Charleroi to unveil Online Learning Academy

By TAYLOR BROWN 

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Leaders in the Charleroi Area School District are excited to keep students in the Cougar learning community. 

After a tumultuous year, the district will welcome students back to class — if they choose — this month. 

For those not comfortable returning to the classroom, the district will introduce an in-house online learning program called the Charleroi Online Learning Academy. 

Students will have the option to return to class five days each week, enroll in the new online program or be home schooled. 

Superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich said the district plans to reach out to parents next week to gauge interest in the enrollment options.

As variants of COVID-19 begin to spread, he said many variables could change before the start of the 2021-22 school year. 

“We don’t want to jump the gun,” Zelich said, “but we also know that depending on how things progress over the next few weeks it could impact how our families feel about sending their children to school.” 

The learning academy, Zelich said, could be a good option. 

“This is our own program,” he said, “taught asynchronously by our own teachers.”

Students who enroll in the online academy will be eligible to participate in sports, clubs, graduation and other activities, as in-person students do. 

“It has a lot to offer,” Zelich said. 

The Charleroi Online Learning Academy is a fully online education option for students in K-12, but it’s different from other cyber charter programs. 

Students enrolled in the program can participate in CASD activities and events and will have access to student services offered in the district. 

Students will also complete their work on their own schedules, aligned with curriculum taught by recognizable teachers in the district. 

High school Principal Amy Nelson is spearheading the effort for middle and high school students. 

“A charter school is not exactly the same as a high school diploma, and a lot of parents don’t realize that,” Nelson said. “We want our kids to be involved in our learning community, and hopefully this will allow those who don’t feel comfortable to be back in school to still be a part of that.”

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