Alternative Education Opportunities
Alternative Education Opportunities List
In accordance with the South Carolina Department of Education's Proviso 1.89, school districts are required to provide students age 16 or older who are at risk of dropping out with information about alternative education programs that lead to a high school diploma or high school equivalency credential.
The programs listed in this document include the state-approved options as well as additional district-supported flexible and non-traditional pathways designed to meet the diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students.
This resource ensures that students and families are fully informed of available opportunities and can make well-informed decisions regarding the completion of high school requirements.
Blended Learning and Virtual Schools offered to students in SC
Programs in this section are designed for students who need a flexible option to complete high school coursework and are best suited for independent, self-motivated learners.
Participation requires withdrawing from Dorchester District Two schools and enrolling directly in the virtual program, with diplomas awarded by the virtual school rather than Dorchester Two.
| PROGRAM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| CYBER ACADEMY OF SOUTH CAROLINA POWERED BY K12 | Cyber Academy of South Carolina is a free online public school that serves South Carolina students in grades K-12. The program uses web-based learning provided through the K12 Online School curriculum. For more information, please visit the CASC website or call (855) 611-2830. |
| HERON VIRTUAL ACADEMY OF SOUTH CAROLINA POWERED BY K12 | Heron Virtual Academy of South Carolina (HVASC) is a full-time, virtual Alternative Education Campus (AEC) serving South Carolina residents in grades 8th-12th. HVASC serves students with learning gaps, high-risk situations, and needs for specialized instruction. For more information visit the HVASC website or call (855) 661-0946. |
| LOWCOUNTRY ACCELERATION ACADEMY | Lowcountry Acceleration Academy offers a year-round blended learning model where students work both on-site and at home, focusing on one course at a time at their own pace. Extended on-site hours and remote support ensure students stay on track while balancing flexibility with the guidance needed to complete graduation requirements. This approach meets each learner where they are, providing autonomy alongside personalized support to help them earn their high school diploma. |
| LOWCOUNTRY CONNECTIONS ACADEMY | Lowcountry Connections Academy is a tuition-free, fully online public school serving K-12 students across South Carolina. Authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine, the academy provides a flexible, high-quality education designed to engage students, build character, and prepare them for success in an ever-changing world. Since opening in 2021, it has partnered with families to deliver personalized learning and support, helping students reach their academic and career goals from anywhere in the state. |
| Odyssey Online Learning | Odyssey Online Learning is a free online public high school for South Carolina students in grades 9 to 12. For more info call (803) 735-9110 or visit the Odyssey Online website |
| SOUTH CAROLINA CONNECTIONS ACADEMY | South Carolina Connections Academy is a virtual educational program that serves South Carolina students in grades K-12. The program is a free public charter school that students attend from home. For more information visit the South Carolina Connections Academy website or call 1-855-799-1477. |
| THE SOUTH CAROLINA PREPARATORY ACADEMY | The South Carolina Preparatory Academy is a free online Public Charter School serving 6th-12th Grades throughout SC. The program offers a classical, liberal arts education aimed at preparing students for college and life beyond the classroom. For more information please visit myscprep.org or call (866) 202-2929. |
| SOUTH CAROLINA VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOL™ POWERED BY STRIDE K12 | South Carolina Charter Virtual School is a free online public school that serves South Carolina students in grades K-12. The program uses web-based learning provided through the K12 Online School curriculum. For more information, please visit the SCVS website at: scvcs.org or call (803) 253-6222. |
| SC WHITMORE SCHOOL | The SC Whitmore School is a free online public high school for South Carolina students in grades 9 to 12. Students can earn a South Carolina Diploma. For more info please call (866) 476-6416 or visit the SC Whitmore School website. |
Adult Education Options in Dorchester County
Dorchester County offers a range of alternative education and support programs to help students and young adults complete high school, build workforce skills, and prepare for future opportunities.
These options provide flexible pathways tailored to individual needs, including academic completion, career training, and personal development.
| PROGRAM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Adult Education Summerville Adult Learning Center | Dorchester County Adult Education division offers programs serving adults who desire to continue their secondary education or enhance their academic or work readiness skills. Students may enroll 3 months prior to their 17th birthday. Students can earn a High School Diploma or High School Equivalency diploma (GED). Classes are available in person and online. For information, contact (843) 873-7372 or visit the Adult Ed website |
| Graduation Alliance | The South Carolina Workforce Diploma Program, in partnership with Graduation Alliance, helps adults who did not graduate from high school earn their diploma while gaining practical skills to secure, maintain, and advance in employment. Students complete online courses taught by experienced teachers and receive one-on-one support from a dedicated Academic Coach. In addition to earning a diploma, participants can pursue one of eight industry-recognized credentials, opening doors to in-demand career pathways. For more information, visit the Graduation Alliance website |
| Job Corps | Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For more information, call 800-733-JOBS (5627) or visit the Job Corps Website. |
| PALMETTO Community Action Partnership | The Future Leaders Program and Future Pathways Program empower individuals to overcome educational and workforce barriers by providing resources, training, and personalized support. Future Leaders prepares high school students for career success through paid internships, mentorship, and financial assistance, while Future Pathways equips individuals with job training, career counseling, and supportive services. Together, these programs create opportunities for economic stability, professional growth, and long-term self-sufficiency. For more information, call 843-724-6760, or visit the Palmetto Community Action Partnership website . |
| Palmetto Youth Connections | SC Works and Palmetto Youth Connections have collaborated to provide career pathways young adults ages 17-24. Youth can obtain employment and seek certifications that align with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Students receive counseling, GED preparation, financial incentives, job readiness training, active follow-up and job placement. For more information, contact (843) 574-1897. |
| SC Vocational Rehabilitation | SC Vocational Rehabilitation offers pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) to students ages 13-21 with an IEP, 504 plan, or documented disability the support needed to prepare for life after high school. Through career exploration, job training, post-secondary counseling, and workplace readiness, Pre-ETS helps students build skills for future success. For more information, call 866-297-6808 or visit the SC Vocational Rehabilitation website. |
| SCYCA SC Youth Challenge Academy | Operated by the SC National Guard, the SC Youth Challenge Academy serves at-risk youth ages 16-18 who are looking for an alternative program focusing on education and life skills. This 22-week commitment allows students to work toward earning their GED while focusing on health and hygiene, job skills, life coping skills, physical fitness, community service, and responsible citizenship. For more info call (803) 299-4872 or visit the SC Youth Challenge Academy website. |
| WIL LOU GRAY OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL | Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School is a structured, residential, military-style environment that emphasizes both academic and life-skills education. Specializing in helping at-risk young people (ages 16-19) move past the obstacles in their lives to achieve success. Wil Lou Gray helps prepare and register students for the GED. For more information call (803) 896-6480 or visit the Will Lou Gray Opportunity School website. |
Alternative Education Programs in Dorchester County
To participate in the programs listed below, students must be actively enrolled in a diploma or credential program recognized by the South Carolina Department of Education.
In most cases, students must also be enrolled in their neighborhood high school to take part in these opportunities; the only exception is for homeschool students.
| PROGRAM | DESCRIPTION | |
|---|---|---|
| DORCHESTER COUNTY CAREER + TECHNOLOGY CENTER | At Dorchester County Career and Technology Center (DCCTC), students gain the skills and knowledge needed to achieve success. They are provided with valuable resources and support to help guide their individual plans for the future. DCCTC integrates both academic and career-focused learning, offering a personalized approach tailored to each student's unique needs while preparing them to meet the demands of today's global economy.. For more information, call 843-563-2361 or 843-504-3250, visit the DCCTC homepage. | |
| EdOptions ACADEMY | Virtual learning options allow schools and districts to enhance, expand, and extend their K-12 program offerings. EdOptions Academy pairs Edmentum's research-based online curriculum with highly qualified, state-certified online teachers to open up new opportunities for all learners, whether they are falling behind, at grade level, or advanced. For additional information, contact your school counselor. | |
| Homeschool |
As alternatives to public, private, or parochial schools, parents in South Carolina reserve the right to home school their children through 3 options. Parents/guardians must have a high school diploma or GED. Students will not earn a SC High School Diploma. |
|
| Medical Homebound Instruction | Students who cannot attend public school because of an acute or chronic medical condition may be eligible for medical homebound instruction. A physician must first certify that the student is unable to attend school but may benefit from instruction given in the home. Instruction is conducted by a certified teacher approved by the district. Any student participating in medical homebound instruction must first be approved by the district designee. For more information, contact your student's school directly or visit the DDTwo Special Services webpage | |
| Virtual SC (VSC) | VirtualSC offers free supplemental online courses for students on the path to high school graduation. VSC serves students in grades 7-12. Rigorous online courses for initial credit or credit recovery are taught by highly-qualified South Carolina certified teachers. For more information about VSC speak with your guidance counselor, visit the VirtualSC homepage or call (803) 734-8039 | |
Have Questions? Need More Information? Contact:
Gailia Mercer-Brown, Ed.S., M.Ed., GCDF, GCDF-I
Director of School Counseling
843-873-2901 ext 51024
Katie Barker
Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Kenneth Wilson
Assistant Superintendent