Dear Editor,

My children attend Georgia Connections Academy, a public, free “virtual” charter school. I was interested in this public school option because it gives them a quality education that I can be directly involved in and monitor.

You see, I serve as my children’s “learning coach,” the in-home person who helps keep them accountable for their assignments and diligent in their studies. The classroom is anywhere there is the internet. Though a virtual school, field trips are still scheduled so that students can interact with their fellow classmates and teachers.

It’s a wonderful program which is open to families from any county, and gives a certified state education. Their diploma will look just like any other Georgia diploma!

So, I’m writing to say “Thank you.” Thank you to the Governor, the Board of Education, and Legislature for providing funding for charter education. Thank you to all the parents, educators, students and community leaders who spoke up and said this program was needed for students across the state who are academically gifted, need extra assistance, want or need a flexible schedule, or seek an alternative to the traditional classroom. This school works.

Marteeta Spradling, Covington