Virtual Academy To Launch In Iowa

  • By Mike Hohenbrink
  • 01/25/12

The Clayton Ridge Community School District, based in Guttenberg, IA, will team with curriculum and online education provider K12 to launch a statewide virtual academy in the fall.

The Iowa Virtual Academy (IAVA) will serve students in grades K-6 beginning with the 2012/2013 school year and then is planned to expand to serve middle school and high school students in the coming years.

Applications for enrollment are currently being accepted during Iowa's open enrollment period, which ends March 1, 2012.

K12, which currently provides online educational services in more than 2,000 districts across the country, will provide curriculum, technology, and support services as part of the agreement with the district.

Individualized learning programs will be provided for students enrolling in the academy with instruction provided by teachers certified under Iowa's Department of Education. The virtual academy will be geared toward students with special needs, advanced learners who might not be adequately challenged, and other learners who have not performed well in traditional classroom settings.

Instruction will consist of real-time classes online as well as one-on-one sessions and be designed to take advantage of the greater flexibility and personalization possible in a virtual setting.  

In addition to their time with teachers, students will also interact daily with parents or guardians who will serve as learning coaches, and a variety of events outside the classroom will be offered including field trips and extra-curricular activities. 

Student learning will be monitored through the Iowa Assessments as well as all other state and district accountability standards and requirements.

"The Clayton Ridge Community School District is excited to offer the Iowa Virtual Academy to students and families in our state," said Allan Nelson, superintendent of Clayton Ridge Community School District. "There is a strong need for personalized learning programs that can reach children in new ways and help them succeed. We believe IAVA will be an excellent option for families and a success for students."

More on IAVA is available at K12.com/iava. Information on the Clayton Ridge Community School District can be found at claytonridge.k12.ia.us. Visit k12.com for more information about K12.

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