On Orcas, students are feeling the benefits of technology through an awesome resource provided by the Funhouse Commons, in alliance with the Orcas Island School District. Orcas teens are able to take classes online in subjects as wide-ranging as Japanese, web-design, and economics from a world view. Computers have brought college level subjects right into the classroom, and island students of today have the sky as the limit.

“In higher education, it’s become more and more common for professors to utilize the internet to supplement their classes,” said Krista Bouchey Funhouse Commons director.

Credits towards certifications and degrees are now achieved through courses that operate completely through the world-wide web and access really is world-wide.

“The water that separates our island from the mainland does not in fact keep us from achieving great heights in education,” Bouchey said.

The Funhouse Commons in partnership with the Henigson Public School Student Fund offers online classes through the high school for free. More than 50 percent of students enrolled in these courses achieve an A. Online classes provide high school students with access to subjects they could not take otherwise and keeps them competitive with other students from less rural districts.

“In this technological age, online learning will continue to grow in scope as an integral and critical part of education.

“The demand for more classes and expanded subjects is steadily building, and Orcas students are reaping the rewards,” Bouchey said.

Orcas Island High School is committed in this partnership with the Funhouse Commons and the Henigson Public School Student Fund to continue to provide this opportunity.

They also provide SAT test prep, and college counseling to Orcas High School students.

For more info, contact Bouchey at 376-7177.