E-schools see rapid enrollment growth in Ohio

Gerald Fullam Source: Ohio Department of Education

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Gerald Fullam Source: Ohio Department of Education

By Margo Rutledge Kissell, Staff Writer Updated 2:55 PM Monday, August 2, 2010

More than 29,000 K-12 students attend school online in Ohio, about five times more than did seven years ago.

They log onto their computers from home without ever stepping into a classroom.

Some are in kindergarten.

Doug and Linda Sellers of Beavercreek took the virtual leap from the traditional bricks-and-mortar public schools when they enrolled their four children in an e-school three years ago. The couple said it was a difficult decision and a tough sell to relatives, many of whom are teachers.

They’re happy with the results.

“All of our children have flourished,” said Sellers, a civilian engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Jared, 18; Sarah, 17; Joseph, 14; and Matthew, 12; all said they are happy they made the switch. They tout the benefits as learning at their own pace and a much shorter school day.

Nationally, Ohio ranks third in enrolled e-school students, behind Pennsylvania and Arizona, according to the International Association for K-12 Online Learning.

Online schools have been criticized for the lack of social interaction students have with peers and limited face-to-face contact with their instructors.

Supporters argue the schools reach students in ways traditional education cannot.

Tom Lasley, ex-dean of the University of Dayton’s School of Education and Allied Professions, believes e-schools are here to stay and will continue to expand. As schools “confront more funding challenges,” he said, “it will be increasingly difficult to offer a wide range of educational options parents want and demand.”

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