As South Dakota grapples with shifting educational landscapes, the state’s decision-makers and communities are seeing significant changes. The latest report from the South Dakota Department of Education reveals a decrease in K-12 student population, accentuated by a surge in alternative instruction or homeschooling. While public and private school enrollments have taken a slight hit, there’s an undeniable uptick in parents choosing to educate their children at home, driven by a variety of factors ranging from educational preferences to the search for flexibility in learning.
According to the headcount figures released on December 31, 2025, South Dakota’s total K-12 student population stands at 163,053, marking a 0.5% decrease from the previous year. Of these students, 83% attend public schools, while 9% are enrolled in nonpublic schools, and 8% are part of homeschooling initiatives.
This decline, although modest, indicates a broader trend experienced by 147 public school districts across the state. With an enrollment dip of over 1,736 students, these districts now accommodate 135,577 children, underlining an over 1% decrease in public school enrollment.
On the private education front, the state has seen numbers fall by 142 students, with 15,043 students now attending nonpublic schools. This category encompasses tribal/BIE schools, special population institutions, and community-based service providers, among others.
Conversely, homeschooling continues to gain popularity, with families opting for customized educational experiences for their children. Enrollment figures for alternative instruction have risen by 944 students statewide, reflecting an 8% increase. This trend highlights a response to both educational concerns and a growing interest in personalized learning environments.
Focusing on the Sioux Falls metro area, the largest urban hub in South Dakota, shows a microcosm of these statewide trends. Home to approximately 52,325 students, its educational landscape is made up of 85% public school attendees, 9% private school enrollees, and 6% homeschooling participants. Notably, the public school sector in Sioux Falls has witnessed a reduction of 171 students from last year, totaling 24,050 students.
Despite the state’s substantial agricultural base and vibrant community life, the shift towards homeschooling might signal changing priorities among South Dakota families, who may be seeking educational methods that better align with their values or accommodate unique personal circumstances. {{Insert more quotes from local residents or officials if available.}}
Morgan Matzen
Harrisburg School District, South Dakota’s third-largest, has bucked the trend with a rise in student numbers by 173, now totaling 6,355. Similarly, some neighboring areas like Brandon Valley and Tea Area school districts have displayed growth, albeit modest, illustrating that changes in school enrollments vary significantly across different districts.
Rapid City Area Schools, another educational giant in the state, leads in alternative instruction with 1,839 homeschoolers, displaying that the demand for elective learning isn’t just confined to one part of the state but rather is a growing interest statewide.
South Dakota’s private educational institutions have also demonstrated resilience in these times of shifting demographics. Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, the largest private school network, experienced a small decline, while Sioux Falls Lutheran School marked its growth by 41 new students.
South Dakota Department of Education
In summary, as South Dakota’s population dynamics continue to evolve, the state’s educational framework is witnessing a shift towards more diversified learning models. By embracing alternative instruction methods, South Dakota aims to cater to a broad spectrum of educational needs, ensuring an inclusive approach that accommodates various student backgrounds.
Looking ahead, questions about educational policy, resource allocation, and community engagement come into sharper focus. Stakeholders continue to watch these trends closely, monitoring how changes in student numbers influence both short-term planning and long-term educational strategies.
This shift opens a dialogue on the future of education in South Dakota, bringing together the interests of educational bodies, communities, and families in pursuit of progressive and adaptive learning opportunities.