Oxford Virtual Academy

Why Oxford Virtual Academy was nominated

Oxford Virtual Academy (OVA) began 10 years ago as a virtual school, but has transformed into a true personalized learning environment that includes virtual, seated, blended, project-based, independent study, dual enrollment courses and more. Some courses use third-party vendor curriculum, but they also create custom courses for students or groups of students. The school has a drop-in learning space and offers courses with community partners. OVA has a high level of academic rigor and requires 24 credits to graduate, but they offer many options for students to get there (i.e., multiple pathways to graduation). As Janet would describe, they are like the super highway to graduation because they offer the tools and capacity for students to choose their path and pace to graduation. Their student body is made up of students from different ethnic, socio-economic, and academic levels, yet each receives a personalized program to fit their needs. For example, traditionally homeschooled students may choose to enroll with OVA because they still have control over their learning with support from certified teachers. Students who want more rigor than the traditional school enroll to move ahead faster. The school has partnerships with foster care and court programs where they provide the path for those students to continue their education. One student may take courses from three different vendors while another is taking two online courses, two college courses, an art course at a local community partner, and getting credit for a job through a work-based program. I am always amazed at the perseverance and commitment they have for each individual student. Whether a student is in kindergarten or 10th grade, they don�t have to fit into the school�s box for learning. They can create their own path with the support from OVA�s administrators, counselors, teachers, and mentors.