BVA is Founded

A Historical Recreation Article

Editor's Note: Let’s take a look back in time, back to 2012 to be exact. This article is a creative piece written in 2022, fabricated to look like a news article written in the beginning years of Bridges Virtual Academy. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this blast from the past.

The Merrill Area Public School District is creating an online charter school called Bridges Virtual Academy. This up-and-coming school has attracted three hundred students before its doors have even opened, or in this case, before its computer screen has turned on.

For the past school years, Bridges to Learn was a program offered only to families living within the Merrill Area School District, allowing students to work on their schooling from home. Mr. Hagemeister, who will be the new school’s administrator, applied for the program to become an independent charter school with a governing board, opening enrollment to students throughout the state.

Parents and teachers will work together to provide students with a teaching plan and curriculum, while also providing many benefits to enrolled students and their families.

BVA's 2012 Website

“I get my own iPad AND a computer for FREE, who wouldn't be excited about that?” stated seven-year-old BVA student Lillia B.

Each student will be loaned a computer and tablet which will be used to meet with teachers and complete assignments. Additionally, much of the cost for equipment and curricular resources will be picked up by the charter school.

Yet another appealing aspect to BVA is that there will be live-streamed classes offered through GoToMeeting, in which students will get a similar classroom experience without the brick-and-mortar classroom itself.

There are many reasons why students and parents have chosen this charter school.

Adie R. shared that her parents, “Don't want me to go to a [traditional] public school.”

While others, such as Joseph L.’s parents, want to try out the school alongside other family friends.

In contrast to what many may think, Mr. Hagemeister didn’t think the school would attract this big of an audience in year one.

“I would have been happy to attract a hundred students.” However, the more than three hundred students enrolled in the school astound him.

Mr. Hagemeister, the teachers, and the parents of the governing board are working hard to not let student quantity be a detriment to the school’s quality. Those who wish to take part in the school must meet state standards and take standardized tests.

Overall, Bridges Virtual Academy has seen much success for only just being announced, and for good reason! With its many benefits to students and its devoted teachers, it’s easy to see why enrollment has skyrocketed.

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