WINONA, Minn. – Winona Schools’ Online Academy, an option for families concerned about Covid exposure in school buildings, has 66 students and is doing well, although the learning curve has proven tough for some parents, according to Principal Jolene Danca. This year the Academy is using a software platform from Texas-based vendor Edgenuity. “Some families found out that the rigor of the Edgenuity is quite high, higher than they anticipated,” Danca said. Academy staffers Melanie Anderson and Jill Nysse are doing well in addressing student and parent needs, Danca said. For students in especially challenging science classes, Danca noted that a licensed science teacher is available to assist. The 66 enrollees include 15 in Grades K-5 and 51 in Grades 6-12. The number, Danca said, has fluctuated slightly as students and families found their comfort level with the program.
Danca. Principal for Winona Schools’ Online Academy.
Looking ahead
The Online Academy has provisional approval from the Minnesota Education Department. The district has a transition plan for the Academy to a permanent option for students. as an alternative to traditional in-person instruction.