Gulfport School District adding virtual academy program for 2021-2022 school year

After seeing how some students perform better learning virtually, the Gulfport School District has decided to add a new virtual academy program for the 2021-2022 school year.

Virtual school existed way before COVID-19 hit, but has now become the new normal. After parents, teachers, and students were all forced to adapt to this new way of learning, it opened up the option for virtual learning.

Now, the Gulfport School District is offering a K-10 virtual program as an alternative to in-person learning with their new virtual academy. Virtual Learning Coordinator Dr. Jane Thompson said, “We found that virtual learning is really good for some families and so that is why we are trying to continue this beyond the pandemic. We found that some of our families really like that at home learning experience, being able to be involved.”

With Gulfport School District offering the virtual academy, it will help relieve stress on teachers who are currently having to teach virtual and in-person at the same time. “Next year, we want to have it to where teachers, when they are working with their virtual students, they are only working with virtual students.

Ambreana Thompson, a parent, tells News 25 virtual learning has been one of the best experiences for her daughter and she plans to enroll her in the virtual academy.

Thompson also enjoys the idea of being able to be involved in all aspects of her daughter’s education. “I get an opportunity to see what my daughter is doing and really have a hands-on experience with her learning.”

Gulfport School District is currently accepting applications. Parents can apply online for the virtual academy or pick up a paper application from any school site in the Gulfport School District. The deadline is Friday, March 12^th.