Originally published in Okmulgee Times on September 15, 2023
Parents today have many educational options for their children beyond the neighborhood brick-and-mortar schools most of us attended. I’d like to share a personal story about how one full-time, online school has been a blessing to my family and me. My story began nine years ago when my husband and I were asked to raise our oldest grandson, Dakota.
He was 14 years old and about to enter the ninth grade but was only reading at firstgrade level. At that time, I’d retired after 14 years of teaching in Oklahoma public schools and had become a bit disgruntled with traditional educational options for children. Little did I know my teaching days were not over.
When our grandson came to live with us, I relied on my professional instincts to research the best educational opportunities available to him. I believed – and still believe strongly – that all Oklahoma students should be provided with an impactful education so they can follow their dreams, whether learning a trade or pursuing a college degree. My grandson certainly deserved the same, and I was determined to help him achieve it.
As I began to search for the right learning opportunity for him, I looked for a curriculum that followed state standards – and I found Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy (OVCA). I liked what I read about OVCA and learned they offered tutoring as well as a special education department that could improve his reading level. Jackpot! After being assured they strictly followed Oklahoma educational standards, I enrolled him on the spot.
In his first year, his reading improved to fifth-grade level – up four grades since starting. We were thrilled to see his incredible progress, which was life-changing for all of us. He gained more than reading improvement; he grew confidence, a better attitude, and improved self-esteem. And in the meantime, I gained confidence in public schools again.
After witnessing the transformation in my grandson, I decided I would like to teach again and applied at OVCA, where I’m proud to be starting my eighth year.
But that’s not the end of our family’s story. My other grandson, Landon, also benefited from his education at OVCA. When his parents were going through a divorce, he alternated living between his mother and father in different communities. Landon’s father – my son – came to me for advice on how to educate my grandson given these circumstances. I knew just the right school, which provided a flexible, quality education where he could learn virtually, regardless of where he was living.
Frankly, my son was skeptical that OVCA would meet Landon’s educational needs and that he might be challenged to keep up with his studies. I assured him that OVCA follows a strict curriculum and that as long as my grandson stuck with it and completed his lessons, he would be fine.
Some months later, Landon came to live permanently with my son, who enrolled him back into a brick-and-mortar school. Soon after the beginning of the school year, my son called to tell me that Landon scored highest in his class on the state-required test Oklahoma students take at the beginning of each school year.
I was not surprised at all, and now my son is a believer. We saw further proof of full-time, online education’s rewards when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Landon’s school moved to an online curriculum, and because he’d already excelled at OVCA, he easily transitioned and excelled at virtual learning.
I’m proud to be an educator in Oklahoma going into my 23rd year in this profession. I’m also proud of our students-first mantra at OVCA. The school has been a big win for my family, and I have seen it first-hand in my grandsons. I know we are only one of many success stories and would encourage any parent, grandparent, or guardian searching for an alternative for their students’ education to check out Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy, which is available to all K-12 students in our state. I’m so glad I did!
— Jennifer Ratzloff is the grades 3-5 math interventionist at Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy (OVCA). She has previously served in general education and special education roles.
To learn more about Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy, visit https://ovca.k12.com/.
