A parent shares how enrolling his son in Alabama Virtual Academy in 2019 transformed his educational experience after struggles in a traditional school setting due to social separation anxiety. He credits ALVA with giving his son a path forward, helping him grow in confidence, plan for dual enrollment, and build a more positive outlook on his future.
Ohio Virtual Academy is proactively shaping how AI is used in online learning through a teacher-led AI committee formed in fall 2025. As Ohio’s July 1 AI policy deadline approaches, staff are addressing plagiarism concerns by designing more “AI-resistant” assignments and practical, project-based work. Teachers are also testing AI as a classroom support tool, including custom chatbots for guided notes, lesson planning, and real-world simulations like business loan reviews.
Evan Pratt, a student at Arkansas Virtual Academy, launched Braille Bites to create braille menus for restaurants, helping blind and low-vision customers order more independently. Inspired by his own experience with vision loss, his project has already placed braille menus in 53 restaurants across Arkansas, with more on the way.
Corin Stanaway of Idaho Technical Career Academy has been named a candidate for the U.S. Department of Education’s Presidential Scholars Program. Stanaway is one of 82 Idaho students selected by the state superintendent for excellence in academics, arts, or career-technical education. Nationwide, up to 161 students will be named Presidential Scholars, with final honorees announced by the U.S. Department of Education this summer.