PENN HILLS, Pa. -- Sen. Rick Santorum, a Penn Hills homeowner, spends most of his time in Washington, D.C. But it doesn't mean his kids go to school there.

Santorum's children log on to a Web site every day and enter a virtual classroom -- the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, based in Midland, Beaver County.

"A cyber school fits my family perfectly because of the traveling that I have to do and the amount of moving around that I have to put my kids through," Santorum said Monday.

Not all of Santorum's Penn Hills neighbors are so enthusiastic.

Cliff Stewart, who lives three houses down from Santorum, says it isn't fair that his taxes pay for the education of Santorum's children when they really live in Virginia.

"I would definitely say it isn't right," Stewart said. "I didn't know that we were paying for his education. I know he doesn't live here."

But as long as Santorum maintains his modest house as a residence in Penn Hills, the school district is required to pay for his kids' charter school education.

In October, the Penn Hills School District board criticized the arrangement in a statement.

"It is the board's belief that the charter school law, as it currently exists, does not adequately address the economic impact that results from the diversion of tax dollars to any charter school," said the statement.

Nick Trombetta, CEO of the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, says he thinks those who criticize Santorum are motivated by politics.