpayer-funded vouchers. An ESA proposal was introduced in 2025 but did not pass.
Does South Dakota have charter schools?
No. As of February 2026, South Dakota has not enacted charter school legislation. A bill (SB 218) to authorize charter schools is currently under consideration in the 2026 legislative session.
How much funding can a family receive through the state scholarship program?
The average scholarship in 2025–26 is approximately $2,457. Scholarships may be worth up to 82.5% of the state’s per-pupil allocation. The amount varies based on available funds, grade level, and family income.
Who is eligible for the Partners in Education tax-credit scholarship?
Students whose family household income does not exceed 150% of the Free and Reduced-Price Lunch guidelines (approximately $86,580 for a family of four in 2024–25). Students in foster care are eligible regardless of income. Once awarded, eligibility renews for three years (or through high school graduation).
Can homeschool families receive state funding in South Dakota?
Currently, no. The state tax-credit scholarship applies only to students attending accredited nonpublic schools. However, the upcoming federal FSTC program (starting 2027) is expected to allow scholarship funds to cover homeschool-related educational expenses.
Can my child attend any public school in South Dakota?
Yes. South Dakota has unrestricted open enrollment. Families can apply to send their child to any public school in the state, subject to the receiving district’s capacity and application deadlines. Cross-border agreements also allow enrollment in bordering states.
Do I need to be a certified teacher to homeschool in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota does not require homeschool parents or instructors to hold state certification. Parents must provide instruction in at least language arts and mathematics.
Are there testing requirements for homeschool students in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota does not require standardized testing, portfolio reviews, or formal assessments for students receiving alternative instruction (homeschool).
Can homeschool students participate in public school sports and activities?
Yes. Under South Dakota law, public school districts must allow alternative instruction students to participate in athletics, fine arts, and activities sanctioned by the South Dakota High School Activities Association, provided they meet the same eligibility requirements as enrolled students.
What is the new federal scholarship tax credit, and does South Dakota participate?
The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), created under the One Big Beautiful Bill, allows individual taxpayers to claim a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to qualified scholarship granting organizations. Governor Rhoden opted South Dakota in during November 2025. Donations and credits begin in January 2027.
Is the school choice landscape in South Dakota changing?
Yes. South Dakota’s school choice environment is actively evolving. A charter school bill (SB 218) is pending in the 2026 legislature, the federal FSTC program will begin in 2027, and ESA proposals may be reintroduced in future sessions.