Shakopee School District partners with Eden Prairie Online for student course offerings

The Shakopee Public School District is set to enhance its online education offerings through a new partnership with Eden Prairie Online (EPO), as revealed in the recent school board meeting. Currently, there are 300 course requests from students, indicating a strong interest in online classes, although this number does not directly translate to the number of students, as some may request multiple courses.

EPO has emerged as the preferred choice for Shakopee students seeking online services, with over 700 full-time online students enrolled. The district's decision to collaborate with EPO comes after a challenging period of managing its own online program, which saw diminishing returns post-COVID. The district had previously attempted to sustain its online offerings but found that the market had shifted, making it difficult to compete effectively.

The partnership aims to fulfill the existing demand for online courses without the significant startup costs associated with developing a new program from scratch. EPO's established curriculum includes electives and specialized courses that align with Shakopee's educational goals, providing students with a broader range of options.

The agreement with EPO is currently set for one year, allowing the district to assess its effectiveness and the needs of its students. As the district moves forward, it will continue to monitor student interest and adapt its offerings accordingly, ensuring that it meets the educational needs of its community.