Pathways to success. Idaho Virtual Academy provides online alternative for local students.

Confronted with crowded school hallways, huge class sizes and worries over student behaviors, Rebecca Klaeui knew there had to be a better way to get her kids the education she wanted them to have. 

She found it in the Idaho Virtual Academy.

“I had always wanted to do home schooling, but I didn’t feel confident at first that I would be able to personally provide them with an excellent education,” said Klaeui. “The Idaho Virtual Academy is a public school that allows the student to work online from home. IDVA provides the tools and support for my family. It has been a life changing experience for us.”

Klaeui’s three daughters, Caitlin, Maia, and Silvia, love the Idaho Virtual Academy, a tuition-free, online public school for students in grades (K-12). IDVA students across the state receive individual instruction both online and offline from credentialed IDVA teachers who use the curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc.

“I really like science,” said Maia Klaeui, who will be a sophomore this fall. “I am going to be taking honors chemistry. You do your work in a virtual lab that is set in real time to do different experiments. It’s pretty realistic. If you adjust your computer microscope too much, you can break the virtual slide. Then you have to start over. K12 sends you experiments that you can do at home. I really enjoyed biology last year.”

IDVA students work from home, full-time with individualized learning. This individualized education allows teachers to work closely with each student – allowing for greater support to be given to students struggling with a topic or skill or for students to move on when they have mastered a subject.

"Idaho Virtual Academy has a focus on providing each and every student with a personalized learning experience with the tools they need to succeed," said Kelly Edginton, Head of School at IDVA. "Our teachers and staff invest in the unique needs of each student. We understand that many factors can cause students to struggle, and we excel in developing individualized learning that works for each and every child.”

Bjorn Handeen, an Idaho Virtual Academy board member, said the school provides a fantastic alternative to traditional public schools and homeschooling. He describes the school’s curriculum as very challenging and said it was developed by top research and education professionals and is approved by the state of Idaho. Two of his children are enrolled in the academy, which was established in 2002. 

“I was looking for a tough curriculum, and I knew my daughter would enjoy the challenge,” said Handeen. “There is a whole community of people with the Idaho Virtual Academy that is willing to help you make the transition to the online charter.”

Academically, IDVA offers core subjects, electives, and advanced learner programs. Students  may also choose to participate in in their community or local school district team sports, such as soccer, football basketball, and cross country. 

Klaeui’s eldest daughter, Caitlin, 18, graduated with honors from the Idaho Virtual Academy last spring. She will attend the University of Idaho to pursue a degree in animal veterinary science.

“I believe I am very well-prepared for college because of my experiences with Idaho Virtual Academy,” said Caitlin Klaeui. “I learned so much.”

Caitlin started at the Idaho Virtual Academy as a kindergartner and completed all of her primary education through the online school. 

“I’m really glad I went that route,” she said. “When I was in the eighth grade, I went to one of the middle schools for one day with my cousin. The coursework was way too slow for me. I felt trapped in this boring classroom, and I couldn’t wait to get out of there.”

The Idaho Virtual Academy requires students to be self-disciplined and do the work according to a set schedule. If they fall behind, parents are notified.

“There is a tremendous support network,” said Rebecca Klaeui. “All of my girls are very different, so they have different needs and methods of doing their school work.”

Caitlin noted the course work is very challenging and it includes a lot of reading.

“If you don’t do the work, the zeroes start to pile up,” she said. “I never wanted that to happen, so I always worked ahead and made sure everything was done on time.”

Silvia, 11, said music is her favorite subject and is looking forward to the sixth grade in the fall.

“I am having a lot of fun,” she said. “I want to learn to play the piano.”

The online school also encourages students to have a social life to go with the rigorous academic expectations, including dances and club activities. Since the majority of school work is done at home, Rebecca Klaeui is keenly aware of the need for social activities.

“Socialization is an important component of growing up,” said Rebecca Klaeui. “My youngest daughter, Silvia, has a very intense social calendar. It’s hard to keep up with.”

Students also can participate in community-based projects and take field trips. The Idaho Virtual Academy helps organize many activities, but there also is an informal network of students and parents who interact on a regular basis. 

“None of my girls did team sports, but they’ve enjoyed skiing, swimming and hiking,” said Rebecca Klaeui. “We get out of the house and do things.”

Caitlin and Maia both said they’ve made many friends through their online classes.

“The neat part is one of my friends from the Idaho Virtual Academy is also going to be attending the University of Idaho,” said Caitlin. “I can’t wait to go to college this month.”

And that makes her mother smile.

“I am beyond thrilled,” Rebecca Klaeui said. “It’s an important milestone, and I know she’s going to do so well.”

For more information, visit http://www.idva.k12.com

By MARC STEWART

Director of Sponsored Content

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