Virtual High School Pilot Online Courses
The High School is hosting a pilot program of online courses for juniors and seniors. The non-profit Virtual High School is the provider, and staff members have been trained to teach the online courses.
Fall of 2008 was the first time VHS was offered (through the Rockport Educational Foundation for Rockport) to the Rockport High School students. As the Site Coordinator, I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand the benefits the students are gaining from this program. For a small school, Rockport has done an amazing job of keeping our course offerings varied and rigorous. Unfortunately, it is impossible to offer every class to every student. This program works to "fill in the gaps." This semester we have 25 slots for students to taking advantage of these online classes. One of our students hopes to major in International Business. She has taken the Marketing and Business classes offered at our school. This year, she decided to expand upon this base and enroll in an International Business class through VHS. Another student hopes to become a writer and is also interested in Science Fiction. This particular student is enrolled in a Science Fiction Writing Class. Yet another student hopes to major in Marine Biology in college. This senior has taken advantage of every one of our marine science classes and has chosen to enroll in a Zoology class this fall.
VHS works to enhance a student's case load by offering a wide variety of options from diverse selections of disciplines. This allows students to explore his/her interests while still in high school. Although the program is new to Rockport, I know the opportunity for growth and enhancement will only benefit the students at the high school level.
Amy Rose
Rockport High School Guidance
VHS Site Coordinator