Idaho Home Learning Academy director outlines virtual-charter model, funding and special-education challenges

Terry Sorensen, executive director of Idaho Home Learning Academy, told the House Education Committee on the morning the program operates as a statewide public virtual charter that provides parents of enrolled students an education savings account worth $1,800 per student per year and partners with three educational service providers to deliver curriculum and services.

The presentation centered on how the program combines parent-led, at-home instruction with certified teachers and district authorization. "My name is Terry Sorensen. I'm the Executive Director of Idaho Home Learning Academy," Sorensen said at the start of her remarks. Sorensen and ILA staff described academic, fiscal and student-outcome accountability measures the program uses, and answered lawmakers' questions about enrollment, funding, special education and testing.

ILA, Sorensen said, is authorized through Oneida School District and serves K-12 students across Idaho. The program transitioned to a charter school this school year. Sorensen said ILA partners with three educational service providers—Harmony Education (K-8 focus), Braintree Learning (K-12, including entrepreneurship and computer-based electives) and HomeEd360 (offers more in-person and weekly Zoom options). She said the partners provide curriculum, field trips, testing coordination and manage parents' ESA expenses under contracts with the school.

Sorens…