There is another option these days for motivated students working toward high school graduation.
Southwest Colorado eSchool is a fully accredited, free public school that offers online credit courses for middle and high school grades 7-12.
The school caters to dedicated students who need a flexible schedule or are seeking advanced classes and more career training.
“We’ve seen a lot of growth this year,” said principal Mike Freeburn. “We offer incredible opportunities for our students.”
In its fifth year, the school has 300 participating students, the most yet.
They have the same curriculum requirements of a brick-and-mortar school. Students take tests, do assignments, complete homework and get instruction from qualified teachers. It is funded by the state.
Freeburn emphasizes that the courses are “high quality and rigorous.” Students need to be motivated and organized to pass classes and earn an accredited graduation diploma.
The difference is that classes, teacher instruction and assignments are accessed via a computer from anywhere with an Internet connection.
Typical candidates are students who travel, work, are involved in sports or have family obligations. Students can go part-time or full-time, and take a variety of programs.
Student Amy Leonard, a 10th-grader, is in her first semester at the online school and is finding success. The flexibility allows her to continue competing in horse jumping.
“I can still do my riding and take classes using the computer,” she said. “It’s been great, and I’m getting better grades than when I was in a regular school.”
The school has a hybrid system that allows a student to take, for example, four courses at a physical school, and elective courses at the online school at no charge.
“It gives a student who is a musician or in rodeo, more flexibility to continue doing what they love and still work toward graduation along with their peers,” Freeburn said.
The school offers opportunity for home school students as well. It’s ideal for taking advance topics such as math and science that are beyond what their parents can handle.
“It is an awesome opportunity for them, and at no cost,” Freeman said. “And they do not lose the home school autonomy designation exempting them from state tests and surveys.”
The eSchool benefits advanced students as well who need challenge and want to move ahead. Summer credit advancement programs include algebra, algebra 2, pre-calculus, calculus and differential equations.
“They pack 18 weeks of the semester into eight weeks,” Freeburn said. “An advanced and motivated student could earn half a college math degree by the time they graduate high school.”
Credit recovery during summer school is also offered. There is a charge for summer school credits.
The school offers elective courses not offered in many schools, such as astronomy, criminology, forensics, environmental science, psychology, video game design and computer programing.
“We prepare students for college, junior college, military and trade schools,” Freeman said. “We are a school on the rise with cutting-edge programs.”
But don’t expect an easy ride, warned Leonard.
“It’s rigorous. You have to be organized, stay on top of all your classes and turn in your work,” she said. “The advantage is having a flexible schedule that allows you to continue school while doing what you love. It has given me confidence, and I will be continuing the program next year.”
The school has learning centers in Dolores and Durango with tutors, tech support, and instructors.
For more information, go to http://www.southwestcoloradoeschool.org/ or call 970-403-0946 or 970-247-8333.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com