East China School District in St. Clair County is launching the East China Virtual Academy, ECVA. The Academy will offer online instruction using East China teachers and will have a full K-12 course catalog. Twenty percent of East China district students chose full-time virtual learning this school year.
Teacher Jason Perrin, one of the organizers of the project, said that the district began planning before the pandemic with the hope of offering more options and flexibility. The Academy will be housed in the new Innovation Center. He said, “As educators, we know students are individuals and what works for one student may not be the best fit for another. ECVA will be an option for all students no matter what their academic goals may be.”
Online instruction options will be available for full-time virtual students, drop-in high school students who take courses outside of the traditional classroom, and for students who need to make up credits.
When asked if he thinks online learning is here to stay, Perrin said, “Yes! Online/Hybrid learning is an important option to have for students and families that are looking for alternative approaches to traditional education and many families have realized it works for them during pandemic learning.”
Twenty percent of East China district students chose full-time virtual learning this school year.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
