The Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 changed school last spring and continues to affect students this school year. Beginning in the fall, Wakeland students had the choice of coming on campus to learn or staying home and learning through the Virtual Academy. 

“I switched to online because I was very concerned over the virus. I overall felt uncomfortable with the environment of the in-person school and I really felt like I was learning in the first three weeks of online school,” junior Taylor Fujihara said.

Some students like it better at home, but on campus and in physical classes are where most students’ grades are flourishing.

“I came back because I didn’t really learn online and I think that it is a lot easier to learn and focus in school and in-person,” sophomore Lauren Bengis said.

Students have very legitimate reasons for their learning environment choices – some left campus because they felt uncomfortable with the environment, and some returned because they learn better in the physical classroom.

“When the first switch was available there was an equal amount of student who came back and kids who left, but most of the students who have come back to campus have done much better here than at home,” Assistant Principal Mrs. Sully said.

November 13 was the most recent deadline for parents and students to choose face to face or Virtual Academy. The new learning platform changes go into effect for the third nine weeks beginning on Jan. 5, 2021.