2. Bethesda Lutheran School
City: Hot Springs, SD
Category: Education
Telephone: (605) 745-6676
Address: 1537 Baltimore Ave.
Description: Between 40 and 50 youngsters attend this grade school, which is a ministry of Bethesda Lutheran Church and is accredited through National Lutheran Schools. Located in the church complex, the school teaches a standard curriculum like that found in public schools, with the addition of a literature-based reading program and Lutheran doctrine. Pupils receive religious instruction four days a week and attend chapel one day a week. Kindergartners attend class for half a day, sharing a room with first-graders. Second and third grades are combined, as are fourth, fifth, and sixth. The school, which opened in 1980, is affiliated with the Missouri Synod and is open to all students.