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Education

Cyber Schools Weave a New Way of Learning on the Web
By Carolyn Fell

As a parent, one of the biggest decisions you face is where you will send your child to school. There are so many options to choose from that the prospect can be dizzying. You may find yourself stewing over questions: Should I use my neighborhood public school? Can I afford a private school? Or, why do magnet schools have such long waiting lists? There is one option families are flocking to that you may not have considered yet—cyber schools.

So what is a cyber charter school? Cyber charter schools are public schools that deliver the majority of their instruction through the internet. Students work at home with the supervision of a responsible adult. You don’t pay tuition as it is a public school. Everything that the student needs like books, computers, etc is provided. The student also interacts with certified teachers  online who provide one-on-one tutoring and group instruction.

Now that you know a bit about the basics, you’re probably wondering, “Why do families choose cyber schooling over the other options?” Most families love the flexibility, individualization, self-paced learning, and safety that cyber schools offer.

Cyber schools can provide a great deal of flexibility, allowing your family to choose when and how you will structure your school day. This is very advantageous for students who have serious medical conditions that make it challenging to physically attend school. It also allows students seriously involved in outside pursuits such sports, dance, or theatre to maximize their training hours while receiving a quality education. Families are even able to travel without missing a single day of school. All that they need is an internet connection. Enrolling in a cyber school provides families with the freedom they need with their time to give each of their children a top notch education which fits with their individualized schedules.

Each of your children has unique educational needs. Doesn’t an individualized curriculum sound good? The technology used by cyber charter schools provides an optimal, interactive learning environment with the goal of challenging each student individually. Advanced students don’t have to be bored in class. They can be placed in high level courses and can work at a faster pace. When students struggle with a subject area, they can be placed in classes where they will succeed. There is no fear of being teased about it by classmates. They also can get individualized help from their teachers without having to “stay after school.” With this much help, no student needs to be left behind.

The one question I frequently hear from families about cyber school or home-schooling is “What about socialization?” Because the students are home, instead of surrounded by peers, the fear is that they will not be properly socialized. Speaking from experience, as I was home-schooled from kindergarten until I reached college, this is one of the greatest myths about home-based education. Yes, the home environment is different and only you as a parent can determine if this will meet the needs of your student, but keep in mind that children do not always experience positive social interactions in school. Many students are bullied and sometimes even physically threatened. Learning within a safe environment is exactly what many students are longing for. Having students at home for their education does not eliminate socialization but rather provides the opportunity for you as a parent to choose the social situations that will be most beneficial for your children. Most of the cyber schools provide regular field trips, clubs, and activities to help. A few of the schools even provide blended on-sight programs within their school such as performing and fine arts and gifted education. Cyber school can be the best of both worlds, an excellent education and positive socialization. 

I know that you are probably thinking, “What’s the catch?” It will take an investment of time and regular encouragement on your part. Cyber schools partner with the parents. You will be more involved in your child’s education than you ever have before. You will know what they are learning and they will need your input and advice. Is cyber school a good fit for everyone? No, but a growing number of families are enjoying its benefits. Don’t take my word for it; learn about the benefits first-hand from other parents by joining a yahoo parents group at www.groups.yahoo.com/group/PACyberschoolers/join  You can also get a list of Pennsylvania’s 11 cyber charter schools at www.pde.state.pa.us.  Maybe cyber school is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Carolyn Fell was home-schooled throughout childhood and is now continuing her love of home-based education as  the Director of Communications for PA Leadership Charter School, a cyber charter school. To find out more, visit www.palcs.org.