Sandusky Digital Learning Center opening this fall

SANDUSKY — Sandusky Schools students will have a new learning option available to them this fall. Beginning the 2020-21 school year, Sandusky Digital Learning Center will serve students in kindergarten through high school and adult students. The school, previously called Sandusky Digital Academy, served only high school students and adults 22 years old and older needing to retake high school courses to graduate. "We wanted an option for kids that didn't want to be in a normal brick-and-mortar school," coordinator Sherry Smith said. With COVID-19, "Some parents don't want their kids back in buildings, but want to keep them within the district. We're trying to be a great resource to the community." When school starts later this year, SDLC students will be able to receive instruction from home with teachers leading lessons. They'll use EdMentum, an online learning platform, for their assignments. Sandusky Schools will supply a computer to any enrolled students who need one. "They'll also be able to go online at specific times to ask their teachers questions," Smith said. "They'll have the opportunity to go back into normal buildings at each semester." The additional benefits: Students can complete assignments at any time of the day, but with deadlines still in place. And, pending good grades, they can continue to participate in their extracurricular activities. When students are allowed to return to in-person learning, they'll go to Sandusky Digital Learning Center's new home at 617 Jackson St., not far from its former location, 314 W. Madison St. The Regional Center for Advanced Academic Studies occupied the Jackson Street location for many years and will move to the former Adams Junior High at 318 Columbus Ave. The moves coincide with the opening of Sandusky Schools' two new buildings, Sandusky Intermediate, for grades 3-6, and Sandusky Primary, for first and second grades, later this summer. For more about the Sandusky Digital Learning Center, call Smith at 419-984-1060. Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhood