GRAND LEDGE, Mich. (WSYM) - Friday 120 students receive their high school diplomas, saying good-bye to high school but saying hello to some of their classmates and teachers in person for the very first time.
The online school, Insight School of Michigan, held a graduation ceremony at Grand Ledge High School.
FOX 47's Cryss Walker was there.
Insight School of Michigan is an online educational alternative for students who may have experienced social, medical or academic difficulties in a traditional school setting.
“It's easier just because if you're uncomfortable talking to people face to face you can talk to people online and chat so then when you finally meet them it's like you already kind of established a friendship so it’s not that hard to get used to”, said Faith Lamb.
ISMI science teacher Larry Biederman says each student has their own unique circumstance.
“Look at the opportunity that we can do for a student who has social anxiety, for a student who just needs to work at their own pace, at their own time.”
Jasmine Teutsch, who is the ISMI 2018 valedictorian says the experience mirrors home school.
“There’s only a few classes a day and you have a lot of time to work.”
Raquel Pintar said the extra time to complete assignment was helpful.
“I got pregnant, so that was a huge factor”, Pintar explained.
“It was easier for me to be at home and have quiet and actually just get to focus on my school.”
According to a 2016 case study by the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, there are 66 online schools in the state of Michigan with almost 14,000 students.
