USD 379 is teaching 45 of its students to drive.

Starting in January each school year, students who sign up for the program will go through online coursework on their own time. USD 379’s Curriculum Director, Jaclyn Pfizenmaier, says come summertime, students will begin to get behind the wheel.

Student drivers use USD 379 cars equipped with Student Driver stickers during the physical instruction. Pfizenmaier said the District’s Driver’s ED program also gives students the option to learn from their parents.

The cost of enrollment in the program is $250, but through a program from the Kansas Department of Transportation, students who qualify for free and reduced lunches that complete the program get a $200 refund. Applications for this year’s program have closed but will reopen this fall for the 2024-2025 school year.