Online High Schools Growing in Popularity

According to the Insight School of Washington, over 1,300 students have joined their online high school this year, marking their second year into the new and growing way for teenagers to get education.

At Insight School of Bellevue, Washington, students do not even have to leave their home to attend high school. Why? This high school is part of the growing number of "online" high schools. Wednesday marked the first day to welcome new and returning students to this school's second year of operation as they held online orientation today to get students ready as classes begin at this school next week.

Insight School of Washington is part of the Quillayute Valley School District. Yes, it is a legit high school. Though it is online, they still offer free education, as well as full-time, and a diploma, just as a normal high school would. This school started last fall as they welcomed 600 students and this year they have attracted many more. This "online" school is one of dozens now offered in the state of Washington and growing more popular that over 3,000 students actually applied for this school for this school year.

"Obviously, the time is right for Insight Schools-there are thousands of high school-age students across the state who want an environment that suits them, that provides a level of flexibility and personalization that is not offered at traditional brick and mortar schools," said Diana Reaume, Superintendent of the Quillayute Valley School District.

But why can't children just go to a normal school? Many children do not fit into a normal school and this gives students that do not fit more opportunity and gives them more benefits. Such people that do not fit into this school setting are advanced learners, students with health or physical disabilities, children who struggle socially, as well as students who need to keep their full-time jobs for a living.

"One of the most rewarding moments from our first year was when a parent approached me at a school gathering and thanked me for 'giving his daughter back to him,'" said Bill Finkbeiner, Executive Director of Insight School of Washington. "She had struggled in a traditional setting, was receiving poor grades and distancing herself from her family. At Insight she was engaged in her studies, found a community where she felt comfortable and reconnected with her family."

Though this new type of school has caused a lot of controversy, it is definitely much more flexible for a student's busy schedule these days and is also a great benefit for those who do not fit in the average school setting. I wish I could have gone to an "online" high school!

SOURCE

PRnewswire