Virtual learning comes to Walla Walla

Families who want their children to log on to receive an education will have more opportunities this year with the addition of the Columbia Virtual Academy in Walla Walla set to begin this fall.

The virtual learning program will become an extension of the Homelink program housed at Berney Elementary School.

According to Principal David Talley the program will allow students to take rigorous courses online from their homes. He reported the courses are aligned to the state standards.

Talley said the virtual academy will allow Homelink to grow from a K-8 program to now serve high school students. Thus far 111 students are enrolled. Talley believes this number will grow to nearly 200 by October and could reach 300 by the end of the year.

"We have students waiting on the to be enrolled list," Talley said to school board members. "Virtual learning programs have seen tremendous growth."

Talley thanked Homelink teachers Valerie Gentzler and Pam Clayton for all their help getting the program started.