For the past three years, Brandywine Innovation Academy has offered students a flexible, individualized learning environment through virtual and blended classrooms.

Next week, BIA staff are hoping to spread the message about all the program can offer during

an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16 at BIA and Brandywine Administration Building at 1830 S. Third St. in Niles Township.

Those who participate in the open house will get to take a tour of the facility, as well as learn more about the educational programs through three classes that will be offered that evening. The classes will include the topics: frequently asked questions, community outreach and where participants can learn about various Google tools. There will also be  an online educational resources class, which will also inform parents how they can best help their student excel at BIA. Light refreshments will be served and prize drawings will also be available.

BIA offers open enrollment for sixth-graders to 12th-graders. Adults are also welcome to apply for enrollment. Classes are virtual and offer the chance for students to earn a high school diploma. The program also offers home school electives, sports and extracurricular activities for online students, as well as daycare services. This year, approximately 75 students are enrolled. 

Tammy Youngs is a BIA teacher who said she has seen how the program stands out from traditional schooling. 

“It allows them to do their learning at their own pace,” Youngs said. “If a student is excelling, they can get done with a course in a couple of months, rather than taking an entire school year to do it. Likewise, if a student is struggling [they can take more time on the subject].”

Students who attend BIA can take all of their classes virtually, but have the option of visiting a classroom to get individualized help if needed. The only time they are required to come to the school is during state testing.

Students also have the option of blended classroom learning and they are invited to visit the classroom to get individualized help from the teacher if needed.

Youngs said the program will appeal to students who need more flexibility in their schedule or have a goal to graduate high school  in shorter time period than the traditional four years.

“We fit that bill for them, because we don’t just require that students do their work from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” Youngs said. “They have accessibility to [learning materials] 24/7.”

BIA is free to attend and is part of the Brandywine Community Schools District. Students who enroll at the beginning of the year will be given a Chrome Book to use for their lessons.

While Young said the school offers yearlong open enrollment, students interested in joining the school will likely be advised to finish their current semester of school and begin BIA classes next semester, which begins Jan. 29.

Youngs encouraged the community to visit the open house.

“We are kind of a hidden gem,” Youngs said. “There are not a lot of people that know about us in the community and we really just want to get it out and let the community know the things we offer and what options are out there for their students.”    

For more information about BIA, visit brandywinebobcats.org.