Lakeview joins online program

CORTLAND -- Lakeview Board of Education will participate in the Jefferson County Educational Service Center Virtual Learning Academy during the 2006-07 school year.
The academy allows students to take online courses from either home or the school. Lakeview officials said Monday the program will be offered for students in grades nine through 12.
The Jefferson County program currently offers 81 courses.
Students can take courses outside the classroom but still be enrolled as Lakeview High students, making them eligible for extra-curricular activities. The enrollment status also makes them eligible for a high school diploma using the program, officials said.
The move is aimed at increasing enrollment from nontraditional students or students who would like to enroll in a course not offered at the high school. The service is used by many districts for disabled students who cannot attend school and students who have difficulty with a standard school schedule and find it easier to complete the courses from home.
Officials said the move comes in response to community requests for the district to find interesting ways to attract new students.
The Newton Falls School District enrolled in a similar program two years ago but changed this year to the Jefferson County program this year because it offered more courses, Lakeview officials said.
Lakeview will evaluate the program after one year.