Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy

The Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy operates three schools: an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. While the Okla. Virtual Charter Academy High School has consistently ranked among the top high schools in the state, the Okla. Virtual Charter Academy Elementary School and Okla. Virtual Charter Academy Middle School have struggled, ranking in the bottom 10% of their respective school types in the state.

The schools face significant challenges, with test scores well below the state averages, particularly in mathematics. For example, only 7% of 3rd graders and 8% of 4th graders at the elementary school were proficient or better in mathematics, compared to the state average of 34% and 35%, respectively. Additionally, the schools have high percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 71.41% at the high school to 84.57% at the elementary school, suggesting a high level of economic disadvantage among the student population.

The stark performance differences between the high school and the lower grade levels, as well as the relatively low spending per student and high student-teacher ratios, raise questions about the effectiveness of the virtual charter school model in providing a quality education for this student population. Addressing these issues will likely require a multifaceted approach, including a closer examination of the virtual education model, targeted interventions to support economically disadvantaged students, and a review of resource allocation and staffing.