For Georgia parent with a disabled child, virtual school is a blessing

When Jody Curson learned about Georgia Connections Academy, she said a silent prayer of thanks.

Not only was she happy with the benefits free, public virtual charter schooling offered such as flexibility and extra teacher-to-student interaction, but virtual schooling was a bridge over her daughter’s disability.

Savanna Curson is a 2nd grade student at Georgia Connections Academy who suffers from Charcot Marie Tooth disease, an inherited disorder of the nerve system that causes progressive loss of muscle tissue across various parts of the body. Along with herself and Savanna, Jody’s three elder kids also suffer from Charcot Marie Tooth disease, affecting their hands and the stability in their arms and legs. Only 125,000 people in the United States suffer from the incurable disease.

“Often times Savanna needs to take multiple naps throughout the day just to keep her body functioning properly,” said Mrs. Curson.

As a single parent, Curson could no longer deal with the difficulty of helping Savanna control the disease in a public school setting while also trying to manage it herself along with her three other children who are currently in college.

“I learned of Georgia Connections Academy and realized how much this could help our family,” said Jody.

The school has been more than she hoped for, thanks to individualized instruction, the teachers’ constant availability, and their willingness to modify school work to meet Savanna’s energy level.

The gift: Savanna has thrived at the virtual school. The six-year-old started this school year behind in her coursework, but by October 1, she fulfilled all her 1st grade requirements and quickly began her 2nd grade semester. In just two weeks Savanna caught up to her fellow 2nd graders and is now on an advanced level in her class.

“She is an extremely bright girl,” said Jody. “Georgia Connections Academy has been absolutely phenomenal with allowing her to showcase her smarts while we manage her disability.”

Jody gladly takes on the role as the “learning coach” for her daughter: Monitoring her work, organizing her curriculum, attending online lessons, and assisting her as needed.

As a person who suffers from Charcot Marie Tooth disease herself, Jody appreciates the freedom that technology has given her and her child.

“I truly wish Georgia Connections Academy was available for me and most certainly my three other children,” Jody said. “The school has made handling this disease so much easier.”

In fact, the online school helps so much with Savanna’s progress, Jody has more time to monitor her other children with the disability, as they attend college.

“I cannot thank the school enough,” Jody said.

Georgia Connections Academy is glad to help. Principal Heather J. Robinson said, “Our purpose is to help families exceed their potential.”