KOIN Portland
Click here to view video of the rally.

SALEM, Ore. (KOIN) — More than 8,500 Oregon students get their education online. It’s a growing trend with a student population that has doubled over the past 5 years.

Kids and parents rallied in Salem Wednesday for the support and continued funding of virtual public schools. Cost of the online charter schools are covered by the state.

There are 13 virtual public charter schools in Oregon, which are operated by certified teachers and held to government accountability standards. Teachers communicate with students and parents often, both through email and by phone.

Parents at the rally say the online schools have worked for their family and they hope for continued support from lawmakers.

“We were not happy with the education they were receiving in the brick and mortar public schools,” says Terri Ramos. “This way they can work at their own level, they can both excel. Now they are honor roll students. She’s a 4th grader but doing 5th and 6th grade work.”