Enrollment has grown from 10 to 75 in the past year, The Press reported, including 26 students who are assigned to other public school districts but chose to enroll in Wyoming's Frontiers program.
Students meet in the computer labs at Rogers High School, but each works independently using online software, according to The Press. Four mentor teachers, the equivalent of two full-time positions, work as supervisors. Officials told The Press that the program appeals to students who need to make up credits, who cannot attend school regularly for medical reasons, who want to mesh their school and work schedules, and who want to move through high school faster.
Michigan public school students are limited to two online courses per day under current state rules, but districts like Wyoming were given "seat-time waivers" to try out full-time programs, The Press reported.
The program is authorized by the state for as many as 500 students, and Wyoming is considering opening a second campus in 2010, according to The Press.
SOURCE:
The Grand Rapids Press, "Wyoming
alternative online high school, Frontiers, saves money and draws students,"
Oct. 12, 2009
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Report, "State to schools: Think outside the
classroom," Oct. 2, 2009
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