OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha Public Schools is set to open its first virtual school for kindergarten through eighth-grade students this month.

The Omaha Virtual School will be open to home-schooled students, giving them a mix of face-to-face instruction and online lessons.

Students participating in the free program will be given a laptop to receive instruction at home at their own pace. They’ll also be required to report in person once a week for face-to-face activities, such as science labs or field trips.

The school board unanimously approved the program last month. The district plans to hire four teachers and a student learning advocate, similar to a school counselor.

Superintendent Mark Evans says the program will avoid the pitfalls that have challenged virtual schools in other states.