Education & Training

Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes offer individualized and self-paced instruction for adults who wish to improve reading, English and math skills. Improved skills may help you to keep a job, qualify for a better job, or go on to further training at the Career Learning Center, a vocational school, college or university. Classes are provided at no charge to eligible participants. All participants begin by taking a TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) test.

GED Classes and Testing
The GED is a national exam developed by the American Council on Education and administered by the South Dakota Department of Labor. A GED shows that you have knowledge and skills that are comparable to those of people who have graduated from high school. Sites include Rapid City, Custer, Hot Springs, Belle Fourche, Spearfish, and Sturgis.

English as a Second Language (ESL)
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes help adults learn to speak, read and write in English. Beginning English will teach individuals common words used in every day conversation. Individuals will also learn English skills that may help them get a job or go on to further job training, vocational school or college.

English Literacy and Civics Education
Classes introduce information about American social and cultural life. Immigrants learn about valuable community resources.

Rapid City Academy Career Learning Center
The Rapid City Academy at the Career Learning Center is designed for students who are at risk of not graduating and have earned eleven (11) or more credits.  Students in this program work a designated number of hours per week at the student’s own pace.  Instruction is individualized and school district’s curriculum.  Students may be full-time Academy students, or they may be dual or tri-enrolled with Central or Stevens High School or perhaps Jefferson Academy and/or Western Dakota Tech (WDT).

The Learning Zone (TLZ)
This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities for students at are enrolled in the Rapid City Academies. The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs including career preparation; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating student.