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Get the FAQs About Cyber Charter Schools
It’ s a modern world and education has evolved beyond the traditional classroom setting. K-12 cyber charter schools are becoming increasingly common across the nation. In Pennsylvania alone, over 35,000 students are enrolled in cyber schools, and the numbers continue to grow each year. Many families have questions about what cyber school is, how it works, who enrolls there, and what the outcomes of a virtual education are. While virtual schools can differ in their course offerings, policies, and structure- just like local schools do- there is some basic information that can help those new to the idea understand this 21st-century approach to education. As an expert in the field, PA Virtual Charter School is happy to provide answers to some common questions about cyber education:
WHAT IS A CYBER CHARTER SCHOOL?
In the state of Pennsylvania, cyber charter schools are public, tuition-free institutions for eligible PA residents that offer education for students from the convenience of their home. Cyber charter schools are approved, regulated, and monitored by the PA Department of Education( PDE). In addition, cyber charter schools are accountable to their charter, which can be considered a contract with PDE.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
As free public schools, cyber charter schools provide the materials a student needs to complete his / her learning for the school year, including a computer, textbooks, and other materials. Schools feature either live online instruction with a teacher, lessons guided by the adult at home, or a combination of the two. Each school sets their own standards regarding the balance between these options. Some schools include all grades( K-12), while others focus on smaller grade segments.
WHO GOES TO A CYBER SCHOOL?
Cyber schools educate students from all walks of life, from urban areas to rural communities. From advanced learners to struggling learners, virtual schools support and welcome many different types of students. Common reasons families choose a virtual school are increased parental involvement in their child’ s learning, challenges with health issues, flexibility in scheduling, more individualized instruction, and a safer learning environment.
WHAT ABOUT SOCIAL ACTIVITIES? While each school handles social opportunities in its own way, cyber schools understand that socialization is an important part of a student’ s development. Some schools offer educational field trips, social gatherings, online assemblies, service learning projects, and school clubs. In addition, students can still pursue activities like sports, clubs, and the arts through both community groups and local school district extracurricular programs.
HOW DO I LEARN MORE ABOUT PA VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOL?
PA Virtual maintains a robust web site – www. pavcsk12. org – with information and videos for you to review at your convenience. You can review descriptions of our award-winning K-12 curriculum, learn about our top-notch PSSA and SAT scores, or view a video about a day in the life of a student or parent. If you want more information from a PA Virtual staff member, be sure to check out our schedule of Open Houses or feel free to drop by our local office, located at 470 Mall Circle Drive in Monroeville, near the Monroeville Mall.
PA Virtual Charter School is a free public school option for grades K-12, conducted from the safety of your home. For 15 years, PA Virtual has excelled in the virtual education of students and continues to serve families across the state of Pennsylvania. To learn more about PA Virtual, visit www. pavcsk12. org, call 866.728.2751.
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