At a glance
South Dakota has the Partners in Education Tax Credit program — a tax-credit scholarship (funded by insurance-company donations) that helps income-eligible students attend participating private schools — plus public open enrollment. It does not have an ESA or voucher.
This state's choice programs
Under the Partners in Education program, insurance companies receive a tax credit for donating to scholarship organizations, which award private-school scholarships to income-eligible students. The program is capped, so scholarships are limited by available funds.
Eligibility
Scholarships are for income-eligible students (with income thresholds), subject to the program cap. Confirm current income limits.
Applying
Apply through a participating scholarship organization. Confirm the list and requirements.
Public school choice, too
Remember: “school choice” also includes public options available in every state:
- Open enrollment / transfersAttend a public school outside your zone, where allowed (see our finding-your-school guide)
- Charter schoolsTuition-free public schools of choice (where available)
- Magnet schoolsTuition-free public schools with a specialized focus
- HomeschoolingLegal in all 50 states (rules vary)
Tips for families
- Confirm the current programThis area changes fast — verify eligibility, amounts, and deadlines
- Watch the deadlines & capsMany programs have windows and funding caps
- Understand what’s coveredESAs are flexible; vouchers usually cover tuition only
- Check your school participatesNot every private school accepts every program
- Combine with school aidChoice funds can stack with a school’s own financial aid
Frequently asked questions
- Does South Dakota have a private-school-choice program?Yes (limited) — South Dakota has the Partners in Education tax-credit scholarship (no ESA or voucher).
- What’s the difference between an ESA and a voucher?A voucher pays a private school directly; an ESA is a flexible parent-managed account for many approved expenses.
- What is a tax-credit scholarship?Donors get a tax credit for giving to organizations that fund private-school scholarships.
- Is there public school choice too?Yes — open enrollment, charters, and magnets (plus homeschooling).
- Where do I confirm the details?On the official state program site (see below).
At a glance
- ProgramPartners in Education (tax-credit)
- TypeTax-credit scholarship (income-limited, capped)
- Funded byInsurance-company tax credits
- PlusPublic open enrollment
- Confirm withA scholarship organization
Where to confirm
Confirm current programs and eligibility with the official source: