Excitement high surrounding various educational options at South Putnam

Excitement is at an all-time high for South Putnam students, faculty and staff and families when it comes two new learning pathways for students in grades 6 through 12 this academic year. 

South Putnam recently announced the district will offer the South Putnam Virtual Academy, a 100 percent online program, and the South Putnam Hybrid Academy, "Eagle Flex," where students are on campus most days following the regular middle school/high school daily schedule while online curriculum builds flexibility into their day. 

The two programs are tuition free, open to any Indiana student and lead to the same South Putnam diploma students have previously earned. 

"Registration for the South Putnam Virtual Academy and Eagle Flex Hybrid Academy has been going very well. The interest from families has really been encouraging," South Putnam Superintendent Dr. Corey Smith told The Putnam County Post. 

Smith said he and his district are aware of the fact that every family has a different situation, and they want to make it easier for Eagles to get a quality education. 

"Every family's situation is different, and we built these programs so no student has to choose between flexibility and belonging. You can learn in the way that works for you and still be an Eagle, walk at graduation with your class and be part of this community," Smith said. 

Discussions surrounding changing the educational model have been held for some time, according to Smith. 

"The idea really grew out of listening to our families and students, but also looking at educational trends and our data. We know that one size doesn't fit all, and we want South Putnam to be an option for as many students as possible - whether that's a traditional setting, fully online, or something in between. We are genuinely excited to be able to offer this level of flexibility while still delivering the same South Putnam experience and diploma," Smith said. 

And, he is fully aware that the new educational models can be used as recruiting tools for families that may not have considered South Putnam before. 

"We absolutely see this as an opportunity to welcome new families into the Eagle family who may not have considered us before," Smith admitted. 

One benefit of the new model is students in both programs will be considered South Putnam Eagles and will be able to participate in all teams, clubs, activities, and FFA, according to Smith. 

"That was really important to us as we built this out. IHSAA guidelines will dictate athletic participation student by student, they have specific requirements for participation," Smith said.

For the Virtual Academy, students will work through an engaging, online curriculum with support from local mentors. Students in the Virtual Academy will receive a Chromebook at no cost. 

With the Eagle Flex, students will spend most days on campus with their teachers and classmates. Online coursework providing room in the schedule for career experiences, dual credit work or pacing according to the student's needs. 

"Offering these options is a big deal for our community. It allows us to serve students who need flexibility while keeping them connected to the South Putnam experience, the same diploma, the same teams and clubs and the same award winning FFA program, plus access to Area 30 programming. It is exciting to be able to say that there is truly a path for every Eagle," Smith said. 

For more information, call 765-653-3148 or email academy@sputnam.k12.in.us.