The North Carolina chapter of the PublicSchoolOptions.org threw its hat in the ring this week in a fight to support the Cabarrus County School Board and the North Carolina Virtual Academy. 

At a meeting Monday night before the Cabarrus School Board, Beth Purcell, President of the South Carolina Chapter of PublicSchoolOptions.org, addressed attendees on the benefits her family has received from online learning.  Four years with the South Carolina Virtual Charter School, Purcell said of her daughter, "virtual education has put a high school diploma within her reach and has made a college degree a realistic goal for her."

Like the Purcells, families across the country are reaping the benefits of online learning.  From the flexibility provided by the programs, to the individualized, one-on-one attention students receive, it is no wonder North Carolina families are supportive of bringing public school options to the state.  It is a shame that the educational establishment is greedy and cannot see the benefits North Carolina students would receive if given educational options.  No two children are alike, so a "one-size-fits-all" education does not work for every student. 

This sentiment was echoed at the Cabarrus County School Board meeting by a family from Fontana Dam, NC.  Prior to moving to North Carolina, their daughter was enrolled in an online program and was flourishing.    "In one year, our daughter has exceeded expectations both developmentally and scholastically," remarked the family.  "Parents have to be empowered to make decisions critical to the education of their child."

This student, along with countless others across the state would benefit greatly from pubic school options.  It is time that education leaders in North Carolina provide students with ability to receive an education that works for them!