Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy, in partnership with the University of Illinois System, is launching an expanded initiative to bring high-quality virtual education to more school districts across Illinois. Following a successful pilot in Lake County, IVSA is now offering its enhanced support model statewide, providing schools with new opportunities to enhance student learning through virtual instruction and in-person assistance.
The only approved public provider in the Illinois State Board of Education Virtual Course Catalog, IVSA provides unique approaches to full-time virtual schooling at the K-5, middle school and high school levels. Instead of merely logging in to online courses, students are part of an active learning environment that provides daily, real-time support; live instruction; and applied learning options. IVSA offers both full-time academy programs and supplemental online courses to districts, schools and students, ensuring greater access to a wide range of educational opportunities.
A partnership for student success
IVSA is a program of the Lake County Regional Office of Education 34, providing access to more than 380 course options, including credit recovery, Advanced Placement, core curriculum, electives and world languages. The U of I System plays a critical role in supporting IVSA’s mission by funding stipends for in-person teachers to support virtual learners at each of the participating schools. This critical support ensures that students receive the hands-on guidance and structured assistance they need to thrive in a virtual learning environment.
“For many high school students, the path to higher education presents obstacles in the form of limited class offerings, teacher staffing shortages and insufficient financial resources — perhaps both in the school district and at the student’s home,” U of I System President Tim Killeen said. “The University of Illinois System is proud to partner with IVSA in leveling the playing field for students, especially those in rural and under-resourced districts, by expanding access to high-quality virtual education and academic support.”
Join IVSA’s growing network
“IVSA has provided high-quality instructors and course content," Lake County Regional Superintendent Michael Karner said. "This partnership will allow us to expand course access across the state of Illinois.”
IVSA invites school districts across Illinois to explore partnership opportunities and benefit from its statewide expansion, backed by the U of I System. Additional information on how to partner with IVSA is available at ivsaschool.org/partner-information/.
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The University of Illinois System is a world leader in research and discovery, and the largest educational institution in the state with more than 97,700 students, about 28,000 full-time equivalent faculty and staff, and universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. The U of I System awards more than 27,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees annually.
