Flexibility fuels surge in alternative schooling, while critics point to lack of accountability

Parents cite children’s learning styles, religion and other factors as reasons for opting out of public education
This graph shows number of alternative instruction enrollment in the Webster Area School District (in black) and Waubay School District (gray) over the past 13 years. Data is taken from the South Dakota Department of Education. Reporter & Farmer | South Dakota Searchlight graph
This graph shows number of alternative instruction enrollment in the Webster Area School District (in black) and Waubay School District (gray) over the past 13 years. Data is taken from the South Dakota Department of Education. Reporter & Farmer | South Dakota Searchlight graph

Drew Dittmer and his wife tried homeschooling their children in 2015.

The family of six in Sioux Falls enjoyed the freedom and flexibility it allowed them. But after welcoming their fifth child, the couple sent their children back to public school to avoid being overwhelmed at home.

In 2020, a kind of homeschooling was thrust on the Dittmers again: remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Seein…