South Dakota has seen a dramatic rise in home-schooling, with enrollment increasing 143% over the last 10 school years, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The number of home-schooled students grew to over 10,000 during that period.
According to reporting by South Dakota NewsWatch, only Tennessee (135%) and North Dakota (114%) recorded comparable gains.
The rapid shift has placed financial pressure on public schools. Districts receive about $7,000 per student from the state, meaning the enrollment decline has cost schools more than $60 million in funding. In response, the Rapid City School District has mailed outreach letters to families whose children left public schools, urging them to return.
Home-school numbers may climb even higher after Governor Larry Rhoden announced South Dakota will participate in a federal tax program designed to support students pursuing alternative education paths.
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