New K-12 Online School Launches with a Focus on American Values
A new online K-12 school has been established, aiming to promote American principles while steering away from what they describe as “woke ideology.” Damien Creamer, who serves as the president of the US Virtual Academy, expressed to Fox News Digital that this initiative seeks to provide an alternative for parents who feel overwhelmed by liberal perspectives in education.
“Our main goal is to give families the chance to ensure their children are taught in line with their values and learn about American principles,” Creamer noted. The school, which is certified and exclusively online, caters to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. It opened its doors in April this year and charges private nonprofit tuition fees ranging from $5,000 to $6,000 annually, depending on the grade level.
This virtual school aims to be accessible in all 50 states, and importantly, eight states currently offer voucher programs and scholarships to facilitate school choice, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Currently, the American Virtual Academy reports an enrollment of around 600 students, with aspirations to expand to 10,000 students within the next three years. Creamer emphasized that the curriculum also prioritizes essential subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
“Parents shouldn’t be concerned about our teaching methods or values,” he reiterated. “As the founder, I’ve been able to specify how the program is structured.” Creamer assures that the academy aims to support families nationwide, ensuring that students receive an exceptional education devoid of what he describes as “woke ideology,” mentioning ideas like DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) and CRT (critical race theory) as topics outside their curriculum. “That’s just not part of what we do,” he concluded.
Since 2020, there’s been a noticeable rise in alternative schooling options, with homeschooling growing particularly in popularity due to the pandemic. In response, various states have begun adopting legislation, such as the Universal School Choice Act, allowing families more educational choices that align with their children’s needs.
Arizona set the precedent in 2022 by introducing a universal school choice program, allocating $800 million to provide families with $7,000 for educational expenses. Following suit, New Hampshire is now the latest state to embrace universal school choice, reflecting a broader trend across the country.
Corey DeAngelis from the American Cultural Project remarked that the increase in alternative education models highlights how many parents are seeking different options outside traditional public schools. He noted recent actions by the teachers’ union that he believes signify an anti-American agenda, showcasing a divergence in educational philosophies that is as relevant today as ever.
