Online schools greatly beneficial

APRIL IS Autism Awareness Month. Thanks to New Mexico Virtual Academy, I have watched my daughter excel academically as a student on the autism spectrum. I enrolled Heather into NMVA after a rough fifth-grade year. She struggled with social interactions and I felt uncomfortable sending her to middle school, where none of her teachers would know her. I taught at a K-12 partner school before Heather was born, so I was aware of the high quality of education offered at NMVA before enrolling her.

Online school is great for students on the spectrum because it can be adapted to fit their needs. NMVA allows Heather to work in a comfortable environment; she can do schoolwork at her own pace, and her sudden movements or noises don’t disturb other students. Heather has also noticed her social interactions have improved. She used to spend most of her day trying to interpret people’s body language, which would exhaust her. Now that she no longer has to do this, she is able to actively participate in social settings.

The teachers at NMVA are easily accessible and always willing to help. I am able to email or call them, and any time Heather sends an email to a teacher, I get a copy. Additionally, Heather’s individualized education plan allows her to receive special education services.

Heather is now a freshman at NMVA and loves to learn. She has improved immensely in her schoolwork and will be starting dual enrollment classes with a local community college next year. For any parents with students on the autism spectrum who are seeking an alternative education option, I encourage you to explore online learning. I am so grateful to NMVA for bringing Heather out of her shell!

JULIE DONAHUE Roswell