Going the extra mile to ensure the academic success of all students
For public charter school Visions In Education, success is built on the foundation that education should be tailored to the needs of each student. From its trademarked LPAD Student Support System (LPAD SSS) online portal, to access to community college classes to complement its high school curriculum, the free non-classroom-based school is giving its learners a unique opportunity to succeed in their academic journey from the safety of home.
“We focus on our students individually because a one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn’t work, and families want public school options,” says Dr. Steve Olmos, Superintendent and Executive Director of Visions In Education.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the tuition-free public school serves more than 7,200 students that benefit from a highly personalized and flexible alternative to the traditional school setting for a variety of reasons. Visions In Education offers students from nine counties in Northern California four learning options. These are the Home School Academy for transitional kindergarten to 8th graders, a new Online Middle School program for grades 7 and 8 and the University Prep Early College and Independent Study academies, both for 9th to 12th graders.
Visions’ student-centered approach ensures all students, from those who wish to incorporate a two-year AA degree program from a community college to those who need a focused credit recovery approach, can find success. Visions leverages technology by providing free Chromebook laptops for high schoolers, online learning systems and access to Wi-Fi. Collaboration between credentialed teachers and parents/families is baked into Visions’ DNA and a key to student success. To ensure the overall wellbeing of its learners, Visions In Education has hired more counselors, social workers and support staff to reduce caseloads and better meet students’ social-emotional needs. Additionally, they offer in-person community events and over 50 student clubs.
“We’re always looking to be nimble and purposeful about how we can provide quality programs that our students and families want and deserve and that prepare students for their preferred future,” Olmos says.
Learn more about Visions In Education at viedu.org
