My oldest son experiences a disability. He started school and very quickly was spending almost his entire day in a “self contained classroom.” He began to wilt. My child, who could use scissors and write his name, suddenly wouldn’t even hold a pencil. It didn’t get better. We had 10-plus meetings with the school staff in his second-grade year. The largest meeting was 12 professionals, most of whom had never met my student. We transferred to a different school, we had more meetings. In fourth grade we filed a state complaint; we went through mediation.

In sixth grade he moved to a private school but without IDEA protections they could decide that they couldn’t support him. We then chose traditional homeschool. That’s the year I learned about virtual public charter schools. We signed him up for 7th grade. That was 5 years ago and we haven’t looked back. I’m able to provide the support he needs while being supported by licensed teaching staff. They help us choose curriculum and they maintain his IEP. He gets the speech therapy he needs through the school.

He’s 17 now and on track to graduate with a modified diploma. That wouldn’t be possible without virtual public charter schools. As we celebrate National School Choice Week I’m grateful for the opportunity to choose the education option that meets my son’s needs.

Stepanie Widler

Redmond