Braxton County announces no‑cost Virtual School Academy with live instructors and device support

Superintendent Dr. Diedrich announced the launch of the Braxton County Virtual School Academy, a district‑run virtual option open at no cost to families. She described the program as using the Proximity Learning platform with live instructors and said the district will provide a computer to families who lack one.

Eligibility was described as students not currently enrolled in Braxton County Schools — including homeschool and Hope Scholarship students — although district staff said eligibility for current in‑person students will be decided case‑by‑case after conversations with families and principals. Dr. Diedrich said the program will serve students in grades 6–12 for secondary and grades (listed in the presentation) for elementary/middle where applicable; recorded lessons will be available when a student cannot attend live.

Enrollment was described as open through Sept. 5; Dr. Diedrich said early signups included 3 elementary students already enrolled in the virtual academy and several returning students from homeschool and Hope Scholarship programs who expressed intent to return to district instruction. The superintendent asked staff lead Flora Cox to provide contact details for families and offered ongoing updates to the board.

Board members noted virtual instruction is not right for every child but said the option provides an alternative for families with specific needs. Dr. Diedrich said the program is "not watered down" and that Proximity Learning provides live, rated instructors used by other districts in the state.