Manhattan Virtual Academy reports varied enrollment models, 97% graduation rate; invites board to shadow virtual instruction

Manhattan Virtual Academy leaders briefed the Board of Education on Nov. 5, saying the program serves a range of students through multiple enrollment models and reported a 97% graduation rate last year.

Principal Brooke Blank and colleagues said the 174-student figure in Infinite Campus represents families fully enrolled in MBA, but the program's total reach exceeds 250 when course enrollments, co-enrollments and accelerated-course participation are included. Blank said 52 of the full-time students are local USD 383 families who chose online instruction; MBA also supports Manhattan High course enrollments and co-enrollment arrangements with other districts.

MBA staff described layered supports for students with disabilities, family orientation and high family participation in virtual conferences. Kim Lackey summarized professional learning focused on online instructional standards, the science of reading, math project training, AI/academic integrity training and mental-health/trauma-informed practices.

Lydia Heaney Hawk, MBA's MTSS and special-education coordinator, described the program's tiered screening and interventions and noted that families' involvement in virtual instruction is a critical factor in student success. Blank invited board members to an all-school assembly and to shadow virtual lessons and said MBA's revamped website posts upcoming in-person outings and events.

Board members volunteered to attend site council meetings via Zoom and one trustee offered to
adopt MBA as a school to visit during the year.