Leominster Academy reports 52 students, rolling admissions and plans for more virtual college partnerships

Stephanie, director of Leominster Academy, told the School Committee that the district’s single virtual school serves approximately 52 students with rolling admissions and provides a flexible pathway for students who work, care for family members or require an alternative to in‑person schooling.

Academy students use Edgenuity and Google Classroom for coursework and hold a daily live Google Meet check‑in with a teacher. Students may book tutoring with core content teachers, special education staff, guidance counselors or adjustment counselors, and can use the Academy space when staffed.

Stephanie said the Academy offers about 72 course options (some with single‑student enrollments), supports students taking college courses virtually (the Mount and Fitchburg State were cited), and is limited to Leominster residents because DESE does not permit school choice for single‑virtual school districts. She said four students were close to early graduation and that some students take only a single course through the Academy when needed.

The Academy’s school improvement goals include diverse digital learning modes, student ownership of learning and social‑emotional learning (SEL) strategies that adapt to the remote setting. To build SEL, the Academy has held in‑person social events (gaming, cookie decorating, museum trip) and is developing digital self‑assessments and reflection practices.

Why it matters: The district’s virtual program provides alternative pathways for students who cannot participate in traditional schedules; growth in virtual college partnerships could increase post‑secondary opportunities for students.

Ending: Committee members asked about college partnerships and demographics; the director said she would pursue additional partnerships and noted that DESE limits school choice for single virtual school districts to residents only.