King Philip To Add Virtual High School

The King Philip School Committee decided at their meeting last week to join the Virtual High School program, which offers students the option of taking some courses online.

District Superintendent Elizabeth Zielinski introduced the program to the committee.

"It offers courses for students — a wide variety is offered," she said. "We'd buy 25 seats — that would be 25 students per semester who are looking for courses we don't offer."

"If we don't have 25 students, we can go as low as 15," she added.

She said the program would cost the district $11,750.

"We'd probably start with seniors, and then offer it to juniors," she said. "They have a website that lists the courses they offer and new courses coming up."

High school Principal Charles Flahive spoke in favor of Virtual High School.

"They're very challenging courses — they're good," he said. "Also, if we don't fill up a course, like Latin 4, we can use Virtual High School for those students."

Committee member Matthew Gray asked if the district would be required to host a class.

Zielinski said that was up to the district.

"We can, but one of the options is not to host a class," she said.

Committee member Patrick Francomano said he was concerned about how the program would be listed in the high school's course of studies. He said the option has to be explained clearly.

The committee unanimously approved a motion to explore the program.