Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Virtual Hybrid Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Enrollment rises; Round Academy hybrid program grows and earns KDE analysis invitation
Summary
Brown County reported a rise in total membership and average daily attendance and described growth in its Round Academy hybrid/virtual program (up from 177 to 215 students); KDE invited the district to a free landscape analysis of its digital learning program.
District staff reported steady enrollment gains and higher average daily attendance at the Sept. 16 meeting, and described growth in the district’s Round Academy virtual/hybrid program that administrators say is re‑engaging homeschooled students.
A staff member who presented longitudinal attendance data said total membership has shown a steady increase and that average daily attendance — the metric used to calculate SEEK funding — has risen since the 2022‑23 school year. "...we are steadily showing an increase in our average daily attendance," the presenter said.
Administrators described changes to the virtual/alternative program. Round Academy served 177 students last year and had 215 enrolled as of the meeting; staff said they are actively recruiting homeschooled students (the district’s homeschool list was noted at about 250 names). The district moved to a hybrid model for grades 6‑12: those students are enrolled in Round Academy but attend on schedules that fit family needs (some three days per week, some five days); K‑5 students must remain in the virtual program because of state rules on school enrollment structure.
April, Kellen and Jordan (district staff) were credited with helping redesign the hybrid schedules and with individual learning plans for each student. Administrators said hybrid students continue to have access to dual credit, work‑shadowing and adult diploma options; the hybrid model has improved attendance metrics compared with last year. District staff also noted space constraints in the facility used by Round Academy and said they were coordinating with principals to share gym and lunch spaces.
Because of the hybrid program’s model and growth, KDE invited the district to participate in a free digital learning landscape analysis; the district and two other districts in Kentucky will receive a remote review and recommendations in the spring. Staff said the analysis will highlight strengths and offer three to five recommendations for improvement.
Board members praised the program’s response from parents and staff and asked staff to continue reporting on enrollment and space needs as the program grows.
