Welcome to FindLaw's South Dakota Education Laws section, with legalese-free explanations of the laws that affect students and others involved in the education system. Since public schools are government entities, application of federal constitutional rights and prohibitions is different than for private schools. For instance, public schools may not "establish" or promote any one religion but also may not curtail a student's right to practice their religious beliefs. South Dakota offers no additional statutory guidance for school prayer. This section also includes articles on the use of corporal punishment (which is allowed in South Dakota schools), laws addressing the privacy of school records, and compulsory education laws. Click on a link below to learn more.