For a decade now, families in Wyoming with school-age children have had online options for education.
Wyoming Connections Academy (WYCA), Wyoming Virtual Academy (WYVA) and Acellus Academy are online public schools provided to Wyoming residents as an option for schooling children from their homes or from their preferred locations.

Distance learning appeals to families in Wyoming for a variety of reasons which may include medical or social needs, excessive travel demands, gifted student support or family employment needs. Families throughout the state are choosing to school their children online with the support of a fully accredited curriculum, certified instructors and state funding.

James and Kristi Wood, like other parents in Wyoming, have chosen to school their son Fischer from their home in Afton. As they considered Fischer’s medical needs, they determined that, for their family, an online program would be their best option.

Fischer is enrolled in WYCA. He and his family have a daily schedule of elementary level courses to address, but they do it on their own time and in a way that fits the family’s needs.

The Wood family appreciates the flexibility that schooling online gives them to spend quality time together as a family – particularly in the mornings. They also appreciate the structure and accountability that their program affords.

“Fischer has some medical needs that we felt a brick and mortar school could not handle to our comfort level,” said Kristi. “We are pretty relaxed and go at the pace that my son sets. We can be done by one or two in the afternoon, but there have been days when we have been finishing up as late as 5 or 6. We are relaxed but structured in our work. We are really held accountable. I know he will get the education that he needs. We have help and a support network.”

The Wood Family feel that there are no disadvantages to schooling online. What they can’t experience through the school program, they find in the community. Fischer is enrolled in a youth orchestra program offered through Mountain Music and participates in a children’s chorus. He receives personalized instruction through a video platform from his assigned teacher who finds ways to make school fun for him.
Fischer enjoys social experiences with other children and adults through community and church activities, and WYCA schedules field trips that happen regularly throughout the state, where students are invited to associate with other students their age and meet teachers and other families.

Kristi appreciates the culture of open communication that the school fosters. School officials frequently check in with families to ensure that everything possible is being done to meet the personal needs of the student.

“I think all the experiences we have had with Connections Academy have been so positive all the way around,” said Kristi. “The support we have had from the whole team has made the experience worthwhile. Fischer is getting a really quality education. It’s not a typical brick and mortar education, but he is getting what we feel is important for him to know and learn. We are really enjoying it and see ourselves using it for a few more years.”

Shannon Siebert, Principal of WYCA, lives in Powell and administrates the school as offered through Big Horn County School District No. 1 out of Cowley, Wyoming. “I have been really amazed with how much more I feel connected to students and families. I really understand the students’ needs. I have loved this.”
“WYCA and Big Horn are passionate about virtual education and school choice,” said Siebert. “We are making sure students across the state have options and resources and are working together to help students find a niche.”

Siebert feels that the curriculum offered by virtual schools is competitive. “The Connections Academy curriculum is challenging. We offer some engaging and meaningful curriculum. The students end up owning their education. They really take the lead on it. We have a very high expectation for students about participating daily. We are flexible about when they participate during the day, but we feel like we make sure students are active and engaged.”

“Our big focus is all about collaborating,” said Siebert. “It’s about collaborating as a whole unit with all key stake holders – parents, students, the district, the state, and our corporate office that supports us – Pearson Online Blended Learning. We make sure that we use every resource available to really support students.”

With funding from the state, students enrolled in WYCA, WYVA and Acellus Academy receive all technology and academic supplies that they might need to support them in their educational experience. Each family is issued at least one computer, and each student receives all literature, math, science, art and other curriculum materials needed to complete coursework. And everything means everything – right down to goggles or modeling clay.

Textbooks are built into the platform and found primarily at a hyperlink in the online programming system that each school uses. The system allows the student to highlight and annotate as they study the text. New developments in educational programming promise even more interaction for students.

Important offerings for high school students from Wyoming virtual schools include Advanced Placement courses, College Credit courses, a Prom and a Graduation Ceremony for high school students.

“A lot of people think that our kids graduate from a virtual school, so they have no graduation,” said Siebert. “But we do, and it’s a beautiful, amazing graduation! I recommend every student who graduates with us attend. We use the Buffalo Bill Museum of the West, and it’s a really beautiful venue and a beautiful way to celebrate our graduates together. We hold a ceremony for our graduates, and they receive their diplomas that day. Then, afterwards, we have some hors d’oeuvres and mingling. They take pictures with their teachers and with their families.”

“Virtual schooling is an amazing choice to have – especially in Wyoming where resources are sometimes hard to come by,” said Siebert. “It’s really nice that in small, rural communities, there are alternative choices for students. Education isn’t a one-size fits all thing. If your student is struggling in a brick and mortar setting, it’s nice to have a different choice. There are multiple choices and a lot of resources opening up across the state. I am excited about the future of virtual education across the state. Individual course offerings are changing. We are looking at how to get more resources in local districts. We are working together to support students in having choices, so they get the best education for them as individuals.”

Families who are interested in learning more about virtual education opportunities in Wyoming can visit the following websites.
• edu.wyoming.gov/in-the-classroom/technology/distance-ed/
• virtual307.com/
• wyva.k12.com/
• connectionsacademy.com/wyoming-virtual-school
• acellusacademy.com/wyoming