Pennsylvania Online Schools
Pennsylvania has a highly organized, technically sound online educational system. The schools have had their battles with local departments of education and school boards, worried that more students will opt out of their systems and force their districts to pay for the cyber school of the student's choosing. These schools are the grandaddys of cyber charter education, operating for a number of years successfully in such a new phenomenon in education. Schools that were regional have now gone statewide as the Pennsylvania Department of education has continued to support PA cyber schools in the courts. But some schools still serve just the districts or intermediate units where they are located so check each site for enrollment information. Also, cyber schools are sometimes K-8, K-10, K-12 or 9-12 so make sure you ask when you call. A really nice visitor to this site sent me an updated list of Pennsylvania's Online schools. She also gave me the link for the PA Cyber Schooling group in Pennsylvania. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PACyberSchooling It's so important to be connected to other parents dealing with cyber school and homeschooling. Because cyber school is relatively new, it's really important for parents to compare notes and keep each other posted about cyber school funding and new laws. In Pennsylvania cyber school has been under attack from some legislative members and school boards so it's critically important that parents advocate for their children and the schools. Also in the early going, a school went under which was very chaotic for the students (to say the least!). If parents stay connected they can warn each other about school problems and those schools doing an excellent job (like my favorite, 21st Century Cyber Charter! Just FYI...did you know that the Chester County Intermediate Unit has a Second Life compound or island or whatever they call it? It is so cool, you should log into Second Life and see it!). Achievement House Charter School
Agora Cyber Charter School
Central PA Digital Learning Foundation
Commonwealth Connections Academy
PA Cyber Charter School
PA Distance Learning Charter School
PA Leadership Charter School
PA Learners Online Regional Cyber Charter School
PA Virtual Charter School
SUSQ-Cyber Charter School
21st Century Cyber Charter School http://www.21stcenturycyber.org/ From their website: How Cyber School Works - Our students connect over the Internet to their classrooms, web casts, and email using a school computer and Internet service. There are some activities that can be completed offline, but most student work is completed online. Most of the core subjects use traditional textbooks, augmented with supplemental materials online. Some textbooks are also available on CD. Classes typically have a posted syllabus with weekly due dates. In general, work can be completed any time of the day during the week.
Students and parents can log into classes at any time to check progress and grades, and progress reports are mailed frequently. We use standardized tests to confirm placement for new students, and to gauge progress for the school year. While email is our primary communication tool, we contact students and parents regularly by telephone. Teachers all have office hours during which they are available by phone to answer questions and consult with families. We follow a traditional school calendar, which is flexible to accommodate student needs. " *************************** Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School http://www.pavcs.org/ From their website: As a public charter school, the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School (PAVCS) makes it easy for you to get actively involved in your children's education. Under the guidance of teachers, parents help children learn at home using comprehensive educational materials provided by PAVCS in conjunction with K12 Inc., our school's curriculum supplier. Teachers manage the learning process and ensure that students achieve mastery of learning objectives. They also provide instruction, guidance, and support, focusing on their individual needs. Because PAVCS is a public charter school, there is no tuition. Do I need to own a computer to attend the school? *********************** From their website: Achievement House Charter School is a public Pennsylvania Cyber Charter High School. Any high school student residing in Pennsylvania is eligible to enroll. Students are able to meet their high school requirements and receive a diploma. School is open all day, every day during school year. There is no tuition. Achievement House Charter School is a public school serving grades 9 - 12, chartered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, with a vision for reaching under achieving students across our state. As a public school, there is no tuition. Our school is supported by tax dollars. We provide each student with a computer, printer, internet connection, text books and other curriculum material and an interactive technology so that students can accomplish their school work from home or elsewhere in a flexible format and pace. ************************ Connections Academy http://www.connectionsacademy.com/ From their website: Welcome to Connections Academy —the free K–10 public schooling program that students attend from home. Enjoy flexible schedules, strong parental involvement and the accountability of your public school system. We’ll personalize a program for your child that includes a proven curriculum, technology tools and expert support from certified teachers. See why so many parents are choosing Connections Academy! ************************ |
Contact us at info@cyberhighschools.com