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Virtual High School launches March 15
South Dakota’s new Virtual High School
launches March 15. At that time, schools can register their high
school students for a variety of courses. Most of the courses
currently offered begin with the 2007-08 school year.
What is it?
The South Dakota
Virtual High School is a clearinghouse of distance courses
offered by providers that have been approved by the South Dakota
Department of Education. Courses are offered in a variety of
formats, but mainly online or via the Digital Dakota Network.
It’s online at
www.sdvhs.k12.sd.us.
Who can use
it?
Any high school student
enrolled in a South Dakota school can take courses via SDVHS.
This includes students at public, private, tribal and BIA
schools. Interested students must work with their school’s
Virtual High School coordinator to make sure virtual classes are
the best option available. Home school students can take
advantage of the curriculum offerings, as long as they enroll
and register through their resident public school district.
How does it
work?
Local schools oversee students who wish to take courses via the Virtual High
School. That means schools approve or deny a student’s request
to take a virtual course. They also register students for
courses. Students may not register on their own.
Registration is done electronically at
www.sdvhs.k12.sd.us.
What is the
cost?
The cost of courses
available via the South Dakota Virtual High School depends on
the provider, the length of the course, and sometimes by the
number of students enrolled in a particular course. Most of the
current course offerings fall into a range between $200 and $350
per ½-credit course.
In general, the resident school district covers the cost of
students taking courses via SDVHS. However, a school may deny a
student’s request to take a virtual course. There may be cases
when the school asks the student to pick up part or all of the
cost, before approving a request. The districts may use their
state aid to pay for virtual courses in the same way they use it
for students taking traditional courses.
How can I learn more?
First, you can check out the
site at
www.sdvhs.k12.sd.us. You can access a complete list of
Frequently Asked Questions and a
video of a training session
held in late February. Finally, you can give the Department of
Education a call at (605) 773-3134.
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