ASD's New Program Reaches Out to Cyber Students

Abington School District will kick off a new program beginning this school year—the Abington Cyber Education program.

The program is for secondary-aged students who are going into grades 6 through 12, said Abington’s superintendent Amy Sichel.

The district has contracted Brandywine Virtual Academy to provide the program to students with Abington’s approval, she said, adding that the program will meet all of the district’s requirements and will include all of the necessary classes for each grade.

Sichel said the idea came from district staff members; they said some students work on a different schedule, and a cyber program would benefit them.

Sichel said she believes Abington can provide a quality program and one that is better than what current cyber schools may offer. She said any student enrolled in the Abington Cyber Education program will have access to after-school clubs and the district’s counselors.

As of now, there are about 70 students in the Abington School District Area that attend cyber charter schools in grades kindergarten through 12; about 40 would be candidates for the program.

Sichel said they held an open house and meetings with students who are enrolled in cyber charter schools. Some parents have shown interest in having their children be the first students in the program. However, she said that the program will not continue if no students enroll.

Sichel said the district is not interested in marketing the program, adding that eligible district officials have already contacted eligible students.

“It’s for parents who believe a cyber program is appropriate for their children,” Sichel said.

The Abington Cyber Education program will not generate funds for the district, Sichel said.

“We’re doing this because we think it’s right for the students,” Sichel said. 

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Check back for updates on the program