This fall, the Lopez Island School District will offer an alternative to brick-and-mortar classes for area students through a statewide, public school program called Columbia Virtual Academy.

“We were researching ways to increase offerings for our students, both for our high achieving students who desire more Advanced Placement courses, and our alternative learning students who are looking for options to get core credits for graduation requirements,” said Lopez Island K-12 Principal, Lisa Shelby.

Lopez School Superintendent Bill Evans said that by joining CVA as a partner, “Lopez School will be able to host students from around the state who desire the independence and alternative learning opportunity provided by a virtual school. We are excited to be able to offer this alternative to our own Lopez Island students and to virtually open the doors of Lopez School to students around the state.”

Each CVA student has a customized Written Student Learning Plan, enabling the student to learn at his or her own pace outside of a traditional classroom. With the guidance of a Washington State Certified teacher, a parent or guardian can be highly involved in designing an educational program for his or her student’s unique learning style.

“CVA has a streamlined, high quality model that will allow us to deliver that same quality to students enrolled with us,” said Shelby.

CVA offers thousands of quality curriculum choices, guidance from highly qualified teachers, and the flexibility to accommodate diverse family circumstances to meet state educational standards. In addition, CVA is growing its Highly Capable and Special Services programs, including enhanced options for students who need to recover credits.

“CVA is glad to welcome Lopez Island to its consortium of partners who are committed to keeping virtual learning fully public,” said CVA Superintendent Dr. Mark Selle. “Superintendent Bill Evans and his staff have a deep commitment to offering quality educational alternatives to their community and will be an excellent partner.”

Lopez School is a K-12 school, with an enrollment of approximately 220 students who attend the elementary, middle school, high school, and Decatur School, a K-8 one-room schoolhouse on neighboring Decatur Island.

“Lopez School has earned a reputation for its academic rigor and accomplishments,” said Evans. “Our almost 100 percent graduation rate and attendance at post-secondary learning opportunities speak for themselves.”

Evans noted that the Lopez Lobos also excel in all their athletic endeavors (soccer, volleyball, football, golf, basketball, and track) and Lobo athletes are often selected for Northwest B All League teams.

“The Lobos consistently receive State Academic Sports awards,” he said.

CVA was founded in 2003 when the school board in rural Valley, Washington, established a program to meet the learning needs of families who, for various reasons, chose not to have their students attend a traditional brick-and-mortar school. In 2006, CVA began the partnership model, which is fully public, and serves families across Washington state. For more information, visit www.cva.org.

“We look forward to being on the cutting edge of Alternative Learning Experience options in Washington,” said Shelby.