Opportunity and Innovation in Education

 
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
November 14, 2025  

South Dakota is Open for Opportunity – and that includes opportunities for education. Our students are our future, so it is important that we equip them with the skills and resources they need to thrive!

I am proud that South Dakota is home to so many quality schools, and I’m also thrilled that parents have the opportunity to choose new and creative ways to educate their children. My administration is committed to finding additional ways to expand options for parents, so we are opting into the educational flexibility provided by President Donald J. Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill!

You might not know this, but I’m a proud graduate of Sunshine Bible Academy. I was very fortunate to receive an education that was centered around my faith. My parents had to work hard to afford that education – and they made sacrifices to give me that opportunity.

There are many families just like mine working to give their kids the best shot at success. As Governor, I will do everything I can to support all students and ensure they have the strongest foundation to navigate life.

Just since 2020, the number of homeschool students in South Dakota has doubled. We’re also seeing a rise in other innovative models such as microschools and classical schools like St. Joseph’s Classical Academy in Sioux Falls. St. Joseph’s offers time-tested classical instruction, blending classroom learning with home instruction so parents can fully participate in their child’s education. Their model is so effective that after only one year of operations, they will be expanding and opening a high school!

Onward Learning in Martin, SD is a very impressive example of the microschool model. They serve every type of learner – from general education students to learners with Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, and learning gaps. Onward offers a personalized learning experience tailored for each child based upon their unique needs, interests, and strengths. You might not expect to find such an innovative school in Martin, and it’s paying dividends for the kids who live there.

I’m excited that so many opportunities have opened for our students – all without government intervention.

Our Partners in Education Tax Credit Scholarship is another resource that has supported families for years. This scholarship makes private tuition affordable, eliminating a barrier for those who need a non-public option. And South Dakota’s strong open enrollment provisions allow families to choose the district that meets their needs.

I am thankful that President Trump also recognizes the importance of open opportunities, school choice, and quality instruction. Under his One Big Beautiful Bill, individuals can donate to scholarship organizations instead of paying more taxes to the federal government. That is a huge win for taxpayers and for our schools!

Now that I’ve opted into this program, donors in South Dakota will be able to give up to $1,700 to approved scholarship organizations for a 100 percent, nonrefundable tax credit starting in January 2027. This money will fund scholarships for families to use on a variety of educational purposes, and it will help support them as they discover what opportunities work best for their kids.

This program is a strong step in the right direction for South Dakota students, regardless of where they receive their education. My goal as Governor is to support innovation – not stand in the way. So, we will continue to champion policies that expand opportunities for our students and uphold the freedom to learn! By doing so, we will keep our state strong, safe, and free for generations to come.

###