When Amanda Alvarez is not reading a favorite fantasy novel at home ... she's taking an online course at Clovis East High School. "I'm learning a lot about computers! What not to do and what to do," she said.
Alvarez is one of 350 Clovis Unified students participating in Fresno County's first full time online Summer program.
Junior Gabby Lee said: "There's really no time schedule. You can work on your own schedule so it's really convenient."
"You can take your laptop everywhere and do it on the go," said Senior Lokesh Vishvakarma.
Each student here is trying to get ahead of the academic curve ... and they're doing so at a fast pace. They can only take one of six courses like history or geography ... that's because 180 days worth of classes have been packed into six-weeks.
Principal Rob Darrow said this program is saving the school money. "We have one building with one space where students can come and work and teachers can come in an work as needed. There aren't the classroom and the electrical costs."
Anytime a student signs on to their computer from home for class a log is kept at the school's computer. And anytime that student has a question they can chat with the teacher via instant message.
Believe it or not P.E. is one of the courses offered here.
"It's like a traditional health class where they're going to do a lot stuff on cardiovascular fitness and flexibility but then they'll keep an exercise journal with them," said coach Mike Cooper.
Kids then input the data. "I saw the more time these kids spent on Facebook, the more time they spent on MySpace. I mean they're spending hours on that thing so to incorporate with fitness and what they're doing online I think it's a perfect fit," said Cooper.
Based on its popularity so far school officials plan to add even more classes next Summer.
