NEW ORLEANS – As back to school time approaches for students in Louisiana, numbers are showing that more and more families are choosing to turn to online schooling as their provider of education.
Though virtual education used to be seen by many as reserved for post-high school classes, many parents are now opting to place their children in online schooling throughout their K-12 years.
Louisiana Connections Academy, a free public virtual charter school open to students from every parish of the state, is one of the many online schools in the state that is growing rapidly.
Last year, the school had over 1,700 students enroll in the school, the most since it’s inception in 2011. This year the school plans to welcome in over 2,000 students, making it one of the largest public charter schools in the state.
“More and more, families are starting to see the benefits of what online schooling can offer,” said Louisiana Connections Academy Lead Principal Glenda Jones. “We are like any other school in that we meet state curriculum standards, require testing accountability and offer students all the opportunities of clubs and field trips. But we also offer personalized tutoring, and flexible scheduling.”
According to a survey done by Connections Academy, 93 percent of the parents who enrolled their children into Louisiana Connections Academy gave the school an “A” or “B” grade; 49 percent of the parents noted that they chose online schooling because they “wanted a change from their traditional, local school.” Thirty-eight percent said online schooling offered their family “greater flexibility.”
Principal Jones remarked that a benefit of an online school compared to traditional one is that it can offer each child a personalized education that addresses their interests, learning pace and schedule.
“We work not only just for our students to graduate,” said Jones. “We work to ensure our students experience success after graduation, whether in college, trade school, or the workplace.”
The school has boasted a hugely successful graduation rate for its past senior classes. Their class of 2015 seniors garnered over $300,000 in scholarships from universities throughout the country.
“Online schooling continues to grow just like technology continues to advance and we look to be leaders in the virtual education revolution,” said Principal Jones.
