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Who attends Freeman Academy?

Our student body typically includes 70- 80 students.

· 65% high school, 35% middle school

· 51% male, 49% female

· 82% Mennonite, 18% other-than-Mennonite

· 4-6 international students

· most students live within a 40-mile radius

In the last three years, our enrollment has increased by nearly 20%. An extensive Enrollment Plan prescribes strategies for reaching our enrollment goal of 110 students over the next five years, and a shift in proportion to 60% High School and 40% Elementary.

What is the typical class size?

Classes range from 5 to 20 students. Our average student-teacher ratio of 6:1 provides exceptional opportunities for personal interaction and individual guidance.

Are you accredited?

Yes, Freeman Academy is fully accredited by NCA and The State of South Dakota. Freeman Academy is currently a member of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA-CASI). This is a regional accreditation organization. This process meets the requirements for the SD Department of Education but also involves an active school improvement plan.

Do you have certified teachers?

All Freeman Academy teachers are either certified or working toward certification. Teachers who have been certified in another state are encouraged and expected to complete South Dakota certification as quickly as possible.

Do you use Christian textbooks?

Though all students are required to take Bible classes and to attend chapel, Freeman Academy does not use Christian textbooks. Rather, faculty members incorporate into their teaching basic Christian principles and unique Anabaptist understandings in order to nurture students in their faith and to equip them to live a life of compassionate service and discipleship to Christ.

What is an integrated arts curriculum?

The arts are central to education at Freeman Academy. Students are held to high performance standards. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate in cross-disciplinary projects. An upper-level Humanities course is required for graduation. Guest artists regularly visit campus through the Artists-In-Schools program; such persons promote increased understanding of the arts as they relate to other areas of learning and to the broader world.

How will my child get to school?

Most students commute daily or stay in the dorm during the week and go home on weekends. Students living within the Freeman school district may ride the public school bus. On days with no bus service, parents are asked to make alternate arrangements. Families living outside of the Freeman school district often form carpools.

Do you accept students with special needs?

Our understanding of Christian community enables us to consider students who have struggled academically, personally or socially elsewhere. Freeman Academy cooperates with the Freeman public schools and/or private tutors to provide necessary resources for learning-disabled students.

Because our primary interest is the well being of our students, we try very hard to accommodate anyone wishing to make a fresh start. However, we also try to be realistic and honest in situations where we feel a student’s needs exceed what our programs can provide. Parents are encouraged to visit with Principal Pam Tieszen (ext. 228) about any specific needs their student may have.

Can home-schooled students participate in Freeman Academy programs?

Yes. The South Dakota High School Activities Association authorizes each member school to determine its own policy regarding home-schooled students. At Freeman Academy, these students are welcome to participate in Freeman Academy athletic programs, choir, band, art classes, and other courses by request. Families are charged a nominal fee. Specific questions should be directed to Enrollment Director Bonnie Young (ext. 225).

Do you have boarding facilities?

Yes. Frontier Hall provides on-campus residential student housing. In addition to an apartment for the resident director(s), the on campus residential facility contains a student commons area, a kitchenette and lounge with TV, ping pong table and computers. During the week, breakfasts and suppers are provided for boarding students and are eaten family style in the dorm. The on-campus housing is closed one to two weekends a month. This allows our international students that are housed in the on campus residential facility the opportunity to experience host families in the Freeman community. A weekend host family is provided for any student (international or domestic) who is unable to go home on weekends during those weekends. For a copy of on-campus residential student housing policies and costs, contact Enrollment Director Bonnie Young (ext. 225).

How much does it cost to attend Freeman Academy?

Please refer to the Tuition and Fees link for current information.

How can I learn more about Freeman Academy?

There are three easy ways to learn more about Freeman Academy:

• Visit us on campus—call Bonnie Young, enrollment director, at 605-925-4237 (ext. 225) to arrange your visit and to ask any questions you may have.
• Fill out our reply card to request information on a specific topic.
• Visit our website.