Idaho Home Learning Academy outlines program, funding and accountability to Senate committee

Terry Sorensen, executive director of the Idaho Home Learning Academy (IHLA), told the Senate Education Committee IHLA is a statewide public virtual charter school authorized under Oneida School District that serves students in grades K–12 and provides a range of services including special education, English-language learner supports and interventionists.

"Idaho Home Learning Academy is part of an educational choice movement in Idaho, that gives parents choice within the public school system," Sorensen said. She said IHLA provides a complete online curriculum aligned to Idaho standards, a mixture of teacher-led virtual classes, asynchronous self-paced courses and in-person learning opportunities, and that parents receive an $1,800-per-student annual educational savings account (ESA) that can be used through contracted providers or, in some cases, reimbursed on receipts.

Funding, providers and accounting Senators pressed Sorensen for detailed figures. Sorensen said IHLA's enrollment is roughly 7,925 students and that the district's budget is "about $55,000,000" for the year.…