South Dakota is experiencing a paradigm shift in educational preferences, as evidenced by recent data showing a significant rise in alternative instruction enrollment across the state. This trend, which includes homeschooling and enrollment in unaccredited private schools or those accredited by non-state entities, reflects a growing movement that is reshaping the educational landscape of this Midwestern state.
As of 2025, more than 12,000 students are pursuing alternative education pathways in South Dakota, amidst a backdrop of declining public school enrollments for the second consecutive year. This shift highlights a national trend of increasing educational alternatives that are gaining traction among South Dakota families.
The latest figures from the South Dakota Department of Education indicate that 12,433 school-aged children are now receiving education through non-traditional means. This number represents approximately 7.6% of all students in the state, marking a nearly threefold increase in alternative instruction participation since 2015.
Data analysis shows that South Dakota public school enrollment peaked in 2023 with 137,759 students but has seen a decrease to 135,577 students in 2025. Concurrently, state-accredited private school enrollment, including religious and tribal schools, has seen a slight decline to 15,043 students from 14,741 in 2023. However, the rise in alternative education paints a vivid picture of changing priorities among South Dakota’s populace.
Alternative Education Finds Its Way
Districts across South Dakota are experiencing varied impacts from this educational shift. Notably, the Sioux Falls School District reported the most significant increase in alternative instruction enrollment, adding 131 students in 2025. Other districts such as Harrisburg, Brandon Valley, and Rapid City are also witnessing meaningful increases.
Among smaller districts, McLaughlin and Burke stand out with remarkable percentage increases in alternative education participation. McLaughlin reported an impressive 157% increase, while Burke saw a 156% rise from the previous year. These statistics underscore an expanding trend fueled by a combination of factors, including lower birth rates and a growing desire for more customizable education options.
The rise in alternative instruction mirrors a broader pattern observed statewide and nationally, where parents are increasingly seeking out educational methods that offer flexibility and individualization, often with the use of technology and innovative teaching methodologies.
Favorable Conditions for Educational Innovation
South Dakota’s unique geographic and cultural landscape plays a pivotal role in fostering this trend towards alternative instruction. The state is home to a variety of rural communities, where access to diverse educational resources can sometimes be limited by distance and infrastructure. In such areas, technology-driven education models, including online and hybrid learning, become viable and attractive solutions.
Moreover, South Dakota’s strong tradition of self-reliance and community-mindedness aligns well with the principles of alternative instruction, which often emphasize parent-led teaching and involvement in curriculum decisions. This trend is also closely observed by local policymakers and community leaders who view it as an opportunity to innovate within the education sector without compromising the quality of learning experiences available to students.
State Policy and Legislative Considerations
In response to these shifts in educational preferences, the state government is keeping a watchful eye on enrollment trends. During a recent budget address, the Governor acknowledged the expected continuation of declining public school enrollments, attributing this to the dual influences of lower birth rates and growing preference for alternative educational models. The budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year has been crafted carefully to accommodate these changing dynamics without making drastic cuts to public school funding.
The Human Element: Voices from the Front Lines
Highlighting the personal side of these statistical changes, South Dakota journalist Makenzie Huber offers invaluable insights into the intersection of politics, policy, and education in the state. As a writer for South Dakota Searchlight, Huber’s recognition as South Dakota’s Outstanding Young Journalist in 2024 speaks to her dedication to uncovering stories that resonate with South Dakota residents and impact their daily lives. Her reporting sheds light on the motivations behind the shift to alternative education and the nuances that define South Dakota’s unique educational landscape.
The evolving education sector in South Dakota presents both challenges and opportunities. While the shift towards alternative instruction has led to decreased public school enrollment, it also encourages innovation and responsiveness to the changing educational needs of students and families. As more parents and students explore and embrace these alternatives, South Dakota stands at the forefront of a transformative wave in education, poised to set benchmarks for how educational options can be expanded and enriched to meet the diverse needs of its population.
For those considering or currently engaged in alternative education, the South Dakota Department of Education encourages families to inform the state upon enrollment. This collaboration helps maintain an accurate count of participants and enables more tailored educational resources and support.
The story of South Dakota’s transformative educational journey continues to unfold, promising a future where diverse instructional methods coexist, providing choices tailored to the aspirations and potential of every student in the state.