Hybrid Utah school offers students the best of both worlds

SOUTH JORDAN — For many students, the school day starts with a click online or an in-person day of learning.

At the Jordan Virtual Learning Academy, students get the best of both worlds and can learn from home while still having the opportunity to attend classes in person several times a week.

The academy includes Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary, Kesley Peak Virtual Middle School and Kings Peak High School.

The unique hybrid model has become increasingly popular, serving about 4,500 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across Utah.

"It's a little of both," said Principal David Hullinger of Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary.

Unlike traditional homeschooling or a fully online school, students at the Jordan Virtual Learning Academy receive instruction from certified teachers while also participating in face-to-face learning opportunities with classmates.

Hullinger said the program appeals to families with a wide range of needs.

"Our families come from so many different backgrounds, whether they are traveling because of sports or they have different lifestyles and anxieties," Hullinger said. "They like the idea of a virtual school, but they don't like their student only in front of a computer all day."

For 9-year-old Liam Riskin, one of the biggest advantages is the flexibility.

"It's fun because at home I can work at my own pace," Liam said. "I can work, then take a break, work, and then take a break."

Students also attend in-person learning sessions two to three times a week, giving them opportunities to socialize with friends and teachers.

"I get to socialize a little bit more and we get to do more fun activities that we don't usually get to do over camera," said 10-year-old Lucy Gallien, who is a 5th grader.

Parents say that combination can be difficult to find in a traditional school setting.

"I like her being home because I know she is OK and we don't have to worry about some of the things that happen in traditional school," said parent Christa Benward. "I like her coming here (in-person) because she has the social aspect of it."

What makes the academy especially unique and one-of-a-kind is that students do not have to live near the campus in South Jordan. As long as they have a Utah address, they can enroll and participate in the program from anywhere in the state.

School leaders believe that flexibility is the reason enrollment continues to grow.

"Nobody does virtual learning like we do," Hullinger said.