Staff writer

dkeller@observer-reporter.com

Pamela Schleicher watched as her son's grades fell in seventh grade.

Joseph was bullied. His mother didn't feel like his individual plan required by federal law because of his Asperger's syndrome was being implemented completely by Trinity Area School District.

And each morning, Joseph begged his parents not to send him to school.

Yet for a while, she and her husband, Joseph, still sent him because they were concerned that he wouldn't have the proper socialization if he were in a cyber school. And, Pamela Schleicher says, there were some wonderful teachers who tried to help.

But the Schleichers questioned what the best way to facilitate their son's learning would be.

"That's what school is supposed to be," she said. "We are responsible for making sure his educational needs are met so he can be a productive citizen."

The couple, with their son's agreement, enrolled him in Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School last year.

"Joseph has absolutely flourished in cyber school," Pamela Schleicher said.

He's pulling down straight As, he's ahead of schedule this year because he can work at his own pace and he's not having problems with misplacing homework or books.

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