Missouri has created a virtual school to give certain students are actual education. This classroom will come to the student, via a personal computer. The virtual school concept uses the Web to deliver instruction online.

Two vendors have been chosen to deliver instruction. Connections Academy of Baltimore, Maryland will provide elementary education online and Northwest Missouri State of Maryville will provide high school instruction. Middle school instruction isn’t offered at this time.

Students who might participate in the program include students homebound due to injury or illness, students who lack credits for graduation, students who need remedial help, students wishing to take advanced courses not offered by their school district and home-schooled students. School district also could take advantage of the program to offer Advanced Placement or other upper-level classes they would like to offer, but cannot afford to.

Sen. Jack Goodman (R-Mt. Vernon) says, "This is not about plopping kids in front of a monitor." Goodman says it’s about children who face unique circumstances and adults who care about them enough to put in the initiative to work with the curriculum. He says the virtual school can help any child reach their maximum potential.

Rep. Brian Baker (R-Belton) says students in failing districts will be allowed to enroll. And he says that will not count about the district. Districts will pay the virtual school for the student’s enrollment, but will still get credit for the student and the excess money left.

Enrollment in the virtual school program ends May 29th. State education officials say the program can handle up to 4,000 students. For more information contact the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education .

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