Lynn – Mom From Berks County, PA

As the mom of six public cyber charter school students and graduates, I can’t imagine going back to the inflexibility of a traditional school setting. 

My three oldest children graduated from PA Virtual Charter School, and I have children in grades 3, 5 and 11 there now. Our three graduates started taking classes at Albright College during their junior years, as my current junior is doing. Earning college credits while in high school not only reduces college expenses, but it lets students learn time management and how to handle growing independence. That provides a more realistic experience to transition to college.

Cyber charter schools offer a flexible schedule that lets my children learn at their own pace. That gives them more time to be involved in their communities and multiple school activities, all while getting a head start on their careers.

In fact, my oldest son, Zachary, who graduated in 2014, went on to attend Albright College, where he majored in political science with minors in classical studies and legal studies. He received his bachelor's degree in December 2017. In 2018, he was accepted into Widener University's Delaware Law School. He is in his second year of studies for a Juris Doctor and recently was appointed to the editorial board of the law review.

Zachary is a strong learner with a good work ethic, and our cyber charter school gave him the tools he needed to excel. It has also given us, as parents, a more active role in supporting our children’s development and growth. We know their skills, strengths and weaknesses, which has enabled us to reinforce and supplement their education in our daily lives.

Distance learning works for my family, but it’s not for everyone. Parents and students need to be committed to putting the time in so that they can gain the success my family has found. The important thing is that we had the choice — and it’s a choice we must protect.