EAST CALN >> Online summer school through Brandywine Virtual Academy can help students recover credits, get ahead and explore new electives during the summer.
Registration is now available at summer.bvapa.org. It features three session options: Jump Start from April 20 — July 30; True Summer from June 1 — July 30; and Credit Recovery from June 1 — July 30. The Chester County Intermediate Unit, or CCIU, operates Brandywine Virtual Academy, or BVA.
“Summertime is an excellent opportunity for students to continue to progress in their education,” said Chip Harper, supervisor of online learning for the CCIU. “Whether it’s students recovering credits, getting ahead for the next school year or taking courses they did not have time in their schedule for but always wanted to take, BVA supplies the teachers and the program to meet their needs.”
Since its inception, an increasing amount of students from Chester County and outside the county have taken advantage of the BVA’s diverse course levels and offerings, flexible scheduling and unique supports, according to the staff. There are 830 students currently enrolled in the program, taking courses including Mandarin Chinese, Advanced Placement (AP) physics and more.
These students draw from one of BVA’s more than 40 district partners. According to Harper, school districts partner with BVA to provide courses to meet students’ unique scheduling needs, or to expand their course offerings.
Jackie Brodsky, a BVA science and special education teacher, said Summer school is a great option for any student. She said one of her students last summer returned to take classes with the BVA while she underwent chemotherapy, allowing her to remain in school throughout treatment. She said the student thankfully is in remission, and she took classes in the summer to make up the work.
“This is just one example of how BVA helps students stay on track with their education, no matter their situation,” Brodsky said.
Flexibility is one of the greatest advantages of summer school online, BVA staff said, because students are not confined to a classroom setting. They said that students do not have to miss classroom for family vacation, or have to choose between class and summer employment, for example.
Students can access courses 24 hours a day, seven days a week with all the unique supports that ensure student success. Additionally, students have access to BVA student support liaisons and technology support specialists.
“We’re the go-to people for parents, school districts and students,” said Jennifer Holste, a BVA student support liaison. She spends her day offering support in the interactive Virtual Office, where students can access recorded live lessons and connect with their teachers and technology staff. “We form a triangle that connects and keeps communication flowing between all three of these critical pieces.”
