LEARNING AT HOME Four Ways to Go Back to School by Emily Webb
How will your home classroom work this year? Parents are considering online programs with their school, forming a learning pod with other families, and moving completely to homeschooling. This is what the landscape looks like.
30 Atlanta Parent August 2020
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Virtual Learning Many public school systems are reopening with remote learning instruction, including Atlanta Public Schools, Cobb County School District, DeKalb County School District, Fulton County Schools, Gwinnett County Schools and more. Locally-approved charter schools follow the decision of their district, and state charter schools make individual decisions about reopening. Some metro Atlanta school systems are planning on returning to in-person learning and will be offering remote learning for students and families. Some schools are offering hybrid options. Tara Campbell, the principal at Douglas County School System’s FLEX Academy says remote learning for this school year will be different than it was in the spring. “Coronavirus forced schools across the nation to shutter suddenly and unexpectedly. By contrast, what is happening with learning this fall is very strategic,” she says. “This year, the Douglas County School System is offering two learning options: School-Based Digital Learning and a FLEX Academy learning option. School-Based Digital Learning is for parents who want to have a temporary option in place due to their child’s zoned school. These educators are providing lessons and the learning content. It will be close to what is happening in a traditional learning context. FLEX will have a virtual learning platform. Teachers in FLEX Academy will support students through virtual learning modules.” Georgia Cyber Academy and Georgia Connections Academy are both online charter schools open to students from across the state. Georgia Cyber Academy is for grades K-12, and enrollment closes on August 30. Georgia Connections Academy is for grades 5-12, and first semester enrollment is open, although the cap has been met for grade 11. Sora is a private, virtual high school starting on September 8 with full-time and part-time programs. Although this school year will be different than any other previously, both school districts and parents can work together to make education this school year exciting for students. “Be flexible,” says Campbell. “Encourage your child to stay positive and engaged throughout the school year.” atlantaparent.com
