Name of your website?PACyberSchoolers
Your name?
Trish & Gladys, moderators
Your Location (city, etc)
Statewide throughout PA
Please give us a short summary of your website?
Pennsylvania Cyberschoolers was formed in September, 2005 by parents, for parents, to share information about public cyber charter schools in our state. PA Cyberschoolers is an organization for families already enrolled in one of the public cyber schools in Pennsylvania as well as families considering doing so. Our discussion group (and eventually our website) is a place to support each other, to share information, to learn more about the world of virtual public education, and to get information about ALL of our state's cyber schools. It's a great place to help you compare and contrast your educational options. We offer perspective and insight from families "in the trenches" who can help you get a feel for what teaching through a public virtual charter is like.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
Was looking to share ideas and information about K through 12 education in PA.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
Launched in September 2005. It's a discussion group for parents of students in cyber schools in PA (grades K through 12) and for any families interested in learning more about cyber schooling.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
The name reflects what the group is about.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
It's not run by any of the schools. It's a parent-run group. Asking questions on this group is like getting feedback on Ebay...you're talking to insider families who already have students attending one of the 11 cyber schools in PA.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
To educate PA residents about cyber schools and choice in public education.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
Cost is free. It's heartwarming to see so many helpless/hopeless/frustrated parents find out that they DO have a choice!
What information do you provide?
We have links to all of the existing cyber schools in PA. Also a spreadsheet comparing all of the schools (which includes the four upcoming schools currently applying for a charter in PA). In addition, we have links to a wide variety of websites on cyber schooling, parent support groups, special education, cyber school advocacy groups, a list of the upcoming spring/summer information sessions being given throughout the state by each school, and more. Chatting with parents on here will get you information about ALL of the public cyber schools, home schooling options, IEP, GIEP, etc. This site is one-stop shopping if you are looking for information about the available options for K through 12 public education in PA.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Add moderators if needed.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Mostly word of mouth so far.
How can people join?
Send a blank email to PACyberSchoolers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PACyberSchoolers and click the Join button.
What is your website address?
PACyberSchoolers
