Montgomery County Students Face Challenges as Virtual Academy Closes
Montgomery County's virtual academy closure forces students back to in-person learning. Parents express concerns about academic performance and student well-being as the new school year begins.
As the new academic year commenced in Montgomery County, Maryland, students and families faced significant changes due to the closure of the district's virtual academy. This decision, made by the school board in June 2023, affected over 700 students who had previously been enrolled in online classes.
Ameilya Coleman, a third-grader, experienced her first day of in-person schooling at Dr. Ronald McNair Elementary School in Germantown. Her mother, Barbara Galasso, expressed mixed emotions about the transition. While Ameilya appeared excited to see her friends and teacher, Galasso harbored concerns about potential bullying and the impact on her daughter's academic performance.
The virtual academy, introduced in 2021 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, provided an alternative for families hesitant to return to in-person classes. Montgomery County Public Schools, the largest school district in Maryland serving over 160,000 students, had to reconcile a budget shortfall, leading to the academy's closure.
Thomas Taylor, the new Montgomery Superintendent, acknowledged the challenges faced by families due to the abrupt closure. In a letter to parents, he apologized for the handling of the situation and proposed a hybrid program to be launched in November 2023. However, this solution would primarily cater to students with demonstrated medical needs.
"I get that it's not their preference and that there's going to be some challenges with that. Our school team is there to support our students through those challenges and their families through those challenges."
The closure of the virtual academy has particularly impacted students with special needs or medical conditions. Sterling High, a parent whose children previously attended the virtual academy, noted that the district's home and hospital teaching program is not as comprehensive as the former online option.
Montgomery County's public schools, known for their diversity with students from over 157 countries speaking 150 languages, now face the challenge of reintegrating virtual learners into traditional classrooms. This transition occurs as the county's schools, which have been operating since 1838, continue to rank among the top districts in Maryland.
As students like Ameilya adjust to in-person learning, educators and administrators must address concerns about academic performance, social anxiety, and potential bullying. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in education as schools navigate the post-pandemic landscape, balancing budget constraints with the diverse needs of their student population.
