Internet access has transformed how society shops, communicates, socializes, and for some families, even how children attend school. Mesa Virtual Campus (MVC) is a free online program offered by Mesa Public Schools. The campus provides a virtual synchronous K-12 live option for students to attend school from home or anywhere there is internet access.
Catherine Beaudoin, principal at Mesa Virtual Campus, shares that Mesa’s program serves a diverse community of 430 students and is different than the emergency remote learning created as a response to the pandemic.
“Last year families enrolled with us because of the COVID-19 pandemic and that’s not the case this school year,” Catherine said. “Students found success in a virtual environment and wanted to continue.
Catherine shares some families desire flexible remote schedules, and Mesa’s program allows students to work without missing school. Some of the need includes student-athletes with demanding travel schedules, children with chronic illness, or students who moved out of state and whose parents prefer to keep their children at Mesa Public Schools with their friends. Virtual learning is a way that they can stay in touch with their peers and have interaction while maintaining a structured environment.
“We have a saying on our shirts that says Connected by Any Distance,” Catherine shared. “I truly feel that if you speak with our students they feel connected to our teachers and school.”
FOSTERING STUDENT SUCCESS
Students are equipped with everything so that they have all the materials needed to learn — laptops, PE equipment, books, manipulatives, and art kits. Students and families receive support to navigate technology so they can log in and access courses via their learning management system: Canvas.
Heather Gookin is a sixth-grade teacher who says MVC is the online school of innovation and the future.
“We provide a K-12 community and platform like no other in the state of Arizona,” Heather says. “What sets us apart is that we have all chosen to be a part of this community. Teachers are highly qualified, classes are rigorous, students are held accountable for their learning, and they are thriving because the online platform works for their needs.” Heather shares that parents appreciate the accessibility they have to their children’s teachers.
“It’s as simple as parents just hopping on at the end of class and sharing that they need to get in touch with their teacher. The ease of access and responsiveness for our teachers makes a huge difference to our students.”
For more information regarding Mesa Virtual Campus, please visit mpsaz.org/mvc.