The K-12 students will be part of the district’s first-ever virtual school.

The box will contain grade-specific supplies – books, globes, maps – that students will need to finish a year of school from home.

Virtual schooling is gaining traction among California school districts looking for ways to increase revenue and decrease spending.

The cyber school could help the district bring back students who have left to attend charter or private schools, and could draw students from other districts, said Anne Zeman, director of curriculum and professional learning for the district. And with those additional students will come additional state funding.

Elk Grove will pay K12, the company that provides the instruction plans and materials, 85 to 90 percent of the $5,219 the district receives from the state for each student, Zeman said.

She said the district may not make any money on the endeavor, but she’s certain it won’t cost any more than it brings in. “We can’t afford to embark on a program that is a new expense,” she said.

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http://www.sacbee.com/2010/02/24/2560205/elk-grove-unified-to-open-a-virtual.html

Insight School of California

Insight School of California

Kaplan Academy California

The virtual high school recently proposed a charter school model, where students would take courses online, to the Rowland School Board.

“The whole virtual and online world has taken off, particularly at the high school level,” school board President Robert Hidalgo said. “We want to stay ahead of the curve and not fall behind. I think we would be setting the tone for that type of experience in the San Gabriel Valley.”

The school board held a public hearing on the virtual school concept on June 18. They are expected to vote on it July 7.

“It’s a very different learning setting,” said Superintendent Maria Ott. “A lot of us are used to the four walls of the classroom.”

Caprice Young is the CEO of KC Distance Learning, which provides courses for iQ Academy.

Young said a partnership with Rowland Unified will create more alternatives for students.

“There are a number of students where the traditional school isn’t always the best choice,” Young said. “Some students want to get ahead and classes aren’t always available and other times they are catching up or need to get special individualized help.”

For the rest of the article, click here.

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Rowland Heights may soon have virtual high school by Amanda Baumfeld

From WhittierDailyNews.com

Laurel Springs

For those who follow online high schools, it is best-known as the school for students with big dreams. Yes, it has regular students, but it has more than its share of child actors, dancers, athletes, and more. It has carved out a solid niche for itself.

Best Online High Schools link: Laurel Springs School

Address: 302 W. El Paseo Road, Ojai, CA 93023

Accredited: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Snippet from listing: They boast students in 26 countries and all 50 states, including many who are gifted and talented, have disabilities or are homebound, are at risk or have special needs, and those needing to make up classes or simply get ahead.

Something to consider: Laurel Springs School has a long history of providing online education in a personalized manner to a wide variety of students. Watchers may notice that the school has an increased emphasis on college preparation. It has graduates in top colleges around the country. Worth a look.

For more information, go to Laurel Springs School.