Cyndi Loza

Not many students can say they only walk two feet to class every morning, but sixth-grader Rebakah Williams can.

The Sun Valley resident is one of the 70 Washoe students that attends school via Internet through the Nevada Connections Academy. The state-funded school began instruction last fall for students in grades four through eight. A total of 335 students from across the state attend the school.

“You get to have a lot of fun because after you’re finished studying you can call your friends and ask them if they want to play,” said Rebakah, 12.

Principal Carol White said the program’s flexibility appeals to parents, too.

“It’s a phenomenal program,” White said. “The students have the flexibility to work at their own pace and at their own ability level, which really appeals to families.”

Rolynda Williams, Rebakah’s mother, said Rebakah was reading at a third-grade level entering sixth grade. Because of the individual attention the program gave Rebakah, Williams said her daughter now reads at a seventh-grade level.

“I think my kids have learned more this year than they have in the five years at Esther Bennett Elementary School,” said Williams, who had her children enrolled in Bennett last year. “This is by far the best school I’ve been involved with. Sure, you don’t get that one-on-one with the teacher every day, but they can have it if they want it.”

Williams said her daughter, Rebakah, and two other children attend the virtual school from their Sun Valley home. Each student has their own computer and a free computer and printer are provided by the school. Textbooks, school supplies and school equipment also are provided by the program.

However, no one can replace teachers, Williams said. Students report to teachers consistently through live chat lessons, e-mails and phone conversations. Williams said parents or guardians are “learning coaches,” which means their job is to monitor what the students are doing and determine whether they need help.

“They’re not up there having a free-for-all on the Internet,” Williams said. “I’m always popping my head in (their rooms) to say ‘What are you doing? Do you need help?’ And as a learning coach, I have to do that.”

Next year, the school will be available for Nevada students in grades four through 12.

The school adheres to the same health requirements as most public schools.