COLUMBIA (WACH) -- An alternative form of education is gaining popularity in South Carolina.
The Provost Academy is a state authorized public online high school. Nearly 1,200 students are currently enrolled in the school.
The computer-based education program is free for South Carolina residents. Students work toward a public high school diploma that is recognized by employers and colleges.
New Executive Director Judy Sherman says the school serves students who need choices in education. Some of their students compete full-time in sports and need the flexible schedule others are too ill to attend a traditional classroom every day.
“As the online programs grow in our country, it's becoming…something that is more norm than an exception,” Sherman said.
When student Amber Irick isn’t studying online, she is working at an animal shelter or staying busy with her fourteen siblings. She believes the Provost Academy is a good alternative for her education.
“A lot of it is self discipline you really have to want it to be able to do online high school because you know you don't have teachers breathing down your neck all the time,” she explained.
For more information on the curriculum or enrollment click here.
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