Entries by Ronaldo Gomez

Student Spotlight: Designing Her Own Path

/in
Girl smiling with her dog

Student Spotlight: Designing Her Own Path

From her very first “first day of school” picture as a kindergartener – in a homemade, oversized “High School Graduate 2026” t-shirt – to her last first day photo in the very same shirt, standing next to her dog, Lewis, Kailey H. has grown up as a Visionary. She enrolled in Visions’ Home School Academy 11 years ago and recently celebrated the start of her senior year, marking the occasion as one of this year’s #VisionsFirstDay photo challenge winners.

Finding Her Stage Through Visions

One of the unique opportunities available to Visions students is working with enrichment vendors, and Kailey has made the most of that by immersing herself in the world of theater. Through Musical Mayhem Productions, she has performed in 19 shows. “I’ve been in it for as long as I can remember and it’s been a big part of my life,” she shared.

Kailey H's first day of school photo collage

Kailey H. on stage in her costume!

Visions’ flexible schedule has allowed Kailey to balance academics with her many creative passions, including art, costume creation, animation, and music. “Visions allows me the extra time to do all these activities,” Kailey said. Her mom Heather agreed, explaining, “Kailey really didn’t like attending public school – she was so much happier with Visions and homeschooling. With the new home school schedule she has been able to pursue and dedicate her time to honing her craft – art, music, theater, and cosplay design.”

Kailey’s creativity shines brightest in her costume designs. She competes in cosplay competitions across California, earning multiple first-place awards from conventions both large and local – including San Diego Comic-Con, Los Angeles Comic-Con, D23 (Disney’s official convention), SacAnime, Stockton Comic-Con, and Roseville Comic-Con. Her intricate designs often include moving electronic parts cleverly concealed within her costumes. One design even features a hidden button inside her glove that activates mechanical motion!

Making a Difference Beyond the Stage

Outside of her artistic pursuits, Kailey is also dedicated to giving back. As a Girl Scout, she earned her Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting, by training Lewis as an official therapy dog through Alliance of Therapy Dogs, a national therapy organization. Together, they visit children’s events, senior living facilities, and rehabilitation centers to bring joy and comfort to others.

Looking ahead, Kailey is still exploring her future path but hopes to continue creating cosplay designs and possibly venture into voice acting. With her talent, compassion, and determination, her future looks bright. “Her father and I are very proud of her and all her hard work and dedication,” Heather shared. “We can’t wait to see where she takes these skills.”

Kailey H. cosplaying as five nights at Freddy's
Kailey H. cosplaying
Kailey H. cosplaying as Harry the Hunter from Beetlejuice
Kailey H. cosplaying

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting October 30th

/in

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting October 30th

We are excited to invite you to the upcoming English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting scheduled for:

Date: October 30, 2025
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm

This meeting will be conducted virtually via Zoom and the agenda can be viewed here.

About ELAC

ELAC plays a crucial role in shaping the educational experience for our Multilingual Learners. We encourage all parents and guardians of Multilingual Learners to join this virtual meeting to learn more about the English language development program at Visions In Education and help us create a supportive and enriching environment for our students.

We are also looking to add more parent members to our ELAC. If you are a parent of a multilingual learner and would like to join the ELAC, please email ELDdepartment@viedu.org.

Please view the flyers below for more information on joining the ELAC!



English Flyer


Spanish Flyer


Russian Flyer



Ukrainian Flyer


Arabic Flyer


Pashto Flyer

Good To Be Visions

/in

Good To Be Visions

We love seeing all the positive experiences our families share about Visions In Education. These stories highlight the impact of our teachers, staff, and programs, while also reminding us of why we do what we do—supporting students and families every step of the way.

We’ve gathered some of the thoughtful reviews posted on social media and review sites that reflect the care, flexibility, and personalized support that make Visions special. We’d love to hear more about your experience, and encourage you to leave a review on Niche!

What Families Are Saying

“Visions in Education is a great school that provides all the necessary resources and information for students and families! It is a powerful alternative from a traditional classroom setting. Its online curriculum allows students to wisely manage their daily activities and schedules according to their needs. In fact, students are able to manage their schedules in such efficient ways that they can also fit in multiple college classes and get better preparation for higher education. This helps develop organizational skills that are essential in adult life.”

“My son transferred to Visions In Education’s University Prep Program in 11th grade, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision. This program has exceeded our expectations in every way. The instruction provided by his teachers is outstanding across both honors and regular classes. The curriculum is rigorous, and while the schedule is intense, it remains manageable for a motivated student.”

“As a parent, the most impressive aspect of this school has been the prompt and effective communication from the administrative office. Whenever we have questions or needed assistance, they have been quick to respond and incredibly helpful. A special acknowledgment goes to my son’s counselor, whose dedication and professionalism have made a huge difference in his academic journey.”

“I highly recommend the University Prep [Early College] Program at Visions In Education for families seeking a top-notch educational experience and strong administrative support. This program truly prepares students for success!”

Superintendent Olmos Featured in CALSA’s Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight

/in

Superintendent Olmos Featured in CALSA’s Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight

As part of their Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) spotlighted different Hispanic and Latino leaders across diverse fields. Each featured leader exemplifies CALSA’s mission and values and are making a meaningful impact in communities throughout California.

We’re proud to share that Superintendent Olmos was featured in one of CALSA’s spotlights, recognizing his leadership in education and his dedication to serving students in our community. Read an excerpt from his feature below:

“Dr. Olmos has dedicated his career to uplifting students and pursuing equitable education outcomes for all children. Throughout his career, he has positively impacted the lives of countless students and now focuses on supporting those who could not thrive in traditional public school systems by providing personalized education and mentorship.”

We are proud of Dr. Olmos for the many ways he advocates for our students every day. Thank you CALSA for recognizing his leadership and celebrating our dedication to equity and student success.

About CALSA

The California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) is a professional association that advocates for the continued development and placement of Latino educational leaders who are committed to quality public education. Their mission is to help every Latino student realize their potential through educational leaders who honor their culture, celebrate diversity, and advance opportunity for all communities.

Looking Back on LP 2 Events!

/in

Looking Back on LP 2 Events!

Recap time! We’re taking it back to relive all the fun from Learning Period 2. From movement and math games to wild adventures, our students had a blast exploring, learning, and connecting with one another!

At our Home School Math in Motion events, we put the magic back in math! Students discovered that math isn’t just about numbers – it’s about creativity, problem-solving, and fun. Through hands-on games and movement-based activities, they brought math concepts to life in exciting and imaginative ways.

Our Online Middle School and High School students also got out and about – becoming animal experts at the zoo and showing off their skills at the arcade! From learning about lions, lemurs, and lizards to bonding over friendly competition, these events were the perfect mix of education and adventure.

We loved seeing our students laugh, learn, and make memories together, proof that learning with Visions is always an experience to remember!

Check out photos of all the fun below!

Visions students participating in a Visions event.
Visions students participating in a Visions event.
Visions students participating in a Visions event.
Visions students participating in a Visions event.
Visions students participating in a Visions event.
Visions students participating in a Visions event.

Visions students participating in a Visions event.
Visions students participating in a Visions event.
Visions students participating in a Visions event.
Visions students participating in a Visions event.
Visions students participating in a Visions event.
Visions students participating in a Visions event.

Hear From Our Home School Events Coordinator, Jocelyn Torres

“As the Event Coordinator, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is creating opportunities for our students to connect in person and build friendships outside of the virtual classroom. Our regional events give them a chance to engage, learn, and have fun together in a supportive and welcoming space. I absolutely love seeing them interact, laugh, and grow through these shared experiences. I’m already looking forward to many more memorable events in the learning periods ahead!”

A huge thank you to Jocelyn and all our amazing teams – Teachers, Counselors, Social Workers, Vice Principals, Principals, and support staff – for everything you do to make our events meaningful and memorable for students.

Visions Staff Wins 5th Annual Street Soccer USA Corporate Cup

/in
Visions Staff Corporate Soccer Team 2025

Visions Staff Wins 5th Annual Street Soccer USA Corporate Cup

Visions In Education secured victory in the Corporate Cup division at Street Soccer USA’s 5th Anniversary Cup! For the second consecutive year, our dedicated team members took to the field at Union Pacific Park, not only competing with passion but also proudly sponsoring this meaningful community event.

The Street Soccer USA Cup series brings communities together nationwide, from Sacramento to cities across the country, uniting people through the beautiful game while raising awareness about the ongoing fight against poverty. This year’s tournament exemplified the power of sport to create positive change and strengthen community bonds.

Our Visions squad brought together both experienced players and enthusiastic newcomers, creating an inclusive environment where soccer experience was welcomed but never required. The result? An unforgettable display of teamwork that extended far beyond the pitch, fostering connections and camaraderie among colleagues.

“I decided to join the Visions Street Soccer Team again because it was a great experience last year that brought me closer to Visions staff I had not met before,” said Spencer Summerhays, Business Analyst. “I was able to recruit a few more people this year, so our squad was stacked with talent! Soccer is a game that brings people together, and I highly recommend joining the team next year for anyone who wants good exercise and social bonding.”

Championship Success

Donning their Visions apparel with pride, our team delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, often sparking “come from behind” victories. Their dedication and collaborative spirit propelled them to the semifinals of the Cup, culminating in a well-deserved Corporate Cup championship victory. This achievement reflects the same commitment to teamwork that defines Visions In Education. It didn’t matter who was shooting the ball – the back of the net was the goal.

Congratulations to all our players: Kyle Novak, Katie Everly, Gabriella Slaughter, Alexander Butterfield, Erec Weber, Alondra Olayo, Chad Smith, Veronica Mendoza, Spencer Summerhays, Uriel Gonzalez, Xitlalyt Alvarez, & Dulce Rubio-Flamente.

Our student soccer team also made their mark at the October 11th tournament, demonstrating that the Visions spirit of teamwork and determination spans across our entire community.

Community Partnership in Action

Year after year, Visions In Education seeks opportunities to make a meaningful impact in our local communities. Our ongoing partnership with Street Soccer USA is aligned with our values, allowing us to support a worthy cause while bringing our teams together in celebration of sport, unity, and shared purpose.

A heartfelt congratulations to all our soccer stars who made this victory possible! Thank you for allowing Visions to be a shining example of great teamwork. Special thanks to Coach Kyle Novak for guiding our team as well as Superintendent Steve Olmos & Associate Director of Equity and Student Engagement Ron Thomas for making it out to support our team’s triumph!

We look forward to defending our title and welcoming new team members next year as we continue this tradition of community engagement and athletic excellence.

Superintendent Steve Olmos with Street Soccer USA's Lisa Wrightsman

Visions Staff Corporate Soccer Team 2025

Vision staff soccer team

Visions Staff Corporate Soccer Team 2025

Vision staff soccer team

Vision staff soccer team

Vision staff soccer team

Vision staff soccer team

Student Spotlight: Turning Dreams into Reality

/in
Portrait of a Visions student sitting on a bench

Student Spotlight: Turning Dreams into Reality

At just 17, University Prep Academy senior Saanvi R. is already achieving success as a talented tennis player and musician. She’s built a name for herself through hard work, creativity, and determination, all while balancing her studies at Visions In Education.

From the Court to the Stage

Since enrolling two years ago, Saanvi has learned at a pace that works for her while also pursuing her passions. On the tennis court, she has competed at both national and international levels, representing Team USA in Japan before even graduating high school. Last year, she also earned the title of District Champion, a testament to her dedication and athletic excellence.

But Saanvi’s talents don’t stop there. Off the court, she channels her creativity through music. Her recently released single, “Is This Love,” is now streaming everywhere, and she has more music on the way – her next song drops October 25th! This past summer, she also took on a leadership role as one of only 13 students selected from 50 applicants for the Global Youth Leaders Summit, an experience that further strengthened her confidence and global perspective.

“Saanvi has been able to pursue several of her passions and excel as a student while she’s been at Visions,” shared Tracy Jones, Saanvi’s teacher.

For Saanvi, that support makes all the difference. “Everyone at Visions is really supportive, and I have had chances to take classes I wouldn’t have been able to before,” she said. “I talk to Mrs. Jones about anything I need help with in school. I trust her and ask her questions about anything.”

Selfie of a Visions student with recording equipment

Looking to the Future

Looking ahead, Saanvi hopes to perform at concerts around the world and continue to develop as both a musician and tennis player at the collegiate level.

When asked what advice she’d share with other students, Saanvi offered simple but powerful words: “Be open to anything, and always ask questions.”

With her drive, talent, and openness to new experiences, Saanvi is already proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.

24/25 CAASPP Performance Results Are In!

/in
Rocket ship graphic

24/25 CAASPP Performance Results Are In!

It’s official – Visions students who completed CAASPP Smarter Balanced Assessments last year performed above students statewide in ELA and Math.

This marks a significant achievement from the prior year when the percentage of Visions students who met or exceeded standards in ELA was on par with the performance of students statewide, but 6.4 percentage points below students statewide in Math. What makes this achievement that much more meaningful is the fact that more students completed the Smarter Balanced Assessments last year than ever before.

Comparison of Math and Language Arts testing data
Comparison of Math and Language Arts testing data

Students achieved an increase of 8.3 percentage points in Math compared to last year!

Congratulations to all Visions educators, support staff, administrators, and parents who day-in and day-out strive to engage students and provide them with high quality instruction. Your hard work is paying off! Let’s continue to work together to make this next year our best year yet in terms of student CAASPP completion and performance.

Celebrating Collaboration and Leadership at Visions’ October PLC Institute

/in
Group photo of staff at a training event

Celebrating Collaboration and Leadership at Visions’ October PLC Institute

This October, Visions Guiding Coalition members came together for two dynamic days of learning, reflection, and collaboration during our PLC Institute. The event marked a significant milestone in our ongoing journey to strengthen Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and deepen our collective impact on teaching and learning.

Visions staff collaborating at a professional development event

Visions staff collaborating at a professional development event

Visions staff collaborating at a professional development event

Visions staff collaborating at a professional development event

Visions staff collaborating at a professional development event

Survey feedback from attendees highlighted just how valuable the experience was. Participants shared that the Institute provided meaningful collaboration, practical application, and clarity around their next steps in PLC implementation.

Over the past three months, Instructional Leaders and our Professional Learning Department have worked diligently to lay the foundation for this progress. During the Institute, their commitment alongside each Guiding Coalition Member was on full display as they:

  • Refined SMART goals aligned to student learning outcomes
  • Analyzed student data to inform next instructional steps
  • Explored instructional best practices to strengthen instructional impact
  • Deepened understanding of vertical articulation to support learning continuity across grade levels

Perhaps most powerfully, teams used this time to reflect, celebrate growth, and strengthen strategic plans that foster collaborative cultures across each academy and community.

The leadership and dedication of our Guiding Coalition members continue to move Visions forward toward our shared goal of ensuring high levels of learning for all students. The knowledge and strategies developed during the Institute will soon be shared with the broader Visions community, supporting continued growth and innovation across all learning environments.

Visions staff presenting at a training

Visions staff presenting at a training

Visions staff presenting at a training

Visions staff presenting at a training

Visions staff presenting at a training

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every Coalition Member for your professionalism, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to collaboration. Your work exemplifies the spirit of continuous improvement that defines Visions.

Group photo of Visions staff at a training

Group photo of Visions staff at a training

Group photo of Visions staff at a training

Group photo of Visions staff at a training

Supporting Communities through Soccer: Visions Makes Semifinals in Street Soccer USA Cup!

/in
Group photo of Visions soccer team

Supporting Communities through Soccer: Visions Makes Semifinals in Street Soccer USA Cup!

Visions In Education is proud to sponsor and participate in the 5th Anniversary Cup in Sacramento this month to support Street Soccer USA.

Street Soccer USA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to fighting poverty and strengthening communities through soccer. What started as a single team in 2009 has now grown to over 75,000 players in some of the country’s most challenged neighborhoods. The organization provides a pay-to-play model with a focus on social-impact. 

Team Visions

This year, we had two student teams competing for a cause, led by Coach Kyle Novak. The students who competed this year were Zach Z., Joseph P., Isaiah B., Jordan B., Hanan B., Rohan B., Nahum P., Amir P., Tim P., Samir D., Artem S., Preston K., Mackenzie K., Evelina O., Zahra S., and Sayyed Q. Our students played amazing and represented Visions well, making it all the way to the semifinals!

Associate Director of Equity and Student Engagement Ron Thomas joined in the fun by cheering our student teams on the whole way! Events like these are such a fun opportunity to bring students, staff, and families together and showcase our Visions spirit.

We are so proud of our students and their involvement in this competition for a cause this past weekend. Special thank you to Coach Kyle Novak for guiding our teams and helping coordinate.

We look forward to our Visions co-ed staff team getting out on the field this coming weekend – good luck staff!

Visions Student participates in Street Soccer USA's 5th annual Anniversary Cup

Team photo of Visions soccer team

Visions Student participates in Street Soccer USA's 5th annual Anniversary Cup

Visions soccer team huddles during a timeout

Visions Student participates in Street Soccer USA's 5th annual Anniversary Cup

Visions Student participates in Street Soccer USA's 5th annual Anniversary Cup

Visions Student participates in Street Soccer USA's 5th annual Anniversary Cup

Visions Student participates in Street Soccer USA's 5th annual Anniversary Cup

Visions Student participates in Street Soccer USA's 5th annual Anniversary Cup

Visions Student participates in Street Soccer USA's 5th annual Anniversary Cup

Visions Student participates in Street Soccer USA's 5th annual Anniversary Cup