Providing independent yet structured learning, Pleasanton Virtual Academy (PVA) is PUSD’s online school. Still, despite its online nature, PVA provides the same great learning experience as in-person classes.
“I came [to PVA] and I was like, oh my god. I can live my life the way I want to live it and have fun while doing it. It didn’t make me hate school anymore,” said Anoushka Gupta (‘28), PVA Student.
Even with much of the teaching done through videos, PVA has a full team of experienced Pleasanton teachers.
“One of the smart things, at the very beginning of PVA, is that when they hired teachers, they didn’t hire young, new teachers. They got veteran teachers who were very successful in the classroom, and I think that’s one of our biggest strengths. Our veteran teachers then translate their philosophy of education into this online environment,” shared PVA English teacher Kurt Richey.
PVA For All
PVA provides education for all ages, from kindergarten through senior year of high school. The learning space provides a collaborative, calm environment where students of all ages often work together.
“We all have this camaraderie around being in this special place and the structures from the comprehensive sites just kind of melt away. It’s amazing when you get rid of the bells and the schedules. You have this ultimate flexibility,” said Lisa Highfill, PVA Middle School Teacher.
For those who attend PVA full-time, they’re able to pick their own schedule, something that appeals to many students.
“There’s no set time that you have to do your schoolwork. I mean, normal schools, you have to get up at like eight, and be done by two. Here, I could probably start at ten, be done at twelve, and have the rest of the day off,” said PVA student Zachary Campiotti (‘29).
Students have the option to work at PVA’s in-person location, among their teachers and peers. Whether students are seeking feedback on an essay or just asking a question, PVA’s teachers are easily accessible.
“In our smaller kind of environment, we can provide that one-on-one support. We can help students wherever they’re at. We can adapt the curriculum or our project based learning activities at an individual level, whereas in person, everything’s going to look the same,” shared Nathan Parrish, PVA social sciences teacher.
PVA emphasizes the importance of independence and self-advocacy, knowing that their students are learning at their own pace. Still though, students have many opportunities to seek academic support.
“PVA is special because we’re small and nimble and every student knows that they’re being seen. Teachers are right on top of students when students need support, or when they’ve done something great, students hear from their teachers. We’re small enough to where we can recognize each of our kids each day,” said PVA math teacher and 2022 teacher of the year Arrick Little.
