Computers are rolling in and staff have been hired, but 117 openings remain in Cincinnati Public Schools' new online school.

        The district has signed up 133 students by word of mouth, but is only about halfway to its recruitment goal for the Virtual High School that opens Aug. 27, district officials said.

        CPS's first virtual school — at Suite 120, 1150 W. Eighth St., Queensgate — offers courses over the Internet in math, science, social studies, computer technology and English.

At the Virtual High School office in Queensgate, clerical staff member Julius Meade, 20, talks to a potential student this week. (Glenn Hartong photo) | ZOOM |

        Students who have computers at home don't have to attend the school regularly. However, four teachers in key subject areas will be available at the West Eighth Street building to serve students' needs.

        “(Students) will do some of the courses online, but we will be able to provide them with additional instruction when necessary,” said Dr. Steven Hawley, the principal.

        Additional courses can be developed to meet students' individual needs, said CPS Charter Schools Manager John Rothwell.

        Courses are free to students in ninth grade through age 22 who live in the CPS district.

TO REGISTER

To register for Cincinnati Public Schools' Virtual High School, call 357-8585 or write 1150 W. Eighth St., Suite 120, Cincinnati 45203.     For information, go online at www.vhs.cps-k12.org.

        Sue Taylor, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers president, said she hopes the organization can offer the virtual high school any curricular assistance to ensure students are interested in what they are learning and are successful.

        “We know learning is more effective when one is actively involved,” she said.

        Ms. Taylor said she had concerns whether online course work is suitable for all subjects. For example, students may not be able to understand chemical experiments via computer as well as if they are performed in a school lab, she said.

        She also hopes students have access to counselors and advisers.

        Dr. Hawley said teachers in Cincinnati Public Schools were involved in developing the curriculum.

        He added that students will have initial consultations with teaching staff to plot their course work. Students also will be required to take exams at the West Eighth Street building.

        “There will be communication with them constantly,” Dr. Hawley said. “We will not let them slide.”
       

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