New Richmond Virtual Academy offers path to academic success
About this time last year, New Richmond High School student Nick Loving was credit deficient and at risk of not graduating on time.
The trajectory of his academic progress dramatically changed after he reported to the New Richmond Exempted Village School District’s Virtual Academy.
There, he thrived. Now, instead of being at risk of graduating late, Loving graduated early and is looking forward to fulfilling his dream of serving in the U.S. Army.
“The Virtual Academy is designed for credit recovery for students who, like Nick, fall behind,” teacher Gary Combs said. “The program has helped many students get back on track and graduate on time with their class.”.
“Students who can work independently thrive and adjust quickly while others need more one-on-one attention to get acclimated and work through the Apex program, a learning program that helps to prepare students for life after high school,” Combs said. “They can focus on more in an environment where it’s quieter and less transitions take place. The program involves a lot of time management, planning and organization.”
Loving said he enjoyed the opportunity to work at his own pace in a space that offered limited distractions.
“It’s quiet,” Loving said of the academy. “I get a table by myself. I can just zone off to music and do my work.”
Loving’s success is pretty typical of most students who are assigned to the academy with about 92 percent graduating on time, Combs said. The reason the percentage is not higher is that some students drop out when they turn 18.
Throughout most of his years in New Richmond Schools, elementary and middle, Loving said he was a good student.
“When I started high school, I guess I didn’t take it very seriously and goofed off a lot and ended up here,” he said. “That was my junior year.”
“Once that happened, I realized I had to buckle down and get things done so I could graduate. Because my dream was to join the Army, which I’ve done now.”
Over the summer Loving enlisted and is scheduled to report for basic training in June. He will be with 91 Bravo working as a wheeled vehicle mechanic.
Loving is the son of Scott and Heather Loving.