Students around the country were exposed to learning online during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some students have continued even when traditional school is back in session.
PHS offers two different programs that provide a non-traditional path to graduation called EdOptions and Edmentum. In total, there are 33 virtual PHS who do not attend campus and instead get their credits through EdOptions.
To enter this program, a student will first need parental approval. The student will need to demonstrate a need for participation in a virtual program. Some reasons include having a hardship at home or working more hours during the day. These variables, along with others, will determine a student’s availability in the program. Even with all requirements fulfilled, there is no guarantee that students will be accepted.
“By no means is it perfect. Going virtual requires a lot of self-discipline,” said Principal Ed Wagner.
The second form of non-traditional instruction is Edmentum, which students in Ram Academy use.
“The Ram Academy kids use Edmentum, not the EdOptions, and we have an instructor down there to help keep students accountable,” said Wagner.
While both programs provide instruction, EdOptions expects students to be willing to do the work assigned and expected of them to complete it.
Not all classes offered to on-campus students work in a virtual environment, especially those with hands-on components, so not everything is available like students on campus have access to. Online students are not eligible for ICC (Indiana College Core) through PHS unless they take dual credit courses through Ivy Tech on their own and would be responsible for all costs.
Even though online students miss out on many on-campus activities and social time, they can still participate in sports as long as they are enrolled and passing at least five classes.
Junior Blaze Knapp went online this year, but still plays tennis.
“I chose to go virtual because at this point in school, learning the classes I am in will not help me in my future career path, and I would much rather keep working every day and still play tennis,” said Knapp. “The experience has been very good. I have much more time to do the things that I love and not stress about school as much.”
One senior who transitioned to virtual learning this year is senior Lola Beavers.
“I went virtual for two reasons. One reason is that I decided to stop searching for people’s validation by being whatever I think they want me to be, and two, because I’ve been having health problems that would’ve prevented me from being able to go to school plenty of times,” said Beavers.
Beavers is happy with her decision to go virtual; however, she still faces changes.
“I enjoy it a lot. It’s comfortable and I can make my own schedule. I have also been able to work on myself a lot, too, since I don’t have to worry so much about everyone else. However, motivation is 100% the hardest challenge. Sometimes I’ll start an assignment and just be like ‘What if I just didn’t do it?’ But luckily, I’m well aware of the consequences and continue anyway. It’s just harder when no one is looking over your shoulder,” said Beavers.
Another senior who chose to go online this year is Rowan Chastain.
“I chose to go virtual mainly because I moved from French Lick to Mitchell during the summer and thought it would be easier to complete my senior year online, instead of doing back and forth between the two towns daily, and also so by the time graduation comes around I could still be able to graduate here at PHS, even if it is online instead of switching schools senior year. I also decided to become a virtual student so I could work more hours at my job and have even more money saved up for my plans after high school,” said Chastain.
Chastain has found the experience to be enjoyable.
“My experience so far, for the most part, has been really good. I enjoy being able to finish my class assignments through the online program and being able to complete them willingly as long as I get them done daily. I’ve also enjoyed the experience since I find it overall a bit easier working with the program that the school uses, and all the teachers are really easy to work with if I have questions or problems,” said Chastain.
Students interested in either the virtual or Ram Academy program are encouraged to talk to a guidance counselor for more information.
