Demand High for Online Learning in North Carolina
State Board Encouraged to Approve Virtual Charter Applications
CER Statement
Washington, D.C.
January 7, 2015
As the North Carolina State Board of Education hears virtual charter school applications today, The Center for Education Reform strongly encourages state leaders to uphold the law confirming the establishment of two virtual charter schools for North Carolina students.
“With over four million K-12 students enrolled in online learning options nationwide, it’s clear that the traditional school model isn’t a best fit for all children,” said Kara Kerwin, president of The Center for Education Reform.
“Not only that, but there’s a clear demand for more and better learning options from North Carolina parents, with over 5,500 applications for approximately 2,400 scholarships in the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program’s first year, and home schooling increasing by 27 percent compared to two years ago” continued Kerwin.
“It’s time for North Carolina to put aside its bias against virtual charter schools and listen to families who want and deserve access to this learning opportunity for their children. With the U.S. school-aged population expected to increase at unprecedented rates over the next ten years, and North Carolina counties like Mecklenburg and Wake continuing to experience growth, the State Board of Education must start thinking about new ways to meet demand and approve alternative options as soon as possible,” said Kerwin.
