Virtual Classrooms Growing Popular With Iowa Parents, But Is It A Threat To Public Schools?

A small but growing niche of parents in Iowa are embracing virtual classrooms. They enlist their children, as young as kindergarten, in online classes instead of having them physically go to school.

A virtual classroom is slightly different from a home-school setup. There is still a teacher directing and guiding the classes and the one big and obvious difference versus a traditional setup is that classes take place over a computer.

Virtual classrooms in Iowa started in 2013 and there are currently two schools offering slots under limited numbers, as mandated by the state, Des Moines Register reports. Proponents of virtual classrooms, however, are pushing for increased state funding to support and establish more private virtual classrooms. This has become an issue with others who think federal money should go to improving traditional public schools first.

"Do I think it's OK for kids to take online classes to supplement their education? Yes, of course," one mom, Claire Celsi said. "But to substitute 100 percent virtual schools with a classroom school? Absolutely not," she added.

Parents who have chosen to send their kids to virtual schools enjoy the freedom and flexibility their students experience. Single mom Sara Johnson was able to spend the year traveling America with her children. At the same time, her eldest continued to attend classes online through the Iowa virtual school program.

Some parents also said that a virtual school is great for kids who have medical conditions or experience bullying in the traditional school environment. Others admit, however, this option cannot work for all families.

Still, in a recent Legislative Report, students from the two existing Iowa virtual schools were assessed to have above average academic performance. Part of the reason for this was because of the hands-on environment that comes with a virtual setup.

Parents, would you consider a virtual school for your children if it was an option in your state? What do you think are its pros and cons? Share your thoughts in the comments!