In this episode of Sage Studio, Tiffiny Webster sits down with Lana Beshara, Principal of Virtual Learning Academy (VLA), to discuss the incredible growth and success of the program. With over 600 students, VLA offers a unique virtual learning experience that goes beyond just online classes. Lana shares how they prioritize creating a sense of community and connection among students by organizing field trips and offline activities.

From the very beginning, VLA had the vision of providing students with a different kind of virtual learning experience. They wanted to ensure that students not only had access to virtual curriculum and textbooks but also had the opportunity for hands-on learning with labs and projects. This approach has allowed students to have a more well-rounded educational experience, fostering connections with their peers and the real world.

VLA organizes field trips for the entire school once a month, giving students the chance to not only meet each other in person but also experience real-life learning opportunities. As the program grew, they started adding grade-level field trips to further foster connections within specific classes. Now, students have the opportunity to participate in two grade-level field trips and one all-school field trip, totaling 12 different experiences throughout the year.

These field trips have become the highlight of each month for VLA students. It's a time for them to see their friends, connect offline, and truly feel like they are part of a community. The grade-level field trips allow for more personalized connections, as students are able to interact with their own class in a more intimate setting. The all-school field trips expose students to different college and career opportunities, such as visiting the Pantages theater for a performance or attending a Clippers game.

What sets VLA field trips apart is their focus on relevance to what students are learning in class. The trips are tied to grade-level standards, providing students with a hands-on, real-world experience that complements their curriculum. For example, during a trip to Knott's Berry Farm, students can explore concepts of force and motion, bringing their classroom studies to life. This connection between classroom learning and real-world experiences allows students to engage and retain knowledge in a more meaningful way.

VLA's commitment to community extends beyond just the students. They encourage families to join in the field trips and other events. Even with a large student population, they aim to provide opportunities for family involvement, ensuring that the community feel extends to parents as well.

Visit www.sageoak.education for more information on the program and how to provide your child with a well-rounded educational experience that extends beyond the virtual classroom.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed. We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below. Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California. Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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