Virtual school offers K-12 distance learning option

It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes education in a brick-and-mortar school just isn’t an option.

The Wyoming Virtual Academy (WYVA) offers an alternative.

The WYVA is an online school in which K-12 students can enroll part-time or full-time. Thought it is based in Lusk, the WYVA offers its services throughout the state.

According to WYVA school head Dr. Ed Weber, the academy began soon after the Wyoming Legislature approved funding for a statewide distance learning initiative. Weber first worked as a consultant in the school’s planning and beginning phases, but later became head of the school.

For the rest of the article, go to Virtual school offers K-12 distance learning option

Virtual academies gaining local momentum

Alternative learning is on the rise in Goshen County.

In 2009, the Goshen County School District (GCSD) joined the Wyoming Virtual Academy, a distance-learning program offered by the Niobrara County school district for K-12 students throughout the state.

Now another online public school, Wyoming Connections Academy (WYCA), has appeared on GCSD’s radar. This academy operates through Big Horn County School District #1 and enrolled a couple of Goshen County students last year.

For the rest of the article, go to Virtual academies gaining local momentum

Virtual academies gaining local momentum

Alternative learning is on the rise in Goshen County.

In 2009, the Goshen County School District (GCSD) joined the Wyoming Virtual Academy, a distance-learning program offered by the Niobrara County school district for K-12 students throughout the state.

Now another online public school, Wyoming Connections Academy (WYCA), has appeared on GCSD’s radar. This academy operates through Big Horn County School District #1 and enrolled a couple of Goshen County students last year.

For the rest of the article, go to Virtual academies gaining local momentum

LCSD1 trustees approve FY 2010-11 budget

CHEYENNE — After months of work, the Laramie County School District 1 Board of Trustees unanimously voted Wednesday night to approve its $270.7 million budget.

With a slight increase in projected enrollment to 13,205 students for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, the district will get about $175.5 million from the state.

The increased numbers include local students enrolled in the Wyoming Virtual Academy as well as a new school — Cheyenne’s South High — set to open this fall.

Finance and accounting program administrator Mike Wiggam said about 62 elementary students and 53 junior high students are enrolled in the virtual school this year compared to 16 total during the 2008-09 academic year.

With the approval of the budget, the board renewed the required 25-mill local property tax effort as well as the one recreation mill.

For the rest of the article, go to LCSD1 trustees approve FY 2010-11 budget