Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy recognized with Imagine Edgenuity School of Excellence award
May 22—The Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy continues to offer unique learning opportunities, and the virtual program was recently recognized as an Imagine Edgenuity School of Excellence with the Imagine Nation Award — one of the only Oklahoma 6A schools to receive the award.
SPVA Principal Kristy Self shared the news of the award at the Stillwater Public Schools Board of Education meeting May 14.
"We're really excited about it," Self said. "It really goes out as a shout-out to my team, of being able to showcase the hard work that they put in, in getting these students to complete their courses and be successful and find a wonderful avenue for their school via virtual."
The Imagine Nation Award is presented to schools and districts that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the effective implementation of an Imagine Learning Program throughout the year. The awards are part of the Imagine Learning motivational program, whose goal is to ignite engagement and strengthen confidence for all learners.
SPVA was one of more than 38,000 schools and districts throughout the U.S. that were eligible for the Imagine Nation Award.
Imagine Learning is said to be the largest provider of digital curriculum solutions in the United States, and serves more than 15 million students in more than half of school districts nationwide.
The former Oklahoma Wondertorium building at 308 W. Franklin Lane is the current home of SPVA serving Pre-K through 12th grades.
Its current location is directly southeast of the current Stillwater High School construction at the former Cimarron Plaza.
Since its transformation into a virtual learning hub, the school has continued to grow.
Self pointed out the recent achievements from the 2023-24 school year data, which include 220 students, 1,376 enrollments, an 74% progress rate, a 82% average overall grade and a 63% completion rate.
The Edgenuity curriculum shows students how to set their pace and how they can stay on track to complete a course and to pass.
One day a week, SPVA students come in for "specials" — rotating courses such as art, music, physical education and library. Fridays are called "Fun Fridays" and usually include a hands-on activity.
High school students can take advantage of the chance for a hybrid semester. They have multiple options — two classes in person, two classes with SPVA, a virtual class from Oklahoma State University at the high school or classes at Meridian Technology Center.
Student schedules fluctuate. They attend for a year or more or for one semester, depending on the grade level. But SPVA usually requires that if they start a semester, they finish at least that one semester.
Several days a week, SPS busses in kids who come to participate in a science lab or other activities.
Self previously told the News Press that her staff works out a plan as they assess what the child needs. If students need help, they come in and together decisions are made. If a student isn't doing well in the virtual setting, staff works them back into "in person" classes.
"We provide that stepping stone for students all the time," Self said. "If that student is struggling for whatever reason and just needs a break (or) needs a different educational setting for a little while, that's what we're here for."
