IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Budget cuts are not only hitting traditional classrooms in the state of Idaho, but also virtual classrooms.

With another click of the mouse and a few taps on the keyboard, class is in session for online junior high school student Dannah Knight.

“You’re in your own classroom, except you’re doing it from the comfort of your own home,” said Knight. “You still are learning through the textbook because you have the online textbook in front of you.”

Knight has taken a few online courses, giving her freedom to learn at her own pace.

“I like that she can do it on her own time and she can fit it around her schedule,” said mom Melissa Knight.

“I don’t have to worry about the distracting kids in the background that won’t shut up so that the teacher can continue to teach us,” added Knight.

But the freedom to take which classes Knight wants is now being capped.

“It’s hard because that is something I really look forward to because I know I can come home and I can do it,” said Knight. “But if I don’t have it, then that’s kind of a problem.”

The Idaho Digital Learning Academy is being forced to put a cap on the number of students allowed to take courses.

IDLA is sponsored by the state, which limited its budget to $5 million this next school year — a budget that doesn’t allow for growth.

For the rest of the article, go to Virtual School Facing Budget Cuts