Arizona Virtual Academy Partners with YMCA for Blended Learning

Arizona Virtual Academy, an online public K-12 school, is expanding its program for blended learning by partnering with the Valley of the Sun YMCA. Through the partnership, students will be able to attend classes while participating online at any of 17 physical learning centers across Arizona beginning in the fall semester.

Arizona Virtual Academy, the largest online public school in the state, provides a tuition-free education that includes all instructional materials and a "highly qualified teacher to to guide and track" a student's progress through his or her academic career. With the Arizona program, unlike some others, families are required to provide their own computers, though under some circumstances families may the eligible for loaner units.

Curriculum at the v irtual academy is provided by K12 Inc., which, in conjunction with the Valley of the Sun YMCA, is launching 17 "K12 at the Y i-Learn Centers," one of which will offer a full high school program. The centers will be available for students in grades 4 through 12 to access both onsite and online instruction and participate in extracurricular activities, including health and fitness activities, swimming, and other sports.

Two additional learning centers for Arizona Virtual Academy students are also launching concurrently, one at the Inspired Learning Academy in Globe, AZ and another called the Kingman Hybrid Learning Center in Kingman, AZ. Both will serve students in grades kindergarten through 12. They will also offer student enrichment programs, according to K12, including recreational activities and student clubs.

"We are excited to get the 2011 school year underway," said Megan Henry, head of school at the academy, in a statement released Monday. "This year we are thrilled to have even more options for students looking for an innovative and individualized approach to education. In addition to our core instructional program, the K12 at the Y i-Learn Centers and Kingman and Globe hybrid locations offer students expanded support and personalized learning programs in a blended model. This has enabled AZVA to meet the academic needs of even more students."

The i-Learn Centers will be available to Arizona Virtual Academy students beginning in the 2011-2012 school year. Additional details can be found on the academy's site.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • young educators collaborate with AI tools on laptops and tablets

    Survey: Younger Educators More Likely to Embrace AI Tools

    While educators across the United States agree that AI has enhanced classroom engagement, enthusiasm for AI's benefits is strongest among young teachers, according to a recent survey from learning technology company D2L.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • chart with ascending bars and two silhouetted figures observing it, set against a light background with blue and purple tones

    Report: Enterprises Are Embracing Agentic AI

    According to a new report from SnapLogic, 50% of enterprises are already deploying AI agents, and another 32% plan to do so within the next 12 months..

  • student using a tablet with math symbols dissolving into a glowing AI

    Survey: Students Say AI Use Can Reduce Math Anxiety

    In a recent survey, 56% of high school students said that the use of artificial intelligence can go a long way toward reducing math anxiety.