CARROLL COUNTY SCHOOLS TO OFFER VIRTUAL CLASSES NEXT SCHOOL YEAR

Will be open to sixth thru twelve grades

Virtual education was forced upon the world thanks to the COVID-19 epidemic, but it will soon become a regular offering in Carroll County.

The Carroll County Virtual Academy (CCVA) will be an official offering in the 2023-2024 school year. Gerda Wise, an educator for 38 years in Carroll County Schools, will be the coordinator of the program. It is only open to sixth through twelfth grade students.

Courses will be facilitated through the use of the online platform Edgenuity. Wise said she has personal experience with Edgenuity through her two sons and she was impressed with the program and its ability to prepare her sons for college courses.

The district considered offering a virtual academy last year. However, the board has determined it is time to give families a virtual option. Wise will be the first point of contact for families.

“The goal is to try to meet the needs of parents and children who want a different kind of education,” she explained. Society has changed its way of thinking following COVID and some families simply did not want the traditional educational experience for their children.

Even though this will be different, students must attend class daily and the requirements are pretty stringent. Parents must complete an application for their child to be considered for the virtual academy.

There will also be times parents have to bring their children to the school buildings, such as for end-of-year standardized tests. In addition, if a student falls behind in his/her work the parent will have to bring them into the building to meet in person with a teacher and become current.

“They will be students of the middle and high schools,” Wise said. “They can do all extracurricular activities, sports, but they cannot participate in any activities or classes offered inside the schools during the school day.” They will be able to take classes through the Area Technology Center and JCTC, the same as currently offered.

She stressed that the virtual students will be held to the same standards as the in-person students. Their attendance requirements will be the same as will the number of classes required to graduate.

“This is not the answer for 100% of students, but I do think for some students, this will be a good option,” Wise said. “COVID allowed people to see that school can be done in different ways.”

Anyone interested in the virtual academy should contact Wise at 502-525-1171. Applications are available at the Board of Education at 813 Hawkins Street. Applications will be reviewed weekly and families notified in a timely manner.