The Diocese of Raleigh’s Office of Education is launching a parent survey regarding interest in a Catholic, 100% virtual school for the 2021-2022 school year. The office is conducting an online survey through April 29.
“This past year has provided the opportunity to begin to look at this alternative option of instruction,” said Kimberly Browning, assistant superintendent of instructional services in the diocese.
This virtual school is in the interest phase, said Browning. She added that the diocese is most interested in survey participation from families that may consider a completely virtual option for their children.
If it advances past the interest phase, the school would be administered by the diocesan Office of Education in partnership with a virtual school vendor and would begin mid-August 2021. It would be a new option offering 100% virtual, remote learning.
The cost, Browning said, would be slightly lower than the average cost of a traditional diocesan K-8 school.
“We’re looking at a 100% virtual school as an option to serve families that may not be ready to send their child back to a physical school or who have found that 100% remote works best for their child,” she said. “For some students, it may not be the best option. But for others, this option has proven successful in meeting needs … and providing a more robust learning opportunity.”
What to know about the proposed virtual school:
Enrollment would be through the Office of Education for students in grades K – 8.
Enrollment would not be an option for students currently attending a diocesan Catholic school that will be offering remote learning for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school would not have a physical campus.
The school would not offer extracurriculars such as sports or other events and programs.
Classes would, generally, be offered 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Classes may include students from other cities and states.
Tuition was projected to be about $6,050 a year for students in grades K-5 and $6,790 for students in grades 6-8.
Questions may be directed to Kimberly Browning, assistant superintendent of instructional services, at Kimberly.browning@raldioc.org
What to know about the survey:
Deadline is April 29, 2021.
Two separate surveys are offered: one for current parish school families and one for non-parish school and home school families.
Questions may be directed to Kimberly Browning, assistant superintendent of instructional services, at Kimberly.browning@raldioc.org