LOUISVILLE, Ky. — This school year isn’t over yet, but the Christian Academy School System is already planning ahead to next year by offering a full-time virtual learning option.
Darin Long, Superintendent of Christian Academy of Louisville tells Spectrum News 1, "Education is going to look a lot different. Brick and mortar education is changing and we knew that as early as five years ago."
With all the uncertainty the pandemic has brought to education, one thing is making the Christian Academy School System motivated about the future.
"Today we are excited to announce the launch of a brand-new campus, The Christian Virtual Campus," said Long.
On Wednesday, Long announced it's making its first, virtual campus, a permanent offering to K-5 students.
"About 12 or 13 months ago the pandemic forced us into virtual instruction without warning. As difficult as it was, what it did show us is our teachers, our support personnel, and our infrastructure was ready," explained Long.
4th and 5th grade teacher Morgan Longtine says the virtual campus will bring personalized approach to learning, combining live instruction each day with the social aspect, from the comfort of their homes.
"Whether it’s math or science, spelling or grammar and building those relationships with that kid really engages them and gets them really hooked into the learning process," suggested Longtine.
The school system has actively been offering an online learning option to around 70 to 80 students through their homes since last fall in response to the pandemic.
Now, Christian Academy is expanding enrollment nationally and internationally to serve families anywhere in the world by supporting their academic learning.
"We’re excited to have this opportunity to expand our Christian Academy footprint and to meet the needs of families regardless of where they live," explained Christian Academy Virtual Campus Elementary Principal Sara Osborne.
Students involved in remote learning will follow a daily schedule just as they would in a brick and mortar school.
"Throughout the day we have small groups where we meet and talk about our math concepts and the reading things that we’re learning to build student skills and to personalize their education," explained Longtine.
"We’re going to see where God takes this program, but we're here to serve," added Long.
Future plans to expand the virtual campus to middle and high school students will be developed and offered at a later date.
Families interested in enrolling in the Virtual Campus and getting details about the application process, tuition schedule, tuition assistance, can find more here.