Enrollment is small but climbing as Skyline’s virtual school Sawyer Academy prepares to begin classes Monday, Aug. 30. The calendar is similar to the Skyline calendar that starts in September.
The academy is targeting home-schooled students in the Sawyer area but because it is a virtual school anyone in Kansas can sign up, said Skyline Superintendent Mike Sanders and virtual school director.
Education 2020 is partnering with Skyline to provide the curriculum. Course offerings are available in social studies, math, language arts, science, the Novel Study Course and electives including health, psychology and sociology, Spanish I and II, consumer and career skills, Intro to Art and Art History I, strategies for academic success and Computer Apps-Office 2007.
“It’s a reputable curriculum,” Sanders said.
Classes are available for grades 6 -12. Enrollment is under way and enrollment fee is $250. But students that enroll early will receive a 50 percent early bird discount. Enrollment is not limited to just 6-12 grades. Adult learners are welcome and encouraged to enroll. One adult learner signed up for courses at the Sawyer Academy booth at the Pratt County Fair, Sanders said.
The virtual school can also meet the needs of students that are not quite working out in the traditional setting.
To enroll or for more information contact Sanders at msanders@usd438.k12.us or administrative assistant Michelle Domsch at mcomsch@usd438.k12.us or call the school at (620) 672-5651.
The academy has drawn a lot of interest and a few have signed up. The Academy hopes to have double digits enrolled when classes start at the end of August.
Because it is a virtual school Sawyer Academy offers classes with flexible hours in including after hours learning. Skyline will provide laptop computers to students but the family has to have Internet connection to enroll.
Students will go to the web site every day for lessons, lectures and assignments. Assistance is available from licensed teachers at Skyline.
“The curriculum is backed by our licensed teachers. They are available at the student’s fingertips,” Sanders said.
Access is available through the Internet website, e-mail and SKYPE.
Sawyer Academy will have an orientation day with parents and students to provide information and answer any questions.
“It’s important to make those connections face to fact,” Sanders said.
The virtual academy is not for everyone. Students have to have support at home to make the system work. The Academy wants parents and students to discuss the commitment before enrolling.
“It’s a big decision. We want people to time to think about the commitment,” Sanders said.
Besides an on-line curriculum, students enrolled in Sawyer Academy other educational opportunities. Band, vocal classes and other extra curricular are available to Sawyer Academy students that take a minimum of five classes, Sanders said.
Only district residents can participate in extra curricular activities. Kansas State High School Activities Association rules prohibit out-of-district enrollees from participating in extra curricular activities.
For on-line information visit www.usd438.k12.ks.us or www.education2020.com.
