FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) — Fayetteville School District’s proposed online school got unanimous preliminary support when it came before the Charter Authorizing Panel of the Arkansas Department of Education on Wednesday (Nov. 18).
The Fayetteville Virtual Academy, which is slated to be up and running by August 2016, is the first of its kind in the state, according to a press release.
“We have been a leader in the past, and yesterday we served notice in Little Rock that we are still a leader in innovation and creativity,” said Fayetteville Schools superintendent Paul Hewitt. “No one has ever submitted a proposal like ours. It is an example of what great educators can do when they work together and think outside the box. ”
The virtual school would offer online learning options for children from kindergarten through 12th grade, according to the release. These courses will give students the opportunity for accelerated learning, or will provide more flexibility for students in challenging personal situations.
The online school will come in two phases, the release states. It will begin by serving students in grades 4-8 next year, and expand to all grades by the 2019-2020 school year.
District teachers and administrators will be staffing the courses, which will be offered in the following areas: humanities, world language, fine arts, STEM, wellness, career and technical pursuits, and service to others.
Additionally, each Virtual Academy student will get a Personalized Learning Plan that covers six areas of learning, the release states.
