May 20, 2005
Although my children do not yet attend an internet-based school, I am seriously considering the virtual charter school (VCS) concept and the potential benefits it will provide to our children. Having taken and taught online college and MBA courses, I know firsthand the benefits of this innovative approach to education, and combined with the "family-centered education" philosophy that their program embraces, I foresee this format working very well for my family.
Why are we seriously considering turning to a school that utilizes online, interactive technology? Both my husband and I are products of traditional public and parochial schools, and we did not have positive experiences in either. We like the idea of having another option for our children. In investigating home schooling, while we are an integral part of our children's education, I am left feeling overwhelmed with all the decisions that must be made - What style of education to use (i.e., curriculum, unit studies, un-schooling, eclectic)? How to wade through all the curriculum choices in an effective and efficient way? What if we miss something? We will home school our children until Kindergarten or first grade, but are not entirely comfortable with the thought of home schooling for the long term.
We decided we want something different for our children. Reviewing the curriculum and learning about how the schools would work was a very important, but not the driving force in our decision; rather, it was communicating with the families who actually use this format, and seeing how well it has worked for them, we see how this innovative educational approach could be a good fit for our family.
Those of us who are choosing this approach fully understand that this is not a one-size-fits-all solution and is not for all families; but then again, no educational solution is. We believe the more options available, the better education our children will receive, and no child should be forced into a solution that doesn't fit. I firmly believe that these schools are one of the important educational waves of the future, and it should be kept alive in Wisconsin.
-- J.L. in Green Bay
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