Both schools are on course to be fully approved to open for students in 2015.
Matt Ellinwood, an education policy analyst at the left-leaning N.C. Justice Center, predicts that by the fourth year of the pilot program, each school could cost taxpayers $30 million to $45 million, depending on enrollment rates.
A charter school is publicly funded by state and local taxes, but is run by a private, non-profit board of directors. They have general autonomy from public administration, but they are free for students and offer open enrollment.
There are currently 148 charter schools in North Carolina, and two applicants are on their way to full approval — North Carolina Connections Academy, and North Carolina Virtual Academy. Both schools are subsidiaries of the for-profit companies Pearson PLC and K12, Inc., respectively.
If virtual charter schools do fit the needs of some students, such as those being homeschooled or highly competitive athletes, then UNC Assistant Director of Admissions Ashley Memory said they do not need to worry.
“We would not disadvantage a student if they took online classes,” Memory said. “We applaud options that let students have more flexibility with their coursework.”