How Virtual Charter Schools Accommodate all Students

The way we live and work has changed. More of our lives are lived digitally, and families need more flexibility and control over their schedules and lifestyles. It’s really no surprise that online K-12 education has become so popular. But there’s a common misconception that virtual charter schools and other alternatives don’t offer the same level of accommodations and special education as traditional brick-and-mortar schools.

Not having a physical location doesn’t mean there’s no community or resources. Most online charter schools are part of the official public school system and are held to the same standards of academic, social, and familial support. In fact, tuition-free virtual public charter schools like SLC frequently provide an even greater level of accommodation to students and families.

How Virtual Charter Schools Support Students with All Accommodations 

A charter school is a tuition-free educational institution that is publicly funded, but independently operated. Charter schools offer students and families more freedom and control over their education while meeting state and federal academic standards. Virtual charter schools like SLC offer the same benefits as traditional schools in an online or blended learning format, giving students the opportunity to learn from anywhere with an approach that works for them.

SLC is dedicated to providing a flexible and individualized learning experience. That’s why we work closely with Learning Coaches to ensure each student has the accommodations they need to thrive.

Going Beyond the Curriculum

It’s a myth that virtual charter schools are purely academic institutions. Like other public schools, they provide comprehensive non-academic support services for students and families that go beyond standard courses and curricula. 

At SLC, we provide holistic resources and support for our community, including:

• Extracurricular activities and in-person enrichment opportunities
• Mental health counseling, academic advising, and more
• ACT and PSAT/SAT registration assistance
• Fun events for our students and families to enjoy
• An Early College Program to help students gain college credits and experience while still in high school

Helping Those with Special Needs

The last several decades have brought significant advancement in the realm of civil rights for individuals with disabilities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 federally prohibited discrimination against those with disabilities, while the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA Part B) ensured that publicly funded educational support services are available to all students with disabilities. 

As an accredited public school, SLC cares deeply about making sure that every child has access to a quality education. We offer a flexible online platform and special accommodations to guarantee full and personalized support for neurodivergent students and those with physical/mental disabilities and other special needs. 

Prioritizing Safety, Inclusion, and Personalized Accommodations

Every student is unique. At SLC, we don’t just respect our differences – we celebrate them! We know our community is made stronger by welcoming students with diverse backgrounds, needs, skills, and ideas. 

While most brick-and-mortar public schools work hard to ensure a comfortable and inclusive environment, traditional schooling and support services are generally pretty standard, and feeling left out or even experiencing bullying is all too common. 

We do things differently. SLC welcomes and accommodates students with special needs, neurodivergent brains, physical disabilities, and other differences with an open mind and a focus on serving individual needs.

We also provide specific and special accommodations for students who speak English as a second language or require special language accommodations, as well as those whose families and Learning Coaches are still building English fluency. Our English Learners (EL) team is dedicated to helping each and every student and family achieve their goals through English Language Development courses and academic courses in a student’s native language.

The Role of Teachers and Advisors

Teachers, advisors, counselors, and other vital support roles are just as essential to student success and wellbeing at virtual charter schools as they are at any other type of institution. These caring and knowledgeable professionals are truly the unsung heroes of our community.

We work every day to ensure our support services are held to the highest standards of quality, integrity, and compassion. At SLC, each and every student has access to expert academic advising and mental health counseling. We also work to promote daily communication between students and teachers, and encourage active participation and collaboration between teachers, students, Learning Coaches, and other support roles on a regular basis.

Tell Us About Your Individual Needs and Learn About Our Universal Accommodations at SLC!

Summit Learning Charter is both a virtual learning charter and a tuition-free public school. We provide the same level of nonacademic services and support as other public and alternative schools, and an even greater level of flexibility and individualized accommodations. 

Learn more about virtual learning, read through our frequently asked questions, and apply now to become part of our community! If your student has specific needs, requirements, or accommodations, reach out to our compassionate staff of support professionals and we’ll work one-on-one with you to ensure you get the resources you need.