Monday letters: Virtual school has created community

As S.C. Connections Academy begins open enrollment, I wanted to reflect on what our tution-free K-12 virtual school has been able to do. We’re able to meet educational needs for a variety of students, from children who may be ahead or behind in the classroom to students involved in sports or the arts outside of school who require a more flexible schedule.

During this fall’s flooding, the immense outpouring of donations to the United Way and the phone calls and emails from our school community was heartwarming, and truly highlighted the community we have as a virtual school. That community immediately mobilized to help all affected, from our Kids Care club collecting donations to families dropping off supplies at our administrative office. One of our 12th-grade students, Noah Hendricks, even dedicated countless hours during the floods to ensure the safety of his neighbors as a volunteer firefighter.

At our fall festival here in Columbia, one mother approached me and gave me a hug. She said that although her family wasn’t personally affected by the flooding, she could feel the heart and spirit of the school’s community in my communications. For me, this feeling of community is one of the most valuable things about our school.

Though virtual school is not a great fit for every family, I’m so grateful that we’re able to offer a high-quality education that is different from the traditional brick-and-mortar model.