7 Kinds of Students who Can Benefit from Virtual Learning

Educators know that every student is unique, with widely varying strengths, needs, and ambitions. Meeting each of those students where they are at is the goal, but making that the reality can be challenging. EdOptions Academy partners with schools and districts to offer fully-accredited virtual courses taught by highly-qualified teachers to help provide a truly personalized learning experience for every student and retain student enrollment. Virtual learning can feel like a big step—after all, students do have to take greater ownership of their own learning, understand how to manage their time, and take initiative to reach out for help when it’s needed. However, for some students, including elementary learners, that independence, ownership, and the flexibility that comes with are just what they need to thrive academically.

Here are seven kinds of students that can benefit from virtual learning with EdOptions Academy:

1. Students who want more course options

This generation of students is all about options, but tight budgets, enrollment concerns, and staffing shortages make offering the full breadth of courses that students want a challenge, especially in small districts. EdOptions Academy virtual courses can be a cost-effective solution to offer your students over 400 core and elective subjects—such as precalculus, world history, digital photography, and psychology—without putting a strain on resources. Plus, expanding your course catalog can help students stay engaged in learning, explore subjects they are passionate about, and enter postsecondary education or the workforce with an advantage.

2. Students in need of credit recovery

Whether it’s because the classroom environment isn’t working for them, or events outside the classroom are getting in the way of learning, it’s inevitable that some students fall behind. In these situations, catching up quickly is key. EdOptions Academy virtual courses can provide an alternative that offers more flexibility, supports personalized learning, and allows for expedited credit recovery to help these students experience academic success and get back on track to graduate with their cohort.

3. Students who are career-focused

Some students know exactly what they want to do with their careers—and the traditional classroom may not always feel like the most productive use of time to get there. Career and technical education courses from EdOptions Academy in partnership with Smart Horizons Online Career High School can keep students engaged by helping them explore career options and make critical connections between academics and the real world. Plus, they’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills in high-demand career fields to earn industry-recognized credentials like the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate, CompTIA A+ IT certification, and Prometric Certified Professional Food Manager certification while working toward their high school diploma.

4. Students who are working at an accelerated pace

When students are working above grade level, they can easily become disengaged and frustrated in the classroom. EdOptions Academy offers a broad range of challenging, accelerated virtual courses that your school or district might not have the resources to provide, such as Advanced Placement® preparatory courses, higher level math and science, and electives specific to their postsecondary goals. Plus, being able to progress through material at their own pace can keep these bright students engaged and excited about learning.

5. Students who have scheduling conflicts

In addition to academics, many students are also juggling family responsibilities, jobs, and involvement in sports or performing arts. Students care deeply about these commitments and learn a lot from them. But, they can make scheduling around the traditional school day a challenge. Flexible virtual courses from EdOptions Academy can help accommodate students in need of a non-standard schedule due to demanding work or extra-curricular commitments, those who travel frequently with their families, or students who need a specific course to meet graduation requirements that doesn’t fit in their school-day schedule.

6. Students who are hospital or homebound

EdOptions Academy virtual courses can be a huge benefit for any student who is on a temporary or extended leave from school, is in the hospital, or is homebound. With over 400 course options, you can provide these students with a full schedule of courses and teacher support in a flexible format that allows them to keep up with their cohorts and stay on track for graduation.

7. Elementary students whose family wants to play a bigger role

Some parents recognize early on that their young students will benefit from an approach that is a little different from the traditional classroom. Virtual courses can be a great fit for elementary students when parents are enthusiastic about playing a hands-on role in facilitating a highly personalized academic journey.

Ready to learn more about virtual course partnership with EdOptions Academy? Check out how Shikellamy School District’s Virtual Academy has expanded course options to bring students back to the district, or learn how Onslow County School District virtual program is meeting the needs of a highly transient student population.

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