New conservative virtual academy opens in Oklahoma

American Virtual Academy (AVA) is partnering with the Oklahoma State Department of Education to provide another educational option for parents.

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters told Oklahoma City’s KOCO News 5 the “school will offer an alternative to what he calls ‘political activism’ in the classroom, and that parents are telling him they want their kids to get a more patriotic education.”

“I’ve always viewed this role as I’m the head of public instruction. That means instruction for the public. Whether they choose a public school, private school, charter school, homeschool, we’re here to help them in those options, and so, this is another one we’re going to be providing for the parents of Oklahoma,” Walters said.

The academy’s mission involves providing an education “based in the American ideals of Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness, that prepares students to become healthy and prosperous citizens in the United States,” according to its website.

The school offers fully remote and 100% accredited online courses, flexible hours (part-time, full-time, and credit recovery), early graduation opportunities, and Advanced Placement and elective courses to support each student’s needs.

The school caters to military and homeschooling families as well as international students, athletes, performers, and gifted and talented students.

State scholarships, or “government-approved education funds that help families cover the cost of private or virtual schooling,” can include Education Savings Accounts, tax credit programs or grants.

Walters said he wants AVA “to be able to access the state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit Program, which gives families a tax credit for enrolling,” according to News 5.

Walters announced the opening of the Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism in November 2024. He has championed the opening of new faith-based schools in Oklahoma catering to the needs of families.

The academy is approved in eight other states – Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wyoming.