By Linda Stinnett

 Two informational sessions have been set this month for those who have an interest in virtual classes through local schools.

The first will be held Tuesday, July 17, at 6:30 p.m. The second will be on Wednesday, July 25, at 9 a.m. Both will be in the Derby Public Library’s Community Room.

Derby Public Schools offers virtual classes with a kindergarten through 12th grade curriculum and enrollment is under way. The two meetings have been designed for those who have thought about virtual schooling, but still have questions, according to Cynthia Wentworth, community marketing director.

“This offers a more casual environment and a way to find out if the classes are right for them,” she said.

The meetings will include a presentation on local virtual classes, including a walk-through of what a typical course might include. Questions will be taken from the audience at the end of the presentation and course catalogs will be available.

Derby Public Schools now offer virtual classes which are based on age-appropriate material and designed for all students.

For example, Wentworth said they may be for those who never graduated from high school and want to go back and complete their credits. 

“It’s not a GED, it’s an actual diploma,” she said.

It also offers opportunities for home school students; students who wish to graduate early and want to take a few classes and get ahead; an opportunity for a current student to take a specific class which may not have worked into their personal schedule at school; or for a student who has missed school due to illness and wants to make up his or her work.

“There are just all kinds of options,” Wentworth said. “This is for anybody inside or outside the school district.” 

Derby has offered virtual classes for some time at the secondary level, but only recently added all class levels, she said.

For additional information, the public is encouraged to attend one of the meetings. Information can also be found at www.k12local.com/derby, by email at virtuallearning@usd260.com or by calling 788-8434.