As the new school year approaches, many students in the Clark County School District (CCSD) are preparing to return to the classroom. However, for some students, the option of online education is becoming increasingly popular. This trend, which began during the pandemic, continues to be a viable choice for families seeking flexibility and personalized learning experiences.
One such online school option for students in Nevada is the Nevada Connections Academy, a free online school serving ninth through 12th-grade students. This college and career readiness program allows students to complete the majority of their courses online, providing a flexible alternative to traditional in-person schooling. Kaycee Green, a social studies teacher and manager at Nevada Connections, emphasizes that while the format may be different, the expectations for students remain the same as attending in person.
„We definitely abide by the same attendance requirements, the same lesson completion requirements, the same enrollment requirements that the state of Nevada enforces for any local high school,“ Green explains. „However, we definitely have a little bit more leeway in your day-to-day scheduling to allow some freedoms and allow completion of work as well.“
For students considering online schooling, there are various reasons why this option may be beneficial. Health problems, social-emotional or behavioral issues, and other factors can influence a family’s decision to choose online education. When determining if online schooling is the right fit for a student, Green advises parents to consider the motivation and personality of their child.
„It’s really individualized instruction. I think one of the greatest benefits of online learning is the continuous reading and practice in being a self-advocate,“ Green notes. „A student who attends online school is practicing on a daily basis the self-motivation to get up, to go through tasks, to sort through difficult material within their classes, to access different websites and resources.“
Classes at Nevada Connections Academy are set to begin on Tuesday, August 6th, with students able to enroll in the online program throughout the year based on their needs, at no cost. This flexibility allows families to tailor their educational experience to meet the unique needs of their child, providing a personalized approach to learning that can lead to academic success.
In a time where the landscape of education is evolving, online schooling offers a viable alternative for students seeking a different approach to learning. With the support of programs like Nevada Connections Academy, students can thrive in a virtual environment that fosters independence, self-motivation, and academic growth. As the new school year begins, families have the opportunity to explore the benefits of online education and discover a pathway to success that meets the needs of their child.