Delta County Joint School District has prided itself on the diversity of educational programs offered to students of all ages. Just one example is the Vision Home and Community Program, which tailors learning to each student's interests and needs.

Now the school district has joined a growing trend and is offering an online school through the Delta County Virtual Academy.

The program debuted this summer as a credit recovery program for traditional students. This fall, the online option was offered to a broader range of students, including homeschoolers.

Through her affiliation with the Delta Opportunity School, program administrator Delaine Hudson recognized that not all students excel in the traditional brick-and-mortar school. Some students simply need a different approach. Others are doing so well in the traditional school setting that they need the challenge of specialized or advanced placement courses that aren't offered at local high schools.

Online options have been offered by other school districts in Colorado for a number of years, but Hudson says there are several advantages to maintaining ties with the local school district. The first is accessibility. Online students can use the computer lab at Delta Opportunity School until 6 p.m. on weeknights, with the support of a staff member who acts as a mentor. Second, students can participate in high school sports and extracurricular activities if they desire. Finally, they will earn a Delta County School District diploma just like their friends.

French, art history, psychology, macroeconomics . . . those are just a few of the classes offered through a contract with Aventa. All the core classes are available online, along with a wide range of electives.

Hudson studied several virtual school solutions before recommending Aventa to the school board. Their course content is most closely aligned with the state standards adopted by the Colorado Department of Education, she said. Aventa hires only highly qualified, certified teachers to serve students through personalized instruction.

Real-time communication allows students and teachers to talk and observe demonstrations. They can also communiate through e-mail, instant messaging and telephone calls.

Hudson says 19 students have signed up for the online option. Secondary students from all four of the county's high schools are also taking classes through Aventa. While most of the students are in high school, Hudson says three elementary students — all homeschoolers — have signed up for the program.

The high schoolers "are a real mix," she said. Some are teen parents who must balance their studies with their new responsibilities. There are a few dropouts, and there are some kids who just didn't feel like they fit in at a traditional school. One family that travels frequently found that online classes fit best with their schedule.

All are searching for flexibility, Hudson said. "For almost everybody enrolled in the online school, traditional school just didn't work for them timewise."