Botetourt County Public Schools Selects Stride Learning Solutions to Launch Division-Wide Virtual Academy

Rhea-AI Summary

The Botetourt County Public Schools (BCPS) is launching the BCPS Virtual Academy for the 2021-2022 school year, providing tuition-free online education options for families. Supported by Stride Learning Solutions, the online academy will cater to K-12 students with a standards-aligned curriculum and live instructional sessions from state-credentialed teachers. The initiative responds to a growing demand for educational alternatives, as highlighted by a survey indicating that 91% of parents favor multiple school options. Stride has over 20 years of experience in online education.

Positive

• Launch of BCPS Virtual Academy providing tuition-free online education.
• Curriculum supported by Stride Learning Solutions ensuring quality education.
• Survey shows 91% parent support for diverse educational options.

Negative

• None.

The 2021-2022 school year will welcome students from Botetourt County Public Schools (BCPS) to a new education option: BCPS Virtual Academy. The online K-12 school will offer district families a tuition-free online learning option based in their own community.

“We are proud to begin a new chapter for public education in Botetourt County,” said Dr. Jonathan Russ, BCPS Superintendent. “BCPS Virtual Academy will enable us to continue to provide the high-quality education that our students and families have come to expect, with the support of a leader in delivering online learning solutions.”

Stride Learning Solutions, a division of Stride, Inc. (formerly K12 Inc.) will provide BCPS Virtual Academy’s customized online school platform, standards-aligned curriculum, and teacher-led instruction to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

BCPS Virtual Academy students in grades K-12 will access a full course load across the core subjects of math, science, English/language arts, and history. Students will have the ability to connect with state-credentialed teachers during live instructional sessions. Outside of class time, students will have access to BCPS’s host of extracurricular activities, clubs, and student organizations.

BCPS’s decision to open a division-based online learning option comes at a time when many parents are looking for alternative education options for their kids. According to a recent nationwide survey conducted by Stride in partnership with third party research provider Qualtrics, 91% of parents agree that it’s important for their children to have multiple school options, including full-time online or a hybrid model that blends online and in-person learning.

“We are proud to support BCPS and the innovative solution they have designed for their community,” said Dr. Jodi Marshall, Senior Vice President of Stride Learning Solutions. “BCPS Virtual Academy will offer students a virtual education option that meets their unique needs, delivering a personalized education to students across the district.”

Stride, Inc. has more than 20 years of experience delivering online education to students across the country and has worked with schools and districts across all 50 states to help develop local solutions to meet personalized online and blended learning goals.

For more information about Stride Learning Solutions, visit www.stridelearning.com/learning-solutions.

About Botetourt County Public Schools

It is the mission of Botetourt County Public Schools to ensure that all students participate in quality learning experiences necessary to grow, to adapt, and to meet the challenges of responsible citizenship in a changing global society.

About Stride, Inc.

At Stride, Inc. (NYSE: LRN) we are reimagining learning – where learning is lifelong, deeply personal, and prepares learners for tomorrow. The company has transformed the teaching and learning experience for millions of people by providing innovative, high-quality, tech-enabled education solutions, curriculum, and programs directly to students, schools, the military, and enterprises in primary, secondary, and post-secondary settings. Stride is a premier provider of K-12 education for students, schools, and districts, including career learning services through middle and high school curriculum. For adult learners, Stride delivers professional skills training in healthcare and technology, as well as staffing and talent development for Fortune 500 companies. Stride has delivered millions of courses over the past decade and serves learners in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The company is a proud sponsor of the Future of School, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gap between the pace of technology and the pace of change in education. More information can be found at stridelearning.com, K12.com, galvanize.com, techelevator.com, and medcerts.com.

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FAQ

What is the BCPS Virtual Academy?

The BCPS Virtual Academy is a new tuition-free online education option for K-12 students in Botetourt County, launched for the 2021-2022 school year.

Who provides the curriculum for BCPS Virtual Academy?

The curriculum for BCPS Virtual Academy is provided by Stride Learning Solutions, a division of Stride, Inc.

What grades does BCPS Virtual Academy serve?

BCPS Virtual Academy serves students from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Why was the BCPS Virtual Academy created?

The academy was created in response to parental demand for multiple educational options, as indicated by a survey where 91% of parents supported diverse schooling options.

How does the online learning platform work?

Students in BCPS Virtual Academy will have access to a full course load and can connect with state-credentialed teachers for live instruction.