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Health & Fitness

Why Choose a Virtual School?

Enrollment in full-time virtual schools is on the rise nationwide, and in Michigan. In 2012, the cap for the number of fully online schools was raised in the state. With an increase in the enrollment cap and access to the Internet, many students are making the switch to online learning. The Michigan Department of Education identified 7,850 fully online students for the 2012-13 school year. At Michigan Connections Academy, one of the fastest growing virtual K-12 schools in Michigan, student enrollment has reached nearly 1,500 students.

There are many components that go into a successful education, whether in a traditional or virtual setting. Academics, high quality teachers, learning environment, and support group all play an equal part in a student’s success. While online education may not be the right solution for every student, there are multiple ways virtual learning can be beneficial for those students who find it a perfect fit, including:

·         Students with health issues that keep them from attending a traditional school regularly are able to participate in learning activities from the comfort of their own home.

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·         A 2013 third-party survey of parents of students enrolled at Michigan Connections Academy determined that 45.8 percent of parents want to be more involved in their child’s education.

·         The same survey also revealed that 36.5 percent of parents and students at Michigan Connections Academy are choosing to learn in locations that feel safe and secure to them.

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·         Many students may spend a significant amount of time traveling for reasons such as athletics, extra-curricular activities or a parent’s job. At a virtual school, students can complete their school work wherever there is an Internet connection.

·         Virtual schooling can provide a wide variety of course choices for students.  Students in a traditional school may not have access to some electives and AP courses due to low enrollment.  Michigan Connections Academy is able to offer more than 50 electives from world languages to money management and more.

·         The personalized learning that a virtual school offers students allows them to have more opportunity to work one-on-one with teachers. It also enables parents to serve as Learning Coaches, thus making them an active participant in their child’s education.

·         Students in a virtual school can work at their own pace to complete their lessons each semester. Students are able to spend more time on lessons they find challenging and can move quicker through those lessons that come easily to them.

·         Students attending a virtual school rarely miss class due to weather and are able to participate in learning activities from home as long as an Internet connection is available.

Traditional learning in a brick and mortar setting is still the right solution for many children and their families. However, for those who require more flexibility and want more one-on-one learning, the increasing growth of high quality virtual learning options such as Michigan Connections Academy is a positive development. Enrollment for the 2014-2015 school year is just beginning. For more information on Michigan Connections Academy and to attend an upcoming event to see if virtual learning is right for your student and family, visit www.MichiganConnectionsAcademy.com/Events.

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