Online high schools in Idaho
Idaho's Students Come First plan is designed to create the 21st century classroom by investing $13 million in state funds each year in classroom technology hardware and professional development, expanding digital learning, and providing every Idaho high school student with access to a laptop or mobile computing device by fall 2012.
The state has also implemented the Idaho Education Network, or IEN, which is scheduled to connect all Idaho public schools by the summer of 2012. The IEN is being built to overcome the geographic and economic barriers between rural and urban communities.
Choices for online high schools in Idaho
Both accredited charter schools and public high schools provide free online education in Idaho. According to an article on eschoolnews.com, "Funding for Idaho online learning would vary widely," approximately two-thirds of a district's state education funding goes to the provider for each online class with one-third remaining in the district for administration. Because funding varies by district, parents and students who choose online classes out of district may have to pay charges above their district's per course allocation.
Students can also take classes directly from private, fee-based online high schools. Private schools may offer full-time or part-time options as well as a customized curriculum.
School districts structure Idaho online high schools
School districts can independently determine how to structure their Web-based high school courses so all students have access to online technology. Districts can:
- Continue to use the current online high school provider or contract with any of a number of other online providers to best meet the needs of their students.
- Work with other districts or colleges and universities to share learning resources through the IEN.
- Develop a blended local education program.
The state continues to monitor course content to make sure it meets state standards and that it is being taught by Idaho-certified teachers.