SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — An alternative high school operated by a private company in Sioux Falls produced 32 graduates in its first year of operation.

The Argus Leader reports (http://argusne.ws/LbNZ5a ) that the Sioux Falls School District recently extended its contract with Ombudsman, a company based in Nashville, Tenn., that runs the school. Up to 76 students at risk of dropping out attend school there in three shifts of three-hours each.

Some students have poor reading and math skills or learning disabilities. Others have been in legal trouble or have had medical problems.

School board member Kate Parker says the alternative school is doing a great thing for students.

Students at the school work independently on computers for 80 percent of the day with teacher supervision. They also spend time on written activities and projects.