AUGUSTA, Maine — A Maine panel has given final approval to a group to open the state's second virtual charter school.
The Portland Press Herald reports that the Maine Charter School Commission approved Maine Virtual Academy's contract on Tuesday. The school plans to open this fall and will have about 300 students in grades 7 through 12.
Maine's first virtual charter school opened last fall.
In virtual charter schools, students usually complete their lessons online from their homes. Maine Virtual Academy plans to have an office in central Maine for administrative staff and teachers will work from home.
Supporters say the schools benefit students like athletes with busy schedules or those who've been bullied. Critics say the local school boards can beholden to shareholders because they outsource their management to for-profit companies.