Covid-19 has forever changed the concept of school choice. 

Uncertainty surrounds the 2020-2021 Lexington County school year.

New state and CDC guidelines have caused parents to find alternatives to educate their children.

Working parents seek creative solutions to keep their children safe while they are on the job.

SCStudentSpace.org is an example.

It assists parents to arrange distance learning face-to-face interaction and a place to stay during the workday. 

Concerned parents have inundate online virtual public schools, homeschools and homeschool co-ops with calls.

Dr. Cherry Daniel of SC Virtual Schools said they are experiencing 45% growth in all grades k-12.

Homeschooling has had a sharp increase in national and state popularity.

Daniel Beasly, staff attorney with Home School Legal Defense Association, said they have observed a significant increase in the number of families interested in homeschooling this fall compared to last year.

"Based on membership, the number of new families joining in June and July has tripled from last year to this year."

SC Association of Independent Home Schools has had a 25% increase in students since last year and has had a sharp rise in parents calling and asking questions.  

The Homeschool Co-op, Chapin Academy, has a 300-student waiting list. 

The popularity of micro-schools is rising.

Working parents are organizing to help each other with public school hybrid options.

Arrows Academy, a homeschool hybrid, has also become an option for many new parents.

Public school choices have virtual or hybrid options to allow some face to face time in a classroom.

School districts, teachers, and parents have had to make hard choices.

Charter and private schools that offer face-to-face instruction appeal to parents who want their children back in school.  

Visit ed.sc.gov for more information on coronavirus guidelines and updated precautions for teachers and students.