Saved Schools

Virtual Learning Academy

Virtual Learning Academy, nominated by Center on Reinventing Public Education and Clayton Christensen Institute, is a elementary/middle/high school in Exeter, New Hampshire that describes itself as a public charter school serving learners from a primarily urban/suburban/rural area.

Location Exeter, New Hampshire

Governance Public charter school

Grades Elementary, Middle, High

Students 10000

Locale Suburban

CEO Steve Kossakoski

Demographics

Percentage of students*

1%

English Learners

10%

Free/Reduced Lunch

13%

Students with Disabilities

African American or Black 1%

American Indian/Alaska Native

Asian 2%

Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

Hispanic or Latino 4%

White 90%

2+ Races 3%

Why Virtual Learning Academy was nominated

With online learning as the backbone, VLACS is now starting to scale offline 'experiences' during which students accrue CBE credits through real-world work with regional partners. The vision appears to take some of the best of online (flexibility, anytime anywhere, virtual educator relationships and performance assessments) while also unlocking F2F experiences that directly match with students' interests and allow for career exploration., VLACS is a pioneer in the virtual education space matching student activities to student goals through innovative approaches, including mastery-based grading, flexible schedules, and blending college and career preparation.

Student experience design

Customizable learning with one-to-one support from a caring teacher.

Core Practices

Core Practices Length of Use

Student Advisories

5+ years

Competency Framework

5+ years

Students Earn Industry Credentials

5+ years

Multiple Opportunities To Demonstrate Mastery

5+ years

Self-paced Learning

5+ years

All Practices

Advancement On Mastery

AI For Teacher Productivity

Assessments For Career Readiness

Blended Learning

Career Prep And Work-based Learning

Community And Business Partnerships

Competency/mastery-based Education

Early College High School

Extended Learning Opportunities

Extended Learning Time

Grading Policies Focus On Mastery

Individual Learning Paths

1:1 Mentoring

Multi-age Classrooms

No Tracked Classes

Project-based Learning

Student-led Goal Setting

Students Develop Projects

Tutoring

key reasons for innovating

Increase student agency

Date Updated: 4/1/2025

*Canopy profile data is self-reported or sourced from NCES data, then verified by school leaders.