Bina School Leads Digital Education Revolution for K-6 Students
Bina School, a Delaware-based online institution, is at the forefront of digital education, catering to students aged 4 to 12. Established in 2021, it focuses on STEAM learning, personalized growth, and neurodiversity-friendly environments. This shift aligns with the growing trend of 'school choice' and the increasing popularity of virtual schooling, as seen in the experience of students like El Roberts and Aubrey Plaza.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual schooling was less common. However, the abrupt shift to remote learning opened many eyes to its benefits. Today, about 1.7 percent of U.S. students are enrolled full-time in virtual schools, according to DLAC. For some, like El Roberts, it's a necessity due to extracurricular commitments. El wakes up at 4:50 a.m. for figure skating practice and attends virtual classes later. His mother, Deborah Fairclough, balances work as a mobile dog groomer with monitoring El's classes.
For others, like Aubrey Plaza, virtual school offers a better balance between education and extracurricular activities. Aubrey's mother, Angie, enrolled her in virtual school in 2018 to accommodate Aubrey's competitive dance schedule. This flexibility is a key draw for many families, with hundreds of thousands of students opting for virtual programs over traditional brick-and-mortar schools.
The rise of virtual schooling, as seen in the success of Bina School and the experiences of students like El and Aubrey, reflects a broader shift in education. States are increasingly allowing families to use public school funds for alternative education institutions, thanks to the 'school choice' movement. While virtual schooling may not be suitable for all, it offers a flexible, accessible option for many students and families.
