Virtual Preparatory Academy Outpaces State Averages in Academic Growth

The academy, which serves over 700 students across all 55 counties, saw proficiency rates climb by 9.6 points in mathematics and 10.9 points in reading during the 2025–26 academic year. These figures stand in sharp contrast to the state's broader performance, where math scores rose by only 1.4 points and reading remained essentially flat.

Dr. Megan Nason, Head of School, attributes the turnaround to a systematic overhaul of the daily learning experience. Rather than drilling for exams, the school prioritized morning core instruction and implemented "Level Up" intervention groups that replaced independent work with targeted, live teacher support. By enforcing stricter attendance policies and providing teachers with consistent administrative coaching, the school managed to stabilize classrooms that often serve students arriving two or more grade levels behind.

Despite the rapid progress, school leadership acknowledges that overall proficiency rates remain below the statewide average. Roughly 49% of the student body is economically disadvantaged, and nearly one-fifth require special education services. Nason frames the current data as a validation of the school’s systemic changes rather than a final achievement, noting that the objective is to sustain this momentum to bring more students to state benchmarks.