For the Dallas ISD, virtual school is no longer just a pandemic thing.
The district is preparing to open its first, standalone virtual school and officials say it’s here to stay.
"During the pandemic we learned that there are many students who not only preferred the virtual learning model, but also thrived in it," says Monica Morris, future principal of the DISD's new iLearn School. "We've created this school for them and their families."
The school is set to open this fall. Starting off, it’s only open to students in grades 3 - 9, with only 50 students allowed per grade. Eventually, she says it will expand to accommodate students of all grade levels.
To apply, Morris says students need to meet some qualifications. They need to be passing all of their core classes, to have satisfactory standardized test scores and to not have too many unexcused absences.
The school will have a physical campus for teachers, as well as students involved in extracurricular activities. Morris says the goal is to give students a totally comprehensive learning experience, as if they were inside the classroom.
“Dallas ISD is excited to launch our first ever 100% full-time virtual campus,” said Angie Gaylord, Deputy Chief of Dallas ISD’s Office of Transformation. “This new boutique standalone choice option maximizes student learning in a 24/7 on-demand virtual environment.”
Students at the virtual school will have access to all the resources afforded to traditional in-person students, including a full menu of virtual courses according to the DISD.
"Pairing great teaching with the technology of the future is preparing our students for the futures they're creating," says Morris.
For more information on how to apply and deadlines, click here.
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