Virtual Schools Face Possible Closure

BENTON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee lawmakers are considering House Bill 2420, a measure that would allow the state education commissioner to close virtual schools that do not meet certain performance standards. 

The proposal is being closely watched by families across the state, including students at Volunteer State Virtual Academy, a statewide online public school.

Laci, a student from Benton, said she transferred to the virtual program after experiencing bullying and safety concerns at her previous public school and describes the change as life-changing.

“Its been amazing ever since I switched to volunteer state virtual Academy and the reason that I switched is because the public school that I was going to had a lot of bullying and drug issues so I just decided that going home school would be the best for me,” she said.

The school was recently placed on Tennessee’s priority list after two consecutive years of lower performance metrics. 

Under House Bill 2420, that designation could bring additional state oversight and the possibility of closure if improvement benchmarks are not met.

“About a month ago or set up a meeting for students and parents to join and they told us that our school has now been deemed a priority school and that we were in the process of possibly shutting down because we are two years priority list,” she said.

Students and families say virtual learning provides flexibility and support they may not have in a traditional classroom, including direct access to teachers and school-provided technology.

“Online schools are an important option for multiple reasons one because of parents if they can’t like have the opportunities to drive their kids to school or even get them on the bus. They can just have them sit at home and do schoolwork on the laptop because my school will give you a free laptop and a free printer,” she said.

Lawmakers say the bill is intended to strengthen accountability for virtual schools, while students like Laci worry about how a potential closure could affect their academic progress and future college plans. 

For now, families and teachers at Volunteer State Virtual Academy are continuing to follow the legislation as it moves through the statehouse.