Are Virtual Schools More Cost-Effective Compared to Traditional, Brick-and-Mortar Schools?

Authors

Michael Barbour, Sacred Heart UniversityFollow

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2012

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the growth of virtual schooling has been extensive. Virtual schooling is often described in terms of being either a supplemental or full-time program. Supplemental programs, generally associated with virtual schools, are those where a student is enrolled in a brick-and-mortar or traditional school with a physical location and the school allows the student to enroll in one or more online courses as a way to supplement their curricular offerings. This is common in schools with smaller student populations or in schools where the student demand does not warrant a wide range of elective courses. In contrast, full-time student programs, often described as cyber schools, are those where the students complete all of their courses in an online environment.

Comments

ISBN 9781412987592

Recommended Citation

Barbour, Michael K. "Are Virtual Schools More Cost-Effective Compared to Traditional, Brick-and-Mortar Schools?" Technology in Schools: Debating Issues in American Education. Ed. K. P. Brady: Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2012.