OLATHE, Kan. -- Some students in the Olathe School District are using the Internet to create more time for learning, KMBC's Bev Chapman reported Tuesday.

The district started its eAcademy program several years ago, expecting homeschoolers and home-bound students to enroll. However, some of the district's in-school students are also using the program to complete core subjects, leaving more room for them to use its 21st Century Program.

"Our 21st Century Program offers sports medicine, e-communications -- we have culinary arts in another school," said Randy Warner, with Olathe eAcademy.

Alex Silva, 17, said the 21st courses have added a new dimension to his schoolwork. He's studying game design and animation through the program, which takes a big chunk of time.

"To be able to stay in this and work at the same pace as everyone, I took a class over the summer," Silva said.

"In essence, those kids are adding an eighth hour to their schedule, and we counsel them very closely to make sure they can handle the extra time," Warner said.

Silva hopes his Internet coursework will lead to advance placement at a college or technical school.

To learn more about the 21st Century Program, click here.

E-Mail: Contact Bev Chapman