HUTTO VIRTUAL ACADEMY
Program began during COVID-19
HUTTO — After years of success with local learners, the Hutto Virtual Academy is opening its simulated doors to any student across the state.
Sixty students are currently enrolled in the remote-learning program under the Hutto Independent School District.
Shortly after COVID-19 had shut down in-person classrooms, Hutto ISD began its virtual school in 2021 with seven students.
“We provide a unique service and it’s great for students,” said HVA’s new Principal Jamey Guarascio. “Military families, student athletes, homeschool students, this is a great opportunity for them to work with us…and a convenient way for them to learn as well.”
The academy is a free, online program for grades six through 12 allowing students to work at their own pace while following statemandated educational guidelines. The courses are led by certified teachers who interact with pupils on a daily basis, but the pupils do not attend a regularly scheduled class.
They take a course when it works for their schedules.
For registration information and more, go to virtual.hipponation. org, facebook. com/profile.php? id=61589441152968 or instagram.com/virtualacademyhutto.
Hutto ISD spokesman James Gazzale shared a story about a recent HVA studentathlete who spent six hours a day honing her gymnastics skills, earning a full-ride scholarship to Arizona State University.
“She came to (Hutto High School) to participate in cheerleading activities with the team, which was important to her. HVA offers that flexibility,” Gazzale said.
Many students enrolled in HVA participate in advanced sports or music programs, and the online school allows them to focus on these goals.
While HVA accepts any student in Texas, pupils who live within the Hutto ISD boundaries are eligible to take part in the district’s sports and extracurricular activities.
Some students choose a hybrid schedule combining in-person and online learning. Last year, HVA had about 20 students with a hybrid schedule, many of them band and athletic participants, according to Holly Wells, outgoing HVA principal and the new principal of Hutto ISD’s River Horse Academy.
Although Wells is a big proponent of the virtual program, she noted, “There are still kids out there that need that in-person learning.”
“Every student is different. They all come from different learning styles and HVA may not meet the needs of everyone, but there are a lot of kids out there who really do succeed,” Wells said.
While not all students may desire virtual education, Gazzale said, “I think we’re ahead of the wave of the future.”
