The emerging trend of virtual schooling has more families trading in the sometimes one-size-fits-all educational approach for a strategic and flexible learning plan.

Growing class sizes, less individualized learning and busy schedules have culminated in a surge of parents and kids seeking new academic options. Online classes for every grade level have become a popular avenue for students who work at their own pace. A comprehensive assessment of each student at most online schools is turned into a learning plan that enables accelerated students to challenge themselves and special needs students to get attention in the right areas.

Lone Tree resident Susan Latcham has found that virtual schooling for her twins, who are juniors in high school, is the perfect alternative to the traditional bricks-and-mortar classroom environment. The family chose online classes at Colorado Connections Academy, in part, because it gives the kids a chance to pursue extracurricular activities and attend appointments on their time. Latcham’s son participates in morning martial arts classes; her daughter engages in volunteer activities at her church. She also attends orthodontic appointments during the day instead of after school hours, when the office is flooded with teens.

“I just taught the kids how to drive and we were able to do it when everyone else was in school,” Latcham said.

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