Red Bank Catholic High School students have joined their peers around the world in virtual classes that open the door a wide variety of special interests.

“Virtual High School” or “VHS” as it is known, is the innovative portal through which some 300 courses in such wide-ranging disciplines as environmental science, academic writing and kindergarten apprentice teaching can be accessed by students said Mary Russo, associate director of RBC’s Integrated Technology Services.

Russo said that VHS is geared “to provide highly-motivated, selfdisciplined students with exposure to potential careers and the 21st century skills colleges and are expecting.”

“We are always looking for innovative ways to expand learning opportunities for students.” After researching the available schools, she recommended VHS for many reasons: “It’s a sophisticated program accredited by Middle States and the NCAA.”

Russo described the program as a “very rigorous curriculum developed to core content standards,” which is taught around the world by teachers who are required to pass the VHS teaching course and have the highest degree possible in the subject they teach.”

RBC principal Robert Abatemarco said the school started offering the virtual courses several years ago so that highly motivated students would have the opportunity to pursue areas of particular interest to them.

VHS, he said, allows RBC to offer a more extensive case load and helps in the case of scheduling conflicts. “Even if we offer a live class in one subject but the class time doesn’t fit the student’s schedule, we are still able to accommodate the student’s choice through VHS,” he said.

Russo said the approximately 300 courses are structured like discussions and because of the international population of students taking the classes, the students gain a global perspective on the topics covered.

Senior Katie Bogan completed a course in academic writing last semester and is now taking kindergarten apprentice training. Bogan said part of “our grade is how we respond to other students posts. Last semester, there were students in my class from Germany and Switzerland.”

This semester, she is spending one class per week student teaching in a kindergarten class in St. James Elementary School. “I think when I get to college, I will have a leg-up because I will already have experience in the classroom.”