National Charter School Watch Blog

Students begin enrolling in Internet-based school (Kansas)
By JOHN RICHMEIER, Times Staff Writer
Published: Monday, July 24, 2006 9:20 AM CDT

**snip**
A dozen students have already enrolled in the new Leavenworth Virtual
School. Director Kevin Lunsford said a total of 20 students have said “yes” to the
program and he anticipates more will be attracted to the Internet-based
school.

**snip**
For students in grades one through eight, the virtual school will rely on
curriculum from Calvert which will include textbooks and other materials.

“Basically, we are there to help those parents out who are home-schooling
their kids,” he said.

The virtual school can enroll students who live anywhere in the state of
Kansas.

**snip**
Teachers for the virtual school plan to make regular visits to the homes of
elementary and middle school students. Lunsford said he doesn’t know of any
other virtual school in the state that provides home visits.

**snip**
Lunsford said not every parent may invite a teacher into his or her home.

*snip**
The contract is for two years and requires a one-time, upfront cost of
$11,000 and a guarantee of at least an additional $25,000 each year. The
district also will have to pay a $365 fee for each course.

Aytes said the startup money for the Leavenworth Virtual School will come
from anticipated additional money for students considered “at risk.” (end of snips)