Devin and Isabella, fellow fifth graders, connected in class three years ago. Unlike other elementary school friends, however, these two live 130 miles apart. Their special bond was enabled by their enrollments in Agora Cyber Charter School, headquartered in King of Prussia.

Despite her home in Green Lane and his in Newville, Pa. (near Shippensburg), the two hang together after their online classes almost daily.

Their bond has a foundation in academics; Devin tutored Isabella 1:1 on fractions last year.

But an adventurous spirit also links them. They even tried to run away from home together, virtually. Each retreated to woods near their respective homes with a supply of Kix cereal.

The friendship has brought their families together as well. Both mothers find comfort in seeing that an online education — sometimes characterized as distant and cold — can produce such solid connections, in addition to knowledge.

“Agora gives a chance to learn all kinds of different ways including things that will be meaningful in the future,” said Kindsey, Isabella’s mom.

As for Isabella and Devin, she says of him: “[He’s] the coolest kid in the class.”

But his thoughts on her are deeper: “This friendship means a lot to me. I learned to be more open to others. I was always hiding in the corner of class, and this brought me out of my shell.”