The WI Department of Public Instruction (DPI) School Report Cards, was recently released to the public. Merrill Area Public Schools’ Bridges Virtual Academy (BVA) scored a 77.2, which equates to an “Exceeds Expectations” rating. Bridges Virtual Academy earned a greater overall rating than any of the other 34 virtual charter schools in the state. Bridges Virtual Academy provides instruction to over 700 students statewide in grades K4-12. There are 11 virtual charter schools in Wisconsin that serve students in Grades K4-12.
“We are pleased with this rating and are working hard to continue this trend. With a variable enrollment, it can be additionally challenging to maintain but it’s our goal to sustain or improve on last year’s performance going forward,” stated John Hagemeister, BVA Administrator.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has provided School Report Card ratings for all public schools since the 2013-14 school year with a gap year in 2014-15. Since that time, BVA has consistently ranked in the top five of all of the virtual charter schools, and higher among schools of similar size and structure. BVA was founded as a virtual charter school of Merrill Area Public Schools in Fall of 2012. Currently, there are 730 K4-12 students enrolled in BVA with 37 teaching and administrative staff members working together to provide personalized educational opportunities for students.
“Staff and administration implement a variety of strategies and growth measures to ensure quality programming for our BVA students,” said Dr. John Sample, MAPS Superintendent. “We are proud of our rating on this single measure and will coninue to strive for excellence on all levels of accountability.”
BVA was also recently recognized as one of ten Honoree schools for the Digital Content and Curriculum Award for 2016-17. This national award honors schools for achievement in the use of technology and digital curriculum and is sponsored by the Center for Digital Education (CDE) in partnership with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
For more information about BVA, please visit the BVA website at www.bridgesvirtualacademy.com or contact the BVA at 844.BRIDGES (274-3437) or 715-539-8360.