This school year, more than 750 students have participated in one of the three district online programs. Parents who home school may opt for their elementary and middle school students to participate in Vancouver Home Connection Virtual. For high school students, the options include Vancouver Internet Connection where students can take online classes to address conflicts in their regular high school schedule, or the Virtual Academy where students enroll in a comprehensive academic program.

The Virtual Learning Academy is a fulltime alternative high school for students who, for various reasons, aren’t able to attend a brick and mortar school. Students enrolled may have family obligations that require them to work fulltime, or some may be hospitalized for extended periods of time. One student registered for the Virtual Academy is an actor whose schedule requires him to travel.

During its first year of operation, the Virtual Learning Academy has grown from zero to 200 fulltime students. While the online course delivery is non traditional, the program is structured. New students are enrolled through a one-on-one meeting with academy staff, and a personalized education plan is developed. Once enrolled, students meet in person with a teacher at least once a week and participate in weekly lab sessions.

With the option of an online education through the Virtual Learning Academy, learning can go virtually anywhere!

For more information, contact Steve Lindblom, Director, Vancouver Home Connection and Virtual Learning Academy, Vancouver Public Schools, 360-313-4990, steve.lindblom@vansd.org.