Student Handbook Compulsory Attendance Ages

Under South Dakota law, children between the ages of seven and 18 are of compulsory school age. It is the responsibility of every person having under their control a child between those ages to see to the child’s regular attendance at a public or nonpublic school until the child has reached the age of 18 unless the child has graduated or is excused.

All children not younger than five of older than six as of September 1, 2010 shall attend kindergarten. Any child who transfers from another state may proceed in a continuous educational program without interruption if the child has not previously attended kindergarten.

Any person who does not see to the school attendance of a child in their care will be guilty of a misdemeanor and if convicted, will be subject to a fine as established by law.

No student will be denied the right of attending school without due process of law.