Downey Unified announces virtual academy option for students

Photo courtesy California Federation of Teachers.

DOWNEY — During Tuesday’s Downey Unified Board of Education meeting, it was announced that the district will be launching a new online virtual academy in August. 

This free online learning academy will be available to incoming seventh through 10th grade students who are interested in online and dual-enrollment education as well as extracurricular options.

During the meeting, the district shared that there were many lessons learned during last year’s experience with distance learning, stating that “although online learning was tough for many, this academy will focus on serving families and students who felt that this model is the right fit for their educational goals and learning styles.”

The virtual academy is an independent study model providing students with a 21st century education and rigorous curriculum with the added freedom to design their own schedule. Virtual academy students will learn real-world skills such as time management, self-motivation, and communication while managing their coursework throughout the week, district officials said. 

Additionally, virtual academy ninth and 10th grade students will have the ability to enroll in up to two courses at Downey or Warren High School. These two courses include partaking in Downey Unified’s various Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways as well as the campus’ athletics and extracurricular options such as band and visual performing arts. 

Like most Downey Unified schools and programs, there is no tuition fee for the virtual academy. Additionally, enrolled students will receive a computer on loan and Internet stipends (if requested) to help them participate in the Virtual Academy.

Students who are self-learners and motivated to finish assignments without prompting will find that the Virtual Academy provides an increased level of one-on-one guidance. With self-paced learning, students decide when guidance is needed and when they can move through a lesson without additional help. For some students, this individualized assistance is key to their academic success. While teachers, advisors and counselors will check-in regularly to make sure students are on track and excelling, students can also request meetings with their support team and will receive personalized guidance related to graduation requirements, college preparedness and much more.

“Online learning requires dedication, commitment, and self-discipline, but those who prefer this model of education will thrive in our virtual environment and enjoy its many benefits,” shared Superintendent Dr. Garcia. “As we look to the 2021-22 school year, the students and families who desire to enjoy a globally competitive 21st-Century education virtually will be able to do so within Downey Unified.”

Although enrolled students may participate in the Virtual Academy almost exclusively online, a welcoming Student Lounge & Resource Center will be available to virtual learners during the school week at Downey Unified’s Pace Education Center located in Bellflower. This lounge will be staffed and provide a space where students can interact with peers and teachers in an environment conducive to their online learning experience.

Traditionally, online learning programs have been beneficial to many types of students who favor a flexible educational schedule such as those who are: athletes, accelerated learners, in the performing arts, homeschooled, working, college-bound or needing individualized attention.

Families with students grades seventh through 10th who are interested in learning more about Downey Unified’s Virtual Academy are encouraged to visit web.DUSD.net/virtualacademy and fill out an online interest form to get updates about registration and program details.