Expanding Student Opportunities Through Virtual Learning in Pennsylvania
In recent years, Pennsylvania schools have seen a significant expansion of virtual learning and how it’s evolved from being a reactive measure to a powerful, sustainable strategy for expanding opportunity. Districts across the state have been building virtual programs not only to respond to student needs but as a long-term strategy to expand offerings, support graduation pathways, and ensure equity for learners in every community.
Addressing Gaps in Course Access
For some Pennsylvania districts, staffing shortages and enrollment limitations restrict course availability. Many districts rely on virtual options to help fill those gaps, particularly in specialized areas like world languages, Advanced Placement®, and career and technical education.
Lake-Lehman School District in northeastern Pennsylvania recognized the need to stay competitive to keep students within the district. By expanding access to virtual courses, they were able to align content with in-person instruction while also filling staffing gaps with Pennsylvania-certified virtual educators. This approach not only preserved core offerings but also opened the door to electives like forensics and marine biology that didn’t fit a traditional schedule. As Tracey Liparela, assistant to the superintendent, explained, “Some of the kids will do all their core academic content face-to-face, but they want to take the forensics class, or the marine biology class…we can offer them the cyber platform, so it’s awesome.”
Creating Personalized Graduation Pathways
Virtual learning has also become a lifeline for Pennsylvania students who need credit recovery or a nontraditional path to graduation. With students now having multiple ways to meet requirements, it’s no longer a one-size-fits-all path.
Selinsgrove Area High School is one example of this success. With online courses, students who were previously off track were able to earn the credits they needed to graduate whether at home or in the school. The district also uses courses to support unique student circumstances, giving learners multiple avenues to graduation. “We are always looking for ways to better individualize learning in the school,” says Selinsgrove hybrid teacher Matthew Lehman. “The goal is always to get students to graduation on time, whether that is through credit recovery, alternatives to the classroom setting, or the full cyber school approach.”
Supporting Rural Communities
Access and equity are often top concerns for rural schools. Jefferson-Morgan School District (JM) reimaged what was possible in a small community by developing a locally run virtual learning program to expand course access and retain students. The program serves a range of learners, from homebound elementary students and high-performing high school athletes who need flexibility.
By offering flexible formats including live, asynchronous, and blended options and providing built-in support, JM created a sustainable solution that increased student retention, expanded opportunities, and strengthened connections within the school community.
Superintendent Dr. Brandon Robinson noted, "Some students want to work asynchronously and just pop in for tutoring. Others need a teacher in front of them every day. Edmentum allows us to serve both—without compromise. There’s not any situation we can’t handle through our brick-and-mortar and our partnership with Edmentum.”
Looking Ahead: Virtual Learning’s Staying Power
As leaders like yourself continue to navigate challenges such as staffing shortages, evolving student needs, and an increased focus on college and career preparation, virtual learning is vital in ensuring equity and access and will remain an essential strategy for providing flexibility and personalized instruction to students, no matter their circumstances or location.
Building Flexible, Future-Ready Virtual Programs in Pennsylvania
Edmentum partners with Pennsylvania schools and districts to deliver high-quality virtual learning programs. Whether you're looking to enhance your current offerings or build a flexible virtual program, Edmentum helps create solutions that last and deliver results.
