SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – Central Valley School District’s Virtual Learning High School has been a beacon of hope for students seeking a non-traditional educational environment. Celebrating just over a year since its full-time inception, the school aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere for students who might not thrive in a conventional high school setting.
The virtual school offers a flexible schedule, allowing students to drop by within operational hours or access virtual office hours for assistance. With six teachers available at any given time, students can receive more personalized, one-on-one help.
Students enrolled in the virtual program can also participate in sports, clubs, dances and other extracurricular activities at their local schools, ensuring they stay involved with their peer groups. This unique setup has led to positive feedback from both students and teachers.
“This year specifically, is the year that I have been the most social. And it’s the time where I have the least in-person classes,” one student said. A teacher said, “It sounds kind of corny, but it takes a village to raise a kid. That really is how this building operates. We all work together to help these kids individually succeed.”
One student, Timothey Kanyushkin, shared how the program changed his academic trajectory. Struggling with conventional classroom settings, Kanyushkin faced dropping out during his junior year. Working as a framer since 16, he had a backup plan, but discovered Central Valley’s virtual option just in time.
“That’s what made me realize right away that I was in the right spot going to in-person school. It’s kind of like they see those students every single day. It’s. I mean, it’s normal for them, going to this new program, it’s like, wow, they they actually they’re excited to see you. They’re here for you,” said Kanyushkin.
Principal Janice Boyd recalled a touching moment with Timothey, “He looked at his diploma and he said… the grass is greener on the other side.”
Kanyushkin now recommends the program to peers facing similar challenges, emphasizing the positive impact it had on his education.
