The district is expanding its virtual learning opportunities this year to give students more ways to make up courses they have failed or complete classes that are hard to fit into already-packed school schedules.

Virtual learning is “not just for one type of student, it lends itself to a variety of uses,” said Alain Guevara, assistant superintendent for instructional support services.

Lake Elsinore began offering driver’s education classes online last year. This year, school officials added algebra and health classes, and by 2011-12, the district plans to offer a full complement of high school courses, Guevara said.

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A new program at Maidu High School in Auburn offers students an option to go to class without coming to school.

This year the school, which gives high schoolers a variety of independent study options, is offering completely online courses through the Placer Union High School District’s Online Learning Program.

Maidu High School offers several learning options to students. They include 100-percent-virtual learning, which means students have an on-campus adviser, but are taking all of their classes online from home. There is also blended learning, which involves students taking online classes in some subjects and then attending either full or small group classes with an instructor in other subjects.

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“Back to school time is a reminder of how important it is for students to have access to high quality online public school options such as CAVA,” stated CAVA Head of School Katrina Abston. “CAVA has been an extraordinary success for thousands of students across the state of California. All of us at CAVA are excited for the beginning of our new school year.”

Students at the California Virtual Academies receive back to school shipments delivering their academic supplies right to their doorstep. Supplies range from supplemental texts to biology equipment. Over the years, CAVA has become a popular choice for nontraditional students with its highly individualized education program, innovative instructional model, and use of cutting edge technology.

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The high school programs also have scheduled lessons and activities. During the enrollment process, students take assessment exams for placement and then are placed in the appropriate level curriculum. The curriculum is tailored to the student’s learning levels. Home schooling programs encourage group activities for students’ socialization.

The three main home schooling purveyors are California Virtual Academies (CAVA), Connections Academy and A Beka. Each is a California State Charter School. There are even parents who unschool, an education philosophy centered on allowing children to learn through natural life experiences.

Connections Academy is based out of San Juan Capistrano. The curriculum is customized to each student’s unique learning abilities. Parents and students interact with accredited teachers online.

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The school will offer both onsite classroom instruction with highly qualified, credentialed teachers and state-of-the-art online learning provided by K12 Inc., America’s largest provider of online school programs for students in kindergarten through high school. There is no tuition to attend this public charter school.

SF FLEX will incorporate an innovative hybrid learning model that uses a combination of traditional classroom instruction and online learning. Every student is given a customized learning plan. Students will have greater freedom to progress through their individual learning plan at their own pace and receive quality instruction, support, and individual attention from highly skilled teachers. SF Flex provides engaging and personalized learning that is designed to maximize each student’s full potential—an education that fits the individual student, not the masses—so kids of all backgrounds and aptitudes can thrive in high school and beyond.

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The big, yellow school bus does not stop at the Van Ness home in Hacienda Heights, even though the family has 13 children.

Elizabeth Van Ness, 17, never stepped foot in school. But she recently graduated valedictorian of her high school class.

Her older sister, Heidi, also graduated online from the Insight School of California – Los Angeles. And her 15-year-old brother, Paul, is a junior at the online school.

Their home in Hacienda Heights has become their high school, as well as an elementary school for two younger brothers homeschooled by mom Maureen.

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The school’s “virtual school” model of instruction utilizes an online curriculum that students will access via the Web from home and on a personalized schedule.

“I feel the school can help us in a number of ways take care of these students who need an alternate way of dealing with learning and it will also hopefully attract students from other districts,” said Chino Valley Unified Superintendent Wayne Joseph.

Among the types of students expected to attend are those who have had problems earning credits in traditional high school, students who have busy athletic or entertainment schedules, and students who learn better at home on their own time.

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The Los Angeles Unified School District will hold an open house Saturday for its first-ever virtual high school.

The event will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. at 1543 Shatto St., just west of downtown Los Angeles.

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GLENDORA – Charter Oak Unified administrators hope a new online education program will draw students to the district while providing another option for home schoolers.

The district opened registration for its new Oak Knoll Virtual Academy last week. It combines online instruction with face-to-face support at the district’s Sunflower campus in Glendora, home to Charter Oak’s independent study and home-schooling programs.

“It’s a free public school education, but you can really individualize it for your child and family, and I think more families are looking for individualization and a one-on-one approach for their kids. This allows that,” said Charter Oak Unified alternative program Principal Lisa Raigosa.

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