As the first day of school approaches at Analy and Laguna High Schools, students have the option to participate in the West County iAcademy, the online education program offered by the West Sonoma County Union High School District (WSCUHSD). This program, which has been in existence for several years, has been rebranded and expanded to accommodate the growing interest from students. Gianna De Persiis Vona, the iAcademy administrator at Analy High School, and Greg Alexander, the iAcademy administrator at Laguna High School, oversee the program at their respective schools.
Last year, approximately 40 students at Analy and eight students at Laguna participated in the online learning program. This year, there is room for twice as many online learning students at Analy, with a cap of 10% of the student body being allowed to participate. This means there are 82 slots for online learning at Analy and eight slots at Laguna. So far, 27 students have signed up for the West County iAcademy at Analy, but De Persiis Vona expects that number to increase as the school year progresses.
The West County iAcademy utilizes an online learning platform called Edgenuity, which offers asynchronous learning. This means that students can access pre-recorded lessons, videos, modules, and tests at their own pace. The platform is user-friendly for students, allowing them to navigate through the course materials independently. The same program is offered at both Analy and Laguna, with the only difference being that the class schedule at Laguna may be more focused on credit recovery.
One of the benefits of Edgenuity is that it offers advanced placement classes, making it a popular choice for schools looking to provide a comprehensive online learning experience. The classes offered through the iAcademy fulfill the requirements for entrance into the University of California system, ensuring that students receive a quality education that prepares them for higher education.
Students enrolled in the iAcademy are required to check in with teacher Jane Mays once a week to ensure they are making progress in their coursework. These meetings can take place in person, over the phone, or via Zoom. While the program does not offer hybrid learning options, students are still able to participate in school events such as dances and after-school sports.
The reasons students choose to participate in online school vary, with some citing social anxiety, work obligations, or intensive training schedules as factors influencing their decision. The flexibility of online learning allows students to tailor their education to their individual needs and learning styles. Students from outside the school district who are interested in joining the iAcademy must apply through the district’s interdistrict transfer program before applying for the online program.
De Persiis Vona is pleased that the program has openings for more students this year, as there was a long waiting list for the online learning program last year. She views the iAcademy as a safety net for some students and families, providing an alternative educational option that can cater to diverse learning needs. Overall, the West County iAcademy offers students a flexible and personalized learning experience that prepares them for success in their academic pursuits.