Confusion And Mixed Messages: Virtual Schools Could Close Sooner Than Expected

Two virtual charter schools embroiled in controversy could close sooner than expected, as the school district overseeing the two schools says families and students have so far been left in the dark about the future of operations.

The state is working to recover millions of dollars after early findings of an audit revealed the Indiana Virtual School and Indiana Virtual Pathways Academy artificially inflated their enrollment. 

But spokesperson for the district overseeing the charters, Donna Petraits, says the Daleville Community School board will vote this week whether to revoke the virtual schools’ charters, effectively closing them sooner than initially thought. 

She says the schools have sent mixed messages about whether they’re still open, and families have struggled to access data so students can transfer or graduate. 

“They’re closing, and students need access to their transcripts,” she says. 

Petraits says the schools violated protocols from a closure agreement made this summer that aimed to close one school this fall, and the second next June.

If the Daleville board takes action at its special session Thursday night, the two virtual schools will close within the year.