Cyber education has been immensely popular among students and parents over the last few years. However, all cyber schools aren't created equal and should be properly researched to decide which one is right for you and your family.
As one of the 14 cyber schools in Pennsylvania, PA Distance has been at the forefront of cyber education in Pennsylvania and has been educating students in grades K-12 since 2004. Since then, we’ve developed a blended learning program that has been proven to help our students learn and grow in the most effective way possible.
We believe that PA Distance is the best cyber school option for these reasons:
1. Comfortable Learning Environment at Home
Many of our students benefit from a cyber learning environment because they are able to attend class, on their school-provided computers, from the comfort of their own homes. This allows them to set up their personal workspace wherever they feel the most alert and focused.
2. Personalized Course Schedule
Depending on their grade level, each student's schedule contains required core classes and any elective classes that interest them. As long as each student logs in each day, attends their live learning sessions, and completes all required assignments, the rest of their day is up to them.
Because of this flexibility, we’ve helped educate students who partake in a variety of extracurricular activities (meet busy second-grader, Payton D., gymnast, Kelsey H., and small business owners, Fawnia B., Kyla Z., and William B.)
3. Encourages Motivation, Independence & Accountability
Due to the remote learning environment that comes with enrolling at PA Distance, our students find a greater sense of motivation, independence, and accountability as they navigate their virtual classrooms and complete their assignments on time.
Depending on their grade level, and with help from their parents, students are often self-motivated to wake up on time and get ready for the day. They log in, attend live classes, complete course work, monitor their email, and Google calendar. A student’s success at all of these requirements is up to them and requires a different approach than in a traditional classroom.
As a result, these valuable skills will help students succeed in the future if they attend college or enter the workforce.
4. Ongoing Support & Prompt Communication with Teachers/Staff
Our teachers and school counselors are able to take the time to get to know each student beyond the learning that happens within the virtual classroom. They are available to talk and meet with students (and parents) virtually whenever they need help, have questions, or simply want to talk. Our students find that our teachers and school counselors are easier to meet with than at traditional school districts because of the variety of communication channels available. Students can use a phone call, instant message, email, or video conferencing to reach their teachers and counselors - they just have to ask!
To that end, our teachers go out of their way to reach out to their students, too. If it’s clear that a student is struggling or that they seem upset or unwell, our teachers take the time to reach out and help. The support system at PA Distance is ongoing and can be accessed at any time for any reason (meet our Community Engagement Team or read about the Huggler-Rachiele family. )
5. Socialization Opportunities that Help Build Confidence
Students can also communicate with their peers during their live learning sessions, after-school clubs, field trips, lunchtime social groups and many other occasions. Students can also communicate on their own time using instant messaging, email, and video conferencing. Students are also able to join a virtual lunch socialization groups with their peers during the lunch hour to hang out, talk, play games, and enjoy each other’s company while they eat.
By contrast, if a student feels uncomfortable or isn’t ready to socialize quite yet, that’s okay, too. Students are given all of the opportunities to connect with their peers and build relationships at their own pace and without judgment.
Questions about anything listed above? Call us at (888) 997-3352.
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About PA Distance Learning Charter School
Since 2004, PA Distance has been providing a welcoming virtual learning environment for students in grades K-12 across Pennsylvania. Students at PA Distance engage in a blended environment that combines “synchronous” and “asynchronous” learning. PA Distance’s mission is to blend proven classroom teaching techniques with educational technologies to promote academic growth for all students.