Charter Schools in Cyberspace!

McFarland Might Offer Online Charter School

School Board To Decide In One Month

By Angela Bettis, Staff Writer
January 6, 2009

McFARLAND, Wis. -- The McFarland School District is considering a school without walls -- an online charter school.

During a public hearing on Monday night, the McFarland School Board floated the idea of allowing a company called Wisconsin Virtual Academy to establish an online charter school in the district. The charter school, which would be kindergarten through 12th grade is supported by several local parents and the district superintendent, WISC-TV reported.

Charter schools aren't the same as home-schooling. Students enrolled in charter schools are accountable to licensed Wisconsin teachers and follow a strict curriculum that comes to them on the computer.

The learning process for charter school students is more flexible, which is why McFarland parent Jean Stube said that she chose it for her children.

"This is their second year, so they were going to a private school prior to that," said Stube.

Stube felt the curriculum in the private school was moving too quickly for her children."

I brought them home to virtual school because I just felt with the one-on-one teaching with them, I can teach directly to their learning style," she said.

Because McFarland doesn't have an online school, Stube's boys are enrolled in the Northern Ozaukee School District.

"They have normal textbooks and worksheets like all kids," said Stube.

"I think it's a different type of education model, but I don't think every education model meets the needs of every student," said McFarland Superintendent Scott Brown. Click here to read the rest of the article.