About SDVS
The South Dakota Virtual School is a clearinghouse of distance courses offered by approved providers. Courses are
available online or via the Digital Dakota Network. All course offerings and providers are approved by the South Dakota
Department of Education. The goal of the Virtual School is to provide choice, flexibility and quality for all
students across the state.
Virtual methods of learning can be great options in many situations:
- When a school doesn't offer the desired course
- When a course doesn't fit into a student's schedule
- When a student is in need of credit recovery
- When an advanced student needs an academic challenge
Who is eligible?
Any middle or high school student enrolled in a South Dakota school can take courses via the Virtual School.
Home school students also can take advantage of the curriculum offerings, as long as they register through their home district.
How does it work?
Typically, schools pay for the cost of a student to take a course via the South Dakota Virtual School.
Costs vary depending on the particular provider and course offering.
Since schools usually cover the cost of a course, designated school personnel must approve any request for a student
to take a course via the Virtual School. Schools also are required to register students. Students are not allowed to register
on their own. That way, the school can keep tabs on the number of students using the service. Schools also are responsible
for monitoring student progress.
Please note:
- School districts have the right to deny a student's application to take a course via the South Dakota Virtual School.
Students are encouraged to browse course offerings via the South Dakota Virtual School. Once they have selected a course,
they will bring their request to the school's designated contact person (often that's a counselor or high school principal) to
review the selection and, if approved, register the student.
What training is available?
A training video is now available: http://media.sd.gov/ramgen/doe/20070301/virtualhs.rm
This video stream requires Real Player, which can be downloaded for free from http://www.real.com.