CER Applauds North Carolina Approval of First Virtual Charter Schools
Innovative Learning Comes to North Carolina
Press Release
Washington, D.C.
February 6, 2015
Kara Kerwin, president of The Center for Education Reform, issued the following statement on yesterday’s approval by the North Carolina State Board of Education of the state’s first-ever virtual charter schools, N.C. Virtual Academy and N.C. Connections Academy:
“The North Carolina State Board of Education secured two distinct victories for students who stand to benefit from a virtual learning experience. The approvals of both N.C. Virtual Academy and N.C. Connections Academy will add technological innovation to a predominantly brick-and-mortar public system.
“While it’s true that North Carolina already has a digital option with the North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS), these new virtual charter schools will expand access to digital learning opportunities, allowing students who aren’t qualified to take classes at NCVPS an alternative.
“Virtual learning options produce high levels of parental satisfaction year after year. The online learning delivery method is one that thrives on the positive effects of parental input and influence in education. There are over four million students nationwide currently taking advantage of virtual learning opportunities.
“I applaud the State Board of Education and lawmakers for their leadership on making online learning a reality for up to 3,000 North Carolina students, and hope North Carolina will continue to meet parental demand for new learning alternatives.”
