PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. -- Pulaski County Special School District will recommend closing its virtual school to the Board of Education in an upcoming board meeting, DRIVEN Virtual Academy, at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year.
DVA, a virtual school serving kindergarten through 12th grade students, launched in the 2021-2022 school year. The school was conceptualized prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, in its first year enrollment was largely due to health concerns of being in a brick-and-mortar building. Enrollment for the first year was over 600 students, but drastically declined over the next two years from 200 in the 22-23 school year and around 150 students this year.
Due to rising costs and the financial implications of maintaining a school without increased enrollment, PCSSD administration made the decision to close the school at the end of the year.
Administration met with staff on Thursday, November 9 to inform them of the likely decision and talk about next steps. On Monday, November 13 the same administrative team held a parent meeting to announce the likely decision.
Parents will have the opportunity to look at other virtual options in the area or return to their zoned brick-and-mortar school. Additional information was sent to parents following the meeting to guide them on next steps as well as a form in which they can submit specific questions to District administration.