Kanawha County Schools’ virtual program has exploded in popularity in the past seven years, according to a recent report. The program started in 2017 with 25 students and an annual report shows as of August, there are more than 1,700 students enrolled. Dr. Vallery Harper is the executive director of the program and told Eyewitness News that families choose virtual schooling for health reasons, travel or personal preference. Kanawha County is expecting 500 new virtual students for the upcoming school year.