District lays out plans for online school

The lessons learned leading up to and during the COVID-19 pandemic have helped District 191 prepare to offer One91 Virtual Academy as a permanent online option for families.

A plan for a new online school, which would be available to District 191 residents and students from outside the district, was presented at a School Board work session Jan. 14. The school would follow in the footsteps of the current Virtual Academy option that has been available because of the pandemic, building on the lessons learned about technology, instruction and curriculum. See the presentation for One91 Virtual Academy.

“We know that many students have enjoyed and thrived in the distance learning model, and we are in a great place to offer this to our families,” said district Technology Director Rachel Gorton. “Our teachers and instructional leaders have done amazing work developing curriculum. That work will continue this spring in preparation for next year so our students can have a high-quality online learning experience.”

The new One91 Virtual Academy would follow the district’s unique Pathways model, which supports students in finding their passions and purpose so they are prepared for success throughout school and after graduation. It would be offered for kindergarten through grade 12, assuming enrollment is high enough to support each grade level. 

The Board is expected to take action to approve the online school application at its Jan. 28 meeting. From there, it would go to the state Department of Education for approval. If approved, One91 Virtual Academy would open to students starting in the fall of 2021.