Six of 10 top virtual programs ran in red, state report says
OLYMPIA — Most online programs are losing money.
Six of the 10 top online schools ran in the red last year, according to a state report released last month. The biggest debt was about $527,000 at Spokane Virtual Learning, followed by iQ Academy of Washington run by Evergreen Public Schools, at $494,000.
Insight School of Washington, one of the biggest and oldest online high schools in the state, was the most profitable, netting $653,000 in 2008. Executive Director Jeff Bush said it takes a certain number of students to break even and most online programs are new.
“The starter costs are substantial,” Bush said. Staff, curriculum development and the platforms that make online education possible all come at a cost. “There’s an investment into the educational process that nobody realizes.”
In order to claim student funding, online schools must meet several requirements, including weekly teacher-student contact and proctoring for exams.