Online high schools in South Dakota
Education is a high priority in South Dakota, and that shows in the state's graduation rates. The U.S. Department of Education reports that in the 2007-08 school year, South Dakota was sixth in the nation in graduation rates, with over 80 percent of its students completing high school.
Virtual education provides flexibility and choices ranging from full-time diploma programs to coursework that supplements traditional on-campus studies. Distance learning can be ideal for self-motivated students who want an alternative to their current district or who have busy schedules or long travel times to school.
Public online high schools in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Education offers classes that may be tuition-free based on a student's home district. Potential scholarships include the Davis-Bahcall Scholar program for science students and the Richard Hagen Minerva Memorial state scholarship program for members of Native American tribal reservations in South Dakota.
Virtual learning allows students access to a broader range of subjects than they might find in their resident districts. Options range from challenging advanced work to core subjects for credit recovery. Here are just a few of the career-related choices:
- Accounting
- Agribusiness
- Medical terminology
- Web publishing & design
At the state-run virtual school, all courses are approved by the South Dakota Department of Education. Accreditation is important as it affects how coursework is viewed by colleges and universities.
Private South Dakota online high schools
Beyond the state's vast selection of online classes, students may also choose among for-fee high schools with full-time diploma programs. Students are free from residency requirements in private schools and may find additional financial aid opportunities in the form of scholarships.