Huntsville, ala. (Sudden) – Five years ago, the World Health Organization declared COVID -19 a world pandemic, forcing schools to quickly go to online learning.
Since then, what has started as a temporary solution has become a permanent option for many families.
The leaders of Alabama Virtual Academy said that inscriptions have shown up in the years.
Melanie Barkley of Alabama Virtual Academy said that the school had experienced a 50% increase in registrations since 2020.
Three thousand students were registered in 2020, and now they serve more than 6,000 students.
Barkley said she thought that after the pandemic, more and more families considered online learning as a viable option for their child. She said students turn to Alva because it offers them more flexibility.
Barkley added that Alva allows them to support the unique situations or needs of their students. She explained that students with vigorous activity hours or health problems tend to prosper in a virtual learning environment.
Barkley said students look at online education because they are able to get more unique support.
“The support they are able to give and the link we provide them with our teachers,” said Barkley. “We are at home, and this is a very unique configuration for families to have access directly to their teachers.”
Barkley has said that virtual learning can meet the needs that traditional brick and mortar schools may not be able for certain families.
“I think that Alva offers students a public option without tuition fees that removes barriers and offers flexibility,” said Barkley. “It allows students to excel in different ways and explore their passions.”
Barkley said Alva also offers students social opportunities to meet their peers.
Students can join clubs, student advice and even go to the ball.
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