The Park City High School will offer its students the opportunity to enroll in online classes this year.
Lori Gardner, Park City School District director of curriculum and instruction, said Senate Bill 65 will allow students across the state to enroll in online classes through utahstudentsconnect.org.
Gardner explained that the courses are free for students who enroll through this organization, but students would have to pay if they enrolled in Brigham Young University online courses, for example.
She said the district has partnered with Davis, Granite, Jordan, Murray, Nebo and Tooele school districts to offer students in grades nine through 12 this option.
According to Gardner, the online classes through Utahstudentsconnect.org are being taught by teachers within the consortium. Garner said there are five Park City teachers involved.
“At this point, we’re not seeing it as a drain, because we’re collaborating. All of the districts are using current manpower for teaching the classes. So we see a minimal cost to the district,” Gardner said.
She said students have always been able to take online classes, but in the past it has been for private schools.
“Now students can take advantage from public institutions and not only do they not have to pay, but the district in which the student resides will pay for the student,” Gardner said.
Gardner said the district has been working on the program since March and will offer more than 20 classes.
“Basically what were providing are the core academic courses. But we’re hoping to offer more electives in the years to come,” Gardner said.
Gardner said several PCHS students take driver’s education online so the district is adding enrollment numbers for that class.
“Park City students generally take online classes because they are interested in taking more advanced classes and that are more toward their interest,” she said.
Gardner said students have to drop a regular class in order to enroll in an online class.
The classes are scheduled to start on Aug. 29, but Gardner is anticipating students changing their schedules. Students need to talk with a student counselor before enrolling in online classes.
Please visit http://www.utahstudentsconnect.org , or the PCSD website at www.pcschools.us for more information.
Online classes offered:
Math
Secondary Math 1
Algebra I
Algebra II
Sciences
Earth Systems
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
AP Geography
Wildlife Biology
Healthy Lifestyles
9th Physical Education
Fit for Life
Health II
Language Arts
English 9, 10, 11, 12
Social Studies
Geography for Life
World Civilizations
U.S. History
U.S. Government
Miscellaneous
Art Foundations II
Art History and Criticism
Financial Literacy
Computer Technology
Drivers Education