How 21CCCS Supports Our Students

Posted on August 17, 2022August 17, 2022 by Matt Hillesland

Cyber school can be an incredible experience for young learners as it provides freedom and flexibility as they continue on their learning paths. Naturally, this freedom and flexibility must be combined with strong supports to form a positive learning environment for students. At 21CCCS we recognize that many newly enrolled students and their parents may have questions about the practices we have put in place to support our cyber school community at every turn. Here, we explore a few of the innovative ways that 21CCCS supports our students.

Academic Advisors

Academic advisors are educators assigned to our students to support them as they work towards their learning goals. Advisors do everything from helping students as they navigate resources to answering coursework questions and acting as a liaison between students and their teachers. The objective of academic advisors is to engage with students and act as an academic advocate through the length of the student’s studies at 21CCCS. Because they stay with the student through their school career, advisors learn a great deal about them which empowers them to offer thoughtful solutions, support, and encouragement with their success and wellbeing in mind. Advisors are the glue that holds our cyber school community together, and they are dedicated to ensuring that 21CCCS upholds the positive learning environment it has become known for.

State Certified Teachers

When attending cyber school, it is crucial to have teachers who are fully invested in the learning outcomes of their students. At 21CCCS, our faculty are dedicated to our students’ education and form the backbone of our school. Teachers offer support for our school community in a variety of ways. They are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for any questions, comments, or concerns students may have as they complete their coursework. Newly enrolled students and their parents are often surprised by the robust network of support offered by 21CCCS faculty. They excel at keeping students motivated and working towards their learning goals and are trained to quickly key in on signs that students are having trouble engaging with the coursework.

Technical Support Department

It is important for students to have access to technical support department during their time in cyber school. After all, properly functioning equipment is integral for success in any online school environment. 21CCCS handles all tech questions through our dedicated technical support department and notes that the most important step is to supply students with high-quality equipment. With this in mind, each student at 21CCCS is supplied with a kit that includes a MacBook and charger, iPad, stylus, calculator, textbooks, and kits for art, physical education, and science when applicable. Our tech support department recognizes that students may need tech support throughout the day and are available from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Fridays. Many problems can be solved through tech support’s remote management software; however, the department can issue replacement computers if necessary.

Quality Equipment as an Apple Distinguished School

We realize that one of the most efficient ways to support students through their careers in cyber school is through partnerships that provide them with the best equipment on the market. Access to great tech helps students seamlessly access their online course material and plays a huge role in our ability to support students throughout their academic careers. 21CCCS is proud of our position as an Apple Distinguished School. As part of this distinction, 21CCCS provides students with high-quality Apple products such as MacBooks and iPads to allow students streamlined access learning platforms. Apple technology also empowers us to transform the way students learn through functions such as learning integration tools, accessibility features, and apps tailored to encourage engagement-based learning. Most importantly, being an Apple Distinguished School is key to helping 21CCCS create individualized learning experiences for our students. Quality technology is crucial for determining innovative strategies to support learners on the road to their personalized versions of success.

Our Dedication to Students

At 21CCCS, we know that it takes a village to support our cyber school community. All of our staff and faculty have one thing in common— an unwavering dedication to our students! We want to see each student succeed and do so on their own terms, and all of the supports we have in place are crucial for helping students feel empowered, encouraged, and engaged during their time here. Each year is another opportunity for us to learn more innovative ways to support our school community, and we look forward to the 2022-2023 school year!

How Summer Camps Keep Kids Engaged and Learning

Posted on July 20, 2022July 20, 2022 by Matt Hillesland

Summer is officially here which means no school! While some families will go on vacation, other parents will enroll their children in summer camps. From sports to the great outdoors, there are summer camps for numerous interests and learning abilities. The following article explains how these camps are a great option to keep kids engaged and learning, during summer break.

Discover New Interests or Cultivate Talents

One of the main reasons why parents send their children to summer camp is to cultivate love or interest in a specific hobby. Whether someone is interested in sports or learning more about nature, there is a summer camp out there that will cater to specific niche interests.

How is this different from enrolling a child in a summer class? At summer camps, children are completely immersed in the experience and are spending several weeks learning about a specific interest. In a classroom, there is often a focus on several different subjects, so it’s not as activity centered, or as in-depth towards your child’s specific interest.

Develop Social Skills

Summer camp attendees are going to be interacting with their peers who have had different experiences and backgrounds. Oftentimes, there will be instances where kids have a chance to meet and talk with others, which could potentially lead to lifelong friendships.

According to Psychology Today, friendship is one of the most important aspects of a person’s life. Being able to make friends, especially in a social group setting such as summer camp, can enrich someone’s life and offer health benefits that will last for the rest of their lives. They will learn to take an interest in others and how to form meaningful connections.

Teaches Teamwork

Similar to the social aspect, learning to make friends also goes hand-in-hand with improving upon teamwork-building skills. Being part of a team and learning to navigate all the nuances of different personalities is an important life skill for anyone, especially kids. By teaching teamwork early in a summer camp setting, the child is gaining an edge both in the classroom and in life.

In addition, summer camp shows that teamwork is a positive and poignant aspect of life. Children will come to understand that teamwork is a solution, and not a barrier, to get tasks and projects done. Children will want to learn from others, and working as a team makes that easier.

Responsibility And Decision-Making

Many summer camps are sleepaway, meaning that participants will be away from home and will spend upwards of days to several weeks’ accommodation at the camp. It’s often the first time that a child is away for an extended period without their parents.

While this can seem scary, many people cite this part of summer camp as one of the most important to a child’s development. They will learn responsibility and decision-making since they cannot turn to their parent for advice while away. Of course, there are adults and counselors at the summer camp, but they will encourage the kids to make choices based on the environment and circumstances.

Promotes Self-Sufficiency and Independence

Much like learning about responsibility and decision-making, summer camps are also a wonderful way to promote self-sufficiency and independence. There is usually a set schedule for the day and activities or programs at certain times at a camp. This teaches the kids to learn how to be productive, efficient and be responsible for scheduled tasks throughout the day.

Time management and figuring out how to make it to activities is a fantastic way to cultivate a sense of independence and can help a child become better suited to the real world. Learning from experience is one of the best ways to better understand how society functions.

Time Away from Screens

Lastly, summer camps are a way to get kids away from their screens. The federal health website says most children spend a total of seven and a half hours each day with a screen, which can affect sleeping patterns and how well they do in school, productivity, and mood.

During summer camps, participants are often without any technology for extended periods of time, some with limited or no reception to access the internet. Without the distractions of a phone or tablet, children will be able to fully immerse themselves in the camp and its provided programming.

PSSA and Keystone Exams: 7 Tips for Students Preparing to Ace Their Tests

Posted on April 7, 2022April 7, 2022 by Matt Hillesland

Created to replace the Grade 11 PSSA, the Keystone exams are a core component of Pennsylvania’s high school graduation criteria. They are end-of-course tests taken by all students, whether in online schooling programs or another format, and used to determine students’ proficiency in Literature, Biology, and Algebra I.

Similarly, PSSA testing (Pennsylvania System School Assessment) is an annual nail-biter for students and educators alike. This examination is focused on determining how well students, and the schools they attend, measure up to proficiency standards in subjects like Science, English Language Arts, Technology, and Math. English Language Arts (ELA) and Math testing is required for all PA students in grades 3 through 8, while grade 4 and grade 8 students are tested in Science. The test prep suggestions discussed below for the Keystone exams work equally well for the PSSA.

Getting ready for the Keystone exams can feel stressful, leaving pupils anxious, concerned, and underprepared. But by utilizing the seven top tips below, becoming fully Keystone-ready isn’t so difficult.

1 Remember the RUN Method

While running away may be more in line with how students feel when they begin preparing for exams, RUN is an acronym designed to help them remember to:

Read — Carefully scrutinizing the instructions leaves less room for error. It’s a case of “measuring twice, cutting once.”
Underline — While reading the instructions a second time, underlining specific required actions helps affirm the question’s objective.
Note — Examinees should record any special requirements outlined by the question.

2 The Importance of Practice Papers

Practice papers work wonders to prepare students for the real deal. Achieving top marks on the day proved much easier after following a revision schedule that included working on practice papers.

Ideally, test takers should simulate the test center atmosphere as perfectly as possible. That way, they can estimate how well they cope with an otherwise unfamiliar environment.

On top of that, practice papers allow for time management enhancements. The trick is to tackle the easier questions before going back and working through the more complicated objectives.

3 Allow the Body and Mind to Rest and Recharge

Perhaps one of the most vital components of preparing for Keystone exams (or any test, for that matter) is to sleep well. Human brains and bodies cannot optimally function without a full night’s rest.

Students with ad-hoc sleeping patterns should start regulating their body clock ahead of schedule. Then, they’ll be able to sleep peacefully the nights before the exams and recall information much faster.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic put forth the following advice to achieve a healthy sleeping pattern before tests:

Go to bed and get up at the same time each day
Eat dinner at least a couple of hours before bed
Prioritize calm activities (sleeping, stretching, etc.) before bed
Regularly exercise

4 Utilize Online Study Resources

Schools across Pennsylvania post resources online for students to access for free prior to sitting the Keystone exams. While the topics are covered in detail in school, teachers encourage pupils to incorporate at-home revision into their schedule.

For effective home studying, guidelines suggest individuals consult the following websites:

Quizlet
Study Island
Pennsylvania Department of Education

5 Clothing and Food Matters

Dressing for success doesn’t mean feeling uncomfortable. Instead, tutors recommend students dress in multiple, comfy layers.

Test centers aren’t necessarily designed with comfort in mind, and pupils might grow too hot or cold. Numerous layers ensure they’re prepared for any environment, allowing them to focus easily on the task at hand.

Additionally, a nutritious breakfast is an essential part of Keystone preparation. Different foods like the following help stimulate various brain functions while satiating the body:

Berries (including strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries) — High in anthocyanins which increase blood flow to the brain, improving signaling pathways to increase memory and learning.
Eggs — Rich in vitamin B12, selenium, and choline necessary for cognitive performance.
Citrus fruits — Nutrients prevent mental decline and promote information recall.

6 A Realistic Revision Schedule Is a Must-Have

Many students set themselves up to fail by trying to stick to an unrealistic revision timetable. After all, there aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything!

Thus, pupils should endeavor to accurately work out how many hours they have free every day to revise. Then, slot in manageable revision chunks. People often find it useful to switch subjects to ensure optimal engagement throughout study sessions.

7 Customize Notes to Aid Information Recall

Different learners respond better to different revision aids. For example, some students prefer audio notes, while others love flashcards and diagrams.

Many teachers suggest color-coding to help organize and find the necessary information quickly.

The Bottom Line

By using the seven top tips above, students can appropriately prepare their minds and bodies to achieve excellence in the PSSA and Keystone exams.

How to Create a Learning Space for Cyber School Students

Posted on March 8, 2021March 8, 2021 by Matt Hillesland

Girl working on PA cyber school curriculum

The fact that PA cyber schools do not require students to leave their homes to learn gives them a level of flexibility and freedom. With this freedom comes the responsibility to ensure that their learning space has everything that they need to succeed academically. Fortunately, helping students create a learning space can be an easy and fun experience for parents. 21^st Century Cyber Charter School acknowledges that there are many ways to build a suitable space for a cyber school student and, here, they include 5 simple ways to start.

Choose the location wisely

When helping your child pick a location for their learning space, always try to ensure that it is in an area that sets them up for success. This can differ depending upon their individual learning preferences. For example, if your child prefers silent areas for schoolwork, their own bedroom or a spare room could be excellent choices. Some students work better with background noise that keeps them from feeling isolated while they work. In these instances, a space closer to others within the house may be best for their learning space. One important thing to remember is that a learning space can always be tweaked or changed if you are not seeing the best results. Do not be afraid to let your student try several spots if there is more than one suitable location in your home.

Consider the lighting

Studies show that natural light improves mood, behavior, and performance levels. For these reasons, finding ways to let light in is crucial for developing a learning space. If the location of the learning space is near a window, open the blinds to give it an inviting atmosphere. Not every space will have great access to natural light- and that is okay! It is always possible to mimic natural light with artificial lighting from LED or blue-enriched light bulbs. Whether you bring light into a room with a great lamp or by opening the blinds, you will be surprised to find how helpful it can be for creating a positive learning environment.

Provide easy access to supplies

Students of PA cyber schools will use a computer for school work, but this does not mean that they will not need access to traditional school supplies for learning. To make things easy, gather supplies such as notebooks, writing utensils, calculators, and textbooks and place them in an easily accessible spot with the learning area. Parents can also make sure that the learning space has outlets for the student’s laptop and that that internet access is strong to reduce risks of technical difficulty. Having all necessary supplies within arms reach goes a long way towards limiting distractions during the school day. This is because students will not need to leave the learning area to hurriedly search for what they need.

Make the area comfortable and personalized

Ideally, a learning space will be an area that a student feels comfortable spending time working in. Making a space comfortable involves balance. For example, if your child is not comfortable, they will likely not want to work in their space for hours at a time. On the other hand, if the space is too comfortable, they may find it difficult to fully focus on their work. One way to make a learning space perfectly comfortable is to invest in a comfortable chair with ample back support. Another way to make a learning space comfortable is to allow the student to personalize it. Allowing them to place some personal items such as framed pictures, art, a plant, or posters nearby can give them a sense of control over their workspace that keeps them motivated. Since this is an area where they will spend quite a bit of time, feeling as though it is their own can be excellent for helping them reach their academic goals.

Help keep it organized

Even the most motivated students of PA cyber schools can have difficulties keeping their learning space organized. Parents can take an active role in helping their children keep their area clean and conducive to learning without needing to stress. Perhaps the easiest way to do so is to help make sure that all materials have their own spot. It is important to remember that the simpler the method, the more likely your child will keep up with it. For example, some parents designate baskets or organizational storage to different activities and learning materials. This streamlines organization for the student as they can simply place materials back in their designated places once they are done.

While creating a learning space for your child can seem daunting at first, it is important to remember that there are several ways to do it successfully. Each student has their own individual needs that should be considered during the process, and parents should not be afraid to try multiple things to customize an area for their child. With just a little time and thought, your child will have a learning space that gives them everything necessary to succeed.

What are the Pros and Cons of Cyber School?

Posted on March 8, 2021March 8, 2021 by Matt Hillesland

PA online cyber school student raising hand on zoom call

As students moved to remote or hybrid learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents started to consider cyber school as a permanent option for their children. As with any important decision, it is a great idea to get an understanding of what the potential pros and cons are before committing. Here, 21st Century Cyber Charter School includes a list of potential pros and cons of cyber schooling for parents currently considering cyber school for their children.

Potential Pros of Cyber School

Scheduling Flexibility

One of the most popular aspects of cyber schools is the flexibility that it offers students. Students can work on their assignments at any point in the day during the week and can access their classes from any location that has internet. This means that students can read and review course material at their own pace and can account for situations such as doctor appointments or other responsibilities without derailing their work. The flexibility of cyber schooling also teaches students about important concepts such as time management.

Personalized Curriculums

Boy performing online school work and making raise the roof gesture

The customizable curriculums available at cyber schools ensure that each student receives an education tailored to their needs and interests. One reason that this approach to curriculums is important for students is because all students do not learn the same way. Some students take their time with learning and some are quick to grasp new concepts. Similarly, some students may require more assistance during lessons while some may be more independent learners. Recently there has been an emphasis on personalized curriculums because they recognize that each learning style is legitimate and foster students’ individual educational development by working to their strengths and preferences. This not only keeps students motivated in their studies, but positively impacts their educational performance as well.

Crucial Guidance from Staff

Cyber schools understand that some parents may be concerned about students not developing strong relationships with staff and work tirelessly to ensure that this is not the case. As a result, cyber schools have an excellent track record for monitoring the academic trajectory of their students, helping as needed. Students have access to academic advisors that meet with them more frequently than with brick-and-mortar schools. These advisors work with students throughout their studies to give them guidance and instruction as well as act as an educational advocate. Teachers at cyber schools also take an active role in the education of their students and are available to answer questions, provide extra help, and talk with students beyond the hours that in-person schooling requires.

Potential Cons of Cyber School

Less In-Person Interaction Time

Cyber schools do an excellent job giving students the opportunity to interact with each other, teachers, and administration. Still, because the lessons for cyber schools are online, students may have less opportunities to work with their peers in-person during school hours. While in-person interaction plays a crucial role in the social development of young people, it is important to acknowledge that cyber schools have adapted to this necessity. As a result, many cyber schools offer several opportunities to meet with other students via field trips and organized events throughout the school year.

Depends Heavily on Technology

Access to technology and the ability to use it for educational purposes is a blessing, but obstacles to schooling can arise if any of our important devices do not work as intended. For example, a student’s computer or router could fail during the school day, limiting their ability to complete assignments as expected. In some instances, a student may do have issues remembering to save their work or charging their laptops before the battery dies during learning. One positive is that the reliability of technology is increasing, and cyber schools that have been around for years have steadily improved their processes for quickly and effectively handling technical issues. The flexibility of cyber school schedules also ensures that time spent handling technical issues can be made up very easily.

Motivation May be a Concern

One of the benefits of cyber school is that it allows students to take an active role in their education. On the other side of this, however, some students may have difficulties finding their footing and staying motivated at first. For example, students that have issues with time management or difficulties remaining motivated on their own terms may need more time to fully adapt to a cyber learning environment. To keep students of all learning styles motivated and on task, cyber schools’ staff are experts at recognizing students’ patterns and academic performance, assisting before issues arise.

Conclusion

Examining the pros and cons of anything is an important step in making decisions, but always remember that what is truly considered a pro or con will depend heavily on the student. Consider that many of the potential “cons” of cyber school have addressed and adapted to by institutions, while the potential “pros” do not always ensure cyber school is the best fit.

Why Parents Should Consider 21CCCS for the 2021 School Year

Posted on October 28, 2020October 28, 2020 by Matt Hillesland

It has been over ten months since the first COVID-19 case was reported in the US. Many aspects of American’s daily lives have changed during this time, and perhaps one of the most publicized changes has been the effects COVID has had on our public school system. While many schools throughout the US decided to switch to online learning for their spring semester, some schools have chosen to reopen for their fall semester. Since then, parents have had to make the difficult decision between returning their child to an in-person learning environment or keeping their child home and enrolling them in online learning.

The 21st Century Cyber Charter School, or 21CCCS, is one of Pennsylvania’s top-performing online schools. Founded in XXX, 21CCCS emphasizes a personalized curriculum and the importance of a strong educational community. This educational method has proven successful by 21CCCS ranking within the top 8% on the College Ready Benchmark among Pennsylvania High Schools. Below, the 21CCCS will help parents decide the best learning method for their child and emphasize the many pros to an online learning experience.

Safety

An item on this list that cannot be left unmentioned is safety. At the forefront of every parent’s mind during 2020 and, potentially, the 2021 school year is their child’s exposure to the COVID-19 virus. As more studies are released discussing the dangers of in-class learning during the pandemic, parents are looking for alternative ways of keeping their child’s risk of infection low.

Lack of Disruptions

According to a University of Nebraska-Lincoln study, high school students are distracted on average during 20% of their classroom time. Frequently, students are distracted by friends, other students talking, or phone usage. A common incorrect assumption among people is that students taking online classes are more likely to use their phones without teacher supervision. However, lack of disruptions trigger self-motivation and determination in a positive way. 21CCCS understands this correlation and their Academic Advisors help mentor their students to focus on achieving their academic goals.

Focus on Technology

In a world with a growing reliance on technological advancement, the importance of students learning essential computer skills cannot be over-emphasized. Studies show that technological know-how is no longer the desired skill set in the hiring process but an expectation. To strengthen a future resume or have a greater chance at a promotion, students should learn, at minimum, Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop programs. 21CCCS understands the importance of computer literacy in the 21st-century job market and incorporates many different computer programs into their high-school curriculum as well as providing each student with a MacBook and iPad. Recently, 21CCCS was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for these programs and their commitment to innovation and academic excellence.

Standards set by Pennsylvania DOE are Daily Benchmarks for Cyber Charter Schools

Posted on October 7, 2020December 21, 2022 by Matt Hillesland

Student using laptop for online cyber school

The 2020-21 school year is one that parents and students won’t soon forget. For the first time in our lifetimes, the back-to-school tradition has been turned on its head. This is largely due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is unfortunate, but this disruption is going to cause confusion for students who typically attended in-person classes with staggered schedules. The switch to remote learning in these districts has not been without bumps in the road. Teachers and administration had to scramble to convert classrooms into online alternatives.

On the other hand, those enrolled with 21^st Century Cyber Charter School (21CCCS) have been able to continue at-home learning lessons with minimal to no interruptions. We expect to see a spike in interest in online charter schools in the coming months and years. That makes now the time to learn more about the structure of 21CCCS and other cyber charter schools. Information from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which clearly explains the Pa. cyber charter school structure, should thus prove useful to parents.

Purpose and advantage: According to the Pennsylvania DOE, the creation of charter schools was approved to provide “schools that operate independently from the existing school district structure.” These cyber schools operate under a charter and are heavily technology-based, since the Internet is used to deliver “a significant portion of curriculum” and instruction. Standardized tests are one of the few instances when a cyber charter school student would enter a supervised facility. In the era of the coronavirus pandemic, this translates to safety for both students and their families.

Clear-cut goals: A cyber charter school must meet certain benchmarks and 21CCCS is committed to quality education. The daily objectives, per Pennsylvania DOE expectations, include increased learning opportunities, the use of innovative teaching methods, new educational opportunities and “meeting measurable academic standards.” Based on standardized test scores and graduation rates, 21CCCS is proud to say that it is one of Pennsylvania’s highest-performing cyber charter schools in academics.

Efficient and effective: 21CCCS strives to provide the best education possible to every student. This is accomplished daily by dedicated professionals who instruct digital classrooms and help oversee an online student body. It’s unlike the traditional brick-and-mortar school setting, but it helps many students to thrive. 21CCCS has been able to easily pivot during the coronavirus pandemic because remote instruction has long been the standard operating procedure.

Your choice as a parent is important, but the accomplishments outlined above should make that choice clear. The Pennsylvania DOE acknowledges the difficulty of the coronavirus pandemic on children and teenagers. More information on assistance can be found here. What’s worth noting is that cyber charter schools like 21CCCS have been able to stay the course over the past seven months and continue to provide effective and engaging remote education.

Parents Should Inquire about Cyber Charter Schools as Remote Learning Popularity Soars

Posted on October 7, 2020December 21, 2022 by Matt Hillesland

Nothing about daily life in 2020 resembles the ease and convenience of 2019. We’ve all been forced to adapt and overcome. Parents have seen work schedules disrupted and children are facing a “new normal” at school. With the start of the 2020-21 school year just around the corner, cyber charter schools like 21^st Century Cyber Charter School (21CCCS) are getting more inquiries than ever. This innovative approach to education allows students to learn from home. Lessons are also administered by staff who work for one of Pennsylvania’s highest-performing cyber charter schools. This combination is ideal for parents concerned about safety and performance due to the ongoing health crisis. There’s so much to online charter schools, so let’s get started answering some frequently encountered questions!

Forming bonds: Remote learning has been surging in popularity. These digital classrooms are engaging and informative. Every 6^th through 12^th grade course administered by 21CCCS has a weekly “live” class where direct interactions with teachers and students is the norm. We enhance this offering with contact via phone, email and Virtual Office hours. Virtual Office hours are open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and until 3:30 p.m. Fridays. This provides students with the opportunity to speak with teachers and get additional instructions regarding work or to receive feedback.

Tech support: The digital classroom presents a few unique situations that brick-and-mortar schools aren’t as accustomed to. Students of 21CCCS need laptops, tablets, calculators and textbooks to effectively learn from home. Parents of these pupils will be pleased to hear that our cyber charter school provides these materials. This ensures a flexible learning environment, where parents worry less about procuring supplies and more about when classroom “quiet time” hours should be. It also relieves some financial pressure, which is a leading topic during the ongoing health crisis, and ensures that all students are on the same page using identical materials.

The return to normal: The current restrictions on large gatherings will end eventually. When they do, our cyber charter school will again be able to resume in-person social events and graduation ceremonies. These are cherished opportunities to socialize with fellow students as well as our staff and teachers. Our online clubs, which you can learn more about here, cover everything from chess and yoga to photography. Once we’re given the all-clear, 21CCCS looks forward to the annual graduation ceremony attended by family and friends. All graduating students also receive an official diploma from 21CCCS.

We put student experience at the forefront of our offerings. As remote learning becomes more common, we implore parents to consider the cyber charter school that has an impeccable academic track record. Our PSSA, PSAT, SAT, Keystone Exam and other academic rankings makes 21CCCS one of the top-performing cyber schools in Pa. What’s more, we’ve ranked within the top 8 percent of Pennsylvania high school schools scored on the College Ready Benchmark. Parents may visit this link to learn more!

3 Tips to Help Parents Find the Right School for Their Child

Posted on November 13, 2019February 3, 2023 by Matt Hillesland

One of the biggest apprehensions for parents is whether the school that their children are placed in is a good fit. Parents know that a good school can put a child on the fast track for academic and behavioral success, but many are unsure of the ways in which they can find the right school for their child. 21^st Century Cyber Charter School understands the significance of picking the right learning environment for your children and provides 3 tips for parents.

Know Your Top Qualities in a School: A good first step in finding the right school for your child is a simple one: list off your top qualities in an ideal school. A big part of looking for a quality school is possessing the knowledge and awareness of what sets them apart from schools that might not be a great match for your child. A list will also help you as a parent prioritize qualities, knowing what you are willing to budge on and what are deal breakers before you even get to the visiting stage of the school selection process.

Research Schools: Before making any big decision, it is always important to do your research in order to make the most informed decision as possible. Choosing a school for your child is no different in that regard. Take advantage of internet reviews, social media, and even word of mouth regarding schools that you believe are a potential match. Keep in mind in your search that every child and parent are different and that their views will not necessarily be your own. Still, reasonable information could and should be considered during the research process.

Visit Schools Open Houses: Visiting a schools open house is the best way to get a feel for them and establish if they are a good match for your child. Be attentive during visits and make a note of both the perceived strengths as well as challenges of the schools. Use the information gathered from visiting the open house in addition to the research that you have done online and compare. Is the feeling that you get when visiting the school like that of the reviews? Do you get a different impression of the school than what was presented online or by your friends and family? Whatever the case may be, visiting is the best way to make sure that the decision you end up making is an informed one.

Parents: How Can You Help Your Cyber Student Stay on Track?

Posted on February 6, 2017February 6, 2017 by Matt Hillesland

As a parent, you are your child’s first and foremost teacher. You play a major role in your child’s education, and your actions and behavior can really influence your child’s academic success. Studies show students succeed at higher rates when their parents are involved in their education. With your help and support, your child can maximize their potential and perform well in online school. Here are a few ways you can help your child stay on track and accomplish their goals in a virtual charter school.

Create a Comfortable Learning Space

Since cyber students aren’t in a traditional learning environment, such as a classroom, it’s important to create a comfortable study space where they can eliminate all distractions and focus all of their attention on their studies. Work with your child to determine where they can focus and learn best. Your child may perform best at home or at the local library. If your child chooses to work at home, then set up a quiet and comfortable space that’s specifically designed for learning. Here they can set up all of their equipment, including their computer and notebooks, and completely concentrate on their schoolwork.

Encourage Your Child to Get Help from Teachers

Cyber schooling vastly differs from learning in a typical classroom setting. While online students have teachers and learning coaches who are readily available to provide instruction and guidance, students need to reach out to them when they need help. At 21st Century Cyber Charter School (21CCCS), we have 56 hours of teacher availability per week (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday). Typically, students who struggle in cyber schooling are those who either aren’t putting in the six to eight hours of learning a day, or have questions but aren’t reaching out to teachers for help. Encourage your child to reach out to their teachers. We have a Virtual Office, where students can sign in and get the help they need. There is always a certified teacher available in each subject.

Monitor Your Child’s Success

At 21CCCS, parents have their own account where they can log in and see what their child has completed on any given day. Here you can also monitor your child’s grades and progress. Utilize this portal to help your child stay on track. We offer a parent orientation to teach you how to use this portal, and teachers and learning coaches are also available to help you.

Celebrate Your Child’s Accomplishments

Be enthusiastic about your child’s education and offer praise for their accomplishments. Whether they improved their test score or Aced a class, celebrate your child’s achievements to show that you’re proud of them and to motivate them to keep up the good work.

Supporting your child can help put them on the path toward success. Contact us today for more advice on helping your child succeed in cyber schooling.