This year nearly 400 students enrolled in its program, more than double compared to last year. For most Internet schools, the monthly tuition is under 200 U.S. dollars. Students around the world can participate as well. Jonnie Ford is an instructor for the Christa McAuliffe Academy. They're students from China, Egypt, England, Malaysia, India, Central America and other nations.
Some critics point out that home-schooled students have little chance to mingle with other children.
But home-schooling advocates like Garret's mother, Myra, say that's an unnecessary worry. Some Internet schools like Willowaya, where Garret is enrolled, require students to volunteer 100 hours of community service per year. For a growing number of Internet students, cyberspace is their classroom, and the Internet is their road to knowledge. This trend may have a significant impact on education in the so-called Internet revolution era of the 21st century.