When searching for the right educational experience for your child, virtual learning may be an option to consider. Dr. Hunter Jolley, School Leader, spoke with us about the benefits and opportunities Lowcountry Connections Academy has to offer.
I asked Dr. Jolley what he felt the benefits were of virtual learning versus attending a brick and mortar school. The first aspect he listed was the flexibility for the families and the students. He comments, “we provide an opportunity for students to be able to complete work at essentially their own pace, which allows them to be involved in extracurricular items. We have many students who are avid sports players and use that time to train.” Jolley goes onto also explain, “we have students that use that flexibility to get ahead in school and shuffle through dual enrollments classes and be prepared for college and more advanced in college when they leave. Flexibility is really a benefit for students.”
Jolley also points out virtual learning provides a “safety and security” factor. The student is learning within the safety of their own home. Virtual learning also eliminates bad behavior of other students interfering with the learning environment.
Socialization is not left out of LCCA’s experience. Clubs and organization are offered to the students. They meet monthly promoting interacting with other LCAA students and participating in activities. There are also monthly meet and greets. Dr. Jolley shares that in October the activity was to go to top golf locations throughout the state, but Helene interfered with that activity. In November the students are going to local libraries to assist others to get library cards, help check out books, and in general help around the library.
Dr. Jolley also relayed that LCAA has to follow the same state standards, measures, and guidelines that must be followed by the public schools in the state of South Carolina. LCAA is also accredited. He was very happy to report that all three schools (elementary, middle, and high school) improved this school year on the state report card findings.
When asked what he thought was the most important advantage LCAA’s virtual learning offers, Dr. Jolley quickly answered that in personalization given to the students is “superior.” He cites an “access and ability to help [students] achieve [goals] and help them go in the right direction.” He also points out LCAA has developed partnerships and relationships with colleges and universities across the state so LCAA students are not “landlocked” with the closest school to you. LCAA also has developed partnerships with businesses that allows them to help funnel students into real jobs upon graduation.
Currently LCAA has approximately 754 students. Second semester enrollment ends in December and Jolley is looking to welcome some more students to the LCAA experience.
Dr. Jolley explained that LCAA is not like Covid e-learning. The school offers the same variety and range of services found in traditional brick and mortar schools. The delivery is just different. “What we’re doing looks different, feels different, and yields different results.”
For more information on LCAA visit connectionsacademy.com or visit Lowcountry Connections Academy on Facebook.
