Tamaqua Area School District approved a virtual learning environment agreement to bring students back to the district from charter schools.

The school board, on a 7-0 vote Tuesday, approved the agreement with VLN Partners in Pittsburgh to supply a virtual learning environment at the cost of $18,750.Superintendent Ray Kinder said VLN will provide a full K-12 online learning option, and the classes will follow a curriculum aligned to PA core standards.He said that through the program, students will have a chance to receive their education inside their home environment, while still being associated with the district's school system so that they may be eligible for the unique opportunities that are available to the district's students.Kinder said the one-year agreement enables the district to provide a quality online curriculum with the benefits of being a Tamaqua student.The district has about 70 charter students.