Virtual Academy Program Thriving at Pali High

JENNIKA INGRAM | Reporter

Palisades Charter High School’s Virtual Academy has blossomed over the past decade, according to information shared during a presentation at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, February 11.

The purpose and goal is “to provide a PCHS critical thinking 21st century curriculum for students that are unable to attend a traditional classroom,” according to a handout.

After eight years, the program has grown from 12 students to 72 enrollees in 2020.

“Mainly our purpose is to serve the students that can’t make it to a traditional classroom for one reason or another and to make sure they have a rigorous educational curriculum,” said Randy Tenan-Snow, a teacher at Pali High who coordinates the VA.

“This is an independent study program. I think that’s really important to understand,” Tenan-Snow explained. “So that means the students are independently teaching themselves and learning. They happen to use an online curriculum, that’s what makes it virtual.”

It is an independent online study program within Pali High, as opposed to a school within a school. In order to participate, you must be a student enrolled at Pali High.

Students have to take 80% of their courses online and if they choose to, they can take 20% in the classrooms.

The program makes an effort to maintain diversity. It also includes 504 and IEP students.

The Virtual Academy has a pacing plan: Students must log in and complete their assignments on a schedule. There are on-campus seminars and science labs.

“The program is organized to provide students equal access for A-G University of California approval, Academic State Standards and NCAA status,” according to the handout.

Courses offered are approved for UCs and there are some Advanced Placement classes, as well as several electives and world languages, according to Tenan-Snow.

“And although we offer everything, it doesn’t mean that every one of those courses is being accessed,” Tenan-Snow added. “So we do offer Advanced Placement courses … so there are students who can handle a rigorous curriculum independently and there are students who cannot.”

Tenan-Snow explained that there are standards in place for that, with one standard being that students are expected to take the AP National exam at the end of the year.

Classrooms are open all day long, and teachers are available for students if the students choose to come in or for seminars or labs.

Tenan-Snow shared that the program has had a 100% graduation rate since the second year, with 70% of students being accepted into a four-year college over the past year.

Many athletic students have gone through the program, such as an Olympic trials figure skater, NCAA tennis players, volleyball players, ice hockey players, rowers and gymnasts.

This is an opportunity and they can pursue their other goals, Tenan-Snow concluded: “For a lot of students, this is a path they need for them.”