Educational & Vocational

The Aurora Plains Academy is staffed with faculty members all certified in their areas of specialization by the South Dakota Department of Education. Your child is placed in a classroom according to their social, emotional, and educational needs. Special intervention is also available to assist your child in developing behaviors necessary to be successful in school. In addition to the 9 month school year, an 8 week summer school is also provided. View the Academy's educational and vocational programs below.

Academic Instruction

Individualized academic instruction is provided in core academic subject areas. Students receive daily academic instruction in a highly structured self-contained classroom setting. All students receive 180 minutes of academic as well as vocational and independent living skill building. Students with greater academic ability are placed into two academic classes and one vocational class. Students acquire and apply new skills at a rate that is appropriate for their age and intellectual ability. Academic curriculum is provided in the following areas:

Educational Services:

Students participate in individualized academic instruction designed to meet their needs and abilities in the following areas:

  • Mathematics
  • Language Arts
  • History
  • Geography
  • Health
  • Literature
  • Science
  • English

Supplementary instruction is provided to all students in the following areas:

  • Social/Independent Living Skills
  • Title I Reading and Math
  • Physical Education
  • Art
  • Music
  • Vocational Education/Planning

Vocational Training

Comprehensive vocational education enables students the opportunity to explore a variety of careers while developing post-high school and employment skills. This is accomplished through: on-campus job sites including housekeeping, food service, custodial, building grounds maintenance, and laundry. A self-paced vocational class covers job seeking skills, resume writing, and interviewing skills. Students receive their own occupational folder with information obtained in the class and on the job site.

Vocational Training includes:

  • Family and Consumer Education
  • Career Education
  • Business Education / Computer Science
  • Independent Living Skills
  • Art
  • Auto Mechanics
  • Cosmetology / Barbering
  • Landscaping
  • Construction / Trades
  • Manufacturing