They might look like homeschools, but they are not. Online charter schools — called "virtual academies" — are just like public school, except for "class" is at home through the computer. Students must clock in every day and must meet state testing standards.
The teacher is online, working from home. Students can ask their teachers questions. The teachers play a critical role for both children and parents.
The Christian Broadcasting Network reports that there is an explosion in a new type of education for children. It is particularly popular in Idaho.
Parents choose this route for a number of reasons, ranging from bullies at school to health concerns or other issues. There is flexibility in the curriculum that appeals to some faiths.
Families that are participating in the program get together with one another to help with the sense of isolation.
The Obama administration is pushing charter schools by offering federal monies to states that expand the program. The online public charter schools are expected to explode in the months and years to come.
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While I do support charter schools as well as some public schools, the thought of online schools is a little bit tougher for me to support. I have heard all of the arguments about keeping kids home and whatever but I don't think they get the same type of socialization at home they get at school. I know I only speak for myself and many people enjoy home schooling and now online schools. Thanks for sharing the info with others that may need it.
From what I can tell, these online charter schools offer sort of a middle ground because there is interaction with the teacher. I agree with you that the social issues are important — It seems to me that people opting for online charter schools need to make arrangements so that their kids do experience a sense of community, whether it's through sports teams, neighborhood gatherings and so forth.