Why Virtual School

10 Reasons for Starting a Virtual School Program

Virtual School options have increased dramatically in a relatively short period of time and many school districts are contemplating adding online learning options for students at all levels. Currently, many districts are planning to implement or already have implemented online coursework for high school students. However, the lower grades, namely kindergarten through eighth grade, can be just as well served through a virtual school as older students – perhaps even more so.

Here are the top 10 reasons superintendents have for creating a virtual school:

Increasing technology application and usage is a district goal.

Studies have repeatedly shown that the generations in schools today are natives to technology use. The gadgets and games we think of as toys are very much a way of life and rather than having students “turn off” when they walk into the building, your district has recognized that increasing the school offerings to accommodate the technical prowess and preferences of students is very much a part of successful curriculum and learning. The virtual school can be more engaging to students and more aligned to their individual needs.

Virtual schooling has a place in your district in the foreseeable future.

According to the most recent U.S. Department of Education data, as of 2003, 36% of school districts in America were already offering some sort of virtual schooling, while the Center for Education Reform estimates that this year more than 65,000 students nationally are enrolled in virtual charter schools. Seven years later, the explosion of virtual learning has only increased and become increasingly more effective for the individual student.

Parents are demanding smaller class sizes.

Some state or district guidelines have requested a reduction in class size to better accommodate student needs and to increase the student to teacher ratios. If your school or district has been affected by this change, a virtual school can easily free up space in the classrooms when the virtual option is selected by parents.

Student population is exploding.

Investing in a virtual school is far less than the construction of a new brick and mortar building. With rapid population growth, enrolling willing students in a virtual school can save the district money on new construction and free space in the existing buildings for more incoming students.

You’re looking at a significant number of transfer students.

Under No Child Left Behind, students at “low-performing” schools have the option to transfer to other campuses. A virtual school can help the district to address these transfer requests, something that is mandatory but difficult to accommodate.

Your At-Risk population is challenging to serve effectively.

At-Risk students seem to be increasing in number and these challenging students, including those that are homeless, homebound and have special needs, can benefit strongly from a virtual school program that is closely tailored to their needs. Students requiring more flexible hours to pursue other activities such as the arts or sports can benefit from the personalization of virtual schooling as well.

Parents are looking for alternative school choices.

Parents are increasingly seeking alternatives to the traditional school house. A high-quality virtual school available in your district gives parents increased options to blend public education with their own philosophies. You will also be offering parents a virtual school option in-district rather than having parents seek a charter school for the same purpose.

Large numbers of students are behind grade level or working ahead and need a customized solution to meet their needs.

Students work at a different pace and a virtual school can help the district meet the diverse needs of the student population. The personalized education plan of a virtual school can accommodate the students who fall below grade level in one area but might be working ahead of grade level in another. The customized program can help bring lagging students back up to grade level as well by focusing on the key areas of concern.

Homeschooling and private schools have taken a toll in your enrollment numbers and budget.

When parents opt out of public education, they are seeking a personalized education option for their child. By introducing a virtual school to your district, the parents looking for a more tailored approach to learning will have a public school option they can support.