Traditional schooling often leaves parents and children feeling left behind. Standard, lecture-style teaching can prevent students from getting the individual support they need and doesn’t set them up for success beyond the classroom. Cyber charter schools are an alternative to traditional schooling that use their virtual format to give students a more flexible, personalized learning experience.
If you’re interested in enrolling your student in cyber school, you might need help figuring out where to start. Cyber charter schools adhere to state educational requirements but emphasize a more custom curriculum to allow students the room to explore their interests and develop their talents. Finding a good virtual school can give your child an advantage by providing them with better learning opportunities and improved life skills. Let’s explore what you should look for in a charter program to help you find the best virtual schools in PA.
What to Look for in a Cyber Charter School
As a parent, you want the best for your child. If you’re considering enrolling them in a virtual charter school, you should evaluate the school and ensure it’s somewhere your child could thrive. When looking at cyber charter schools, you should have several questions ready to ask before enrolling. Understanding what your student’s education would look like at an online school is essential for their success.
You’ll want to keep an eye out for several things when looking at online charter schools. Ask questions about the following topics so you and your child can better understand what the school is like.
Courses
Ask about the courses a school offers — do they offer different levels of courses? Does the school follow state and federal standards? Is there a variety of classes for students? What does the school offer that kids can’t get with in-person courses? Check to see that the school curricula will meet all your child’s academic interests and needs. Do they offer personalized learning programs? Personalized learning is essential for many learners and provides them with the support and challenges they need.
Additionally, inquire about the cyber school’s learning platform. An effective learning platform allows students and parents to:
- Communicate with teachers.
- Check grades.
- Access instruction lessons.
- Track attendance.
Programs
Are there programs for students with additional needs? Do they offer specially designed instruction, honors, and English learning programs? Cyber charter schooling can often provide a more personalized, supportive experience than traditional schooling. Check that a school will offer your student personalized support to ensure they’re meeting their educational and developmental needs.
Teachers
Are the teachers certified? Will they work closely with your student? How will out-of-class meetings and communication be handled? A quality cyber school allows children to develop strong relationships with their teachers. Giving them more one-on-one time with teachers than in-person schools helps students get the support they need to build a solid educational foundation.
Additionally, ask about counseling at the school. Are the school counselors licensed? How will they help students and parents during their time at the school? How does the school approach career and college prep? You want your student to develop educational and life skills while at school so they’re prepared to take on anything in their adult lives.
Day-to-Day
What does a typical school day or week look like for students? How will the school be flexible with your child’s schedule and needs? Are there set, synchronous class sessions? How is coursework approached? How long can you expect your child to be doing school throughout the day? Getting an idea of what the school day will look like helps you and your child know if virtual schooling is the right fit for them.
Socialization Opportunities
Are there socialization opportunities offered for students, like field trips and clubs? Socialization is essential for good growth and development, and these opportunities help encourage children’s interests and talents. A school with a variety of clubs and field trips gives students more options, pushing them to branch out and explore new ideas and areas. The more social and educational experiences students can have, the better prepared they’ll be for life after school and the more honed their skills become.
Cyber Charter Schools in PA
Pennsylvania offers many cyber charter options for students. Because virtual schooling isn’t limited by where you live like traditional schooling, you’ll have to shop around more to find the best fit for your child. There are all sorts of schools your student could attend, and you want to ensure you’re placing them at a school with all the educational and social support they need to become successful, well-rounded students.
Here are a few Pennsylvania cyber schools to help you get started:
- PA Virtual Charter School
- 21st Century Cyber Charter School
- Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School (PALCS)
- Esperanza Cyber Charter School
- Agora Cyber Charter School
- Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (PA Cyber)
- Reach Cyber Charter School
- Achievement House Charter School
- Insight PA Cyber Charter School
- Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA)
Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA)
CCA stands out from other cyber charters due to its commitment to personalized, student-focused learning. Our teachers work with students and parents to develop curricula that fit the student’s talents and needs. We offer ample support for parents so they can arrange meetings, join gatherings, and stop in on support sessions to ask questions and get the assistance they and their children need to succeed.
With over 900 educational and field trips scheduled each year, students can expand their horizons and discover new places, skills, and information. We encourage socialization and offer student clubs so kids can dive into their interests and interact with their peers regularly. CCA provides students with an ideal learning environment where they can work at their own pace while enjoying the socialization of in-person school.
In addition to ample social and educational trips, you can relax knowing your child will receive more one-on-one support than at a traditional school. Beyond the daily virtual class sessions, students are encouraged to engage with their teachers, ask them questions, and join virtual meetings to discuss their progress. Our customized education and excellent teacher support help children build essential skills and uncover interests and talents they might not have known they had. We educate for success in the classroom and into the world beyond.
Start Your Application Today!
Children need a sound support system that encourages curiosity, fortitude, and growth. At CCA, we promote an active learning mindset, building out your child’s curriculum to fit their interests and talents. We believe in using flexible, personalized education to develop a love of learning and varied skills for lifelong success. Our teachers work closely with students to give them the tools they need to reach their goals in school and beyond.
If you’re interested in elevating your child’s education with CCA, enroll with us online today!
