Sierra Horton, Author at Visions In Education

About Sierra Horton

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Entries by Sierra Horton

Building a Culture of Growth at Visions In Education

January 26, 2026/in News

Building a Culture of Growth at Visions In Education

At Visions, we are committed to consistently getting “1% better.” This mindset means we are always reflecting on feedback, data, and our day-to-day practices to find meaningful ways to grow. By making small, intentional improvements over time, we strengthen how we serve our students and support the families who trust us with their children’s education.

Growth is a shared value at Visions, and our staff support one another in becoming better, both individually and as a team. “[Visions] really cares about what their employees feel and that they are supported,” shared Christie Benavides, Business Analyst. This culture of care and collaboration creates a positive foundation for the work we do every day.

Providing the best possible educational experience for students begins with how we work together behind the scenes. Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who believe in continuous improvement and in lifting one another up. “Once you are on board at Visions, you realize, like we all say, it is really good to be Visions,” added Kristin Shumaker, Vendor Support Analyst. This culture of continuous improvement helps ensure students and families experience the high-quality support they deserve, while also empowering staff to learn, grow, and thrive in their roles.

Thank you to the staff and administrators that participated in this video series. We’ll be sharing more videos of our Visionaries so stay tuned!

Student Spotlight: Leading On and Off the Field

January 20, 2026/in Student Spotlight

Student Spotlight: Leading On and Off the Field

For Samuel K., a senior in Visions’ Independent Study Academy, finding the right balance in his education was key. When choosing Visions, Samuel was drawn to the ability to set a schedule that works for him, specifically the opportunity to stay involved in clubs, sports, and enrichment activities while managing his academic goals. That balance has helped him thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Building Community & Lifelong Skills

Samuel has been involved with the Visions soccer club since its inception three years ago, making him one of the program’s most consistent participants. His favorite part of being on the team isn’t just the game itself, but the sense of community it creates. He shared that he enjoys “getting to talk to everyone and share different experiences,” a reflection of how Visions’ extracurricular opportunities bring students together from across programs and grade levels.

Beyond soccer, Samuel has taken advantage of the wide range of experiences Visions offers. He has attended a Visions dance, explored creative hobbies like rug making, and plans to work with an enrichment vendor to learn piano. “Visions allows me to explore different types of sports as well as giving me the opportunity to explore different hobbies such as my rug making that I personally enjoy,” Samuel said.

Samuel pictured back row, fifth from the right

Opportunities like these continue to grow at Visions. Today, students can choose from a wide variety of student activities, including more than 85 clubs, community events, and access to numerous enrichment vendors to explore interests, build new skills, and discover potential career paths. These experiences help students develop lifelong skills such as leadership, teamwork, and confidence – skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Samuel’s leadership – in every aspect of his Visions journey – has not gone unnoticed. According to Visions soccer club coach Kyle Novak, “Every year, Sam has found ways to contribute as a leader on and off the field. Especially in the last two years, Sam has committed to helping all players on the team feel welcome. He pushes his teammates to higher levels of play, encouraging them to do their best and supporting teammates when they need a lift.”

As Samuel looks toward the future, he is exploring several paths, including higher education in business or law, as well as the possibility of trade school. No matter which direction he chooses, the experiences he’s gained at Visions have helped him build a strong foundation.

When asked what advice he would give to other students, Samuel encouraged them to take full advantage of what Visions has to offer, exploring different careers, hobbies, clubs, and enrichment vendors along the way. His journey is a great example of how Visions empowers students to grow, connect, and discover what they’re passionate about.

Reflecting on Our 25th Year: Visions In Education 2024-25 Annual Report

January 14, 2026/in News

Reflecting on Our 25th Year: Visions In Education 2024-25 Annual Report

Visions In Education is proud to release our 2024-25 Annual Report, taking a moment to celebrate and reflect on the hard work and accomplishments of our students and staff during our 25th year of operation.

The 2024-25 school year was filled with progress across our academies and departments. We reached new heights, piloting new programs to better support our students, expanding graduation ceremonies, relocating to a new facility, and engaging in the legislative process more than ever before. This report is a snapshot of the many things that made it Good to Be Visions last school year.

Here at Visions, we are committed to getting 1% Better, each and every day. This means we are constantly reflecting on our past challenges and successes, using data to strategically plan how we might improve in the future.

Throughout our 25 years, we have made a conscious effort to be intentional and thoughtful as we grow, ensuring each of our students receives the support they need to thrive. On the first day of the 2024-25 school year, we had 7,454 students across our programs, the largest and most diverse group in Visions history at the time.

Each of our academies made great strides to improve processes and better support our students, refining curriculum to better align with California State Standards and continuing to provide impactful credit recovery opportunities.

As we work toward our mission of preparing every student to succeed in a rapidly changing world, it is critical that we support students in meeting their grade-level learning standards so that they are ready for life after high school. CAASPP Test Results for the 2024-25 school year showed our students performing on par or higher than the state average. Each year we have witnessed more Visionaries reaching proficiency, and we will remain dedicated to supporting our students in reaching their learning goals.

Our students are the heartbeat of our school, and we are consistently seeking new ways to provide Visionaries with enriching experiences. Throughout the 2024-25 school year, students had access to hundreds of events, field trips, and other educational opportunities to explore interests and meet new friends in their area. We are also proud to celebrate the partnerships that made many of these additional experiences possible.

“This report is dedicated to the students who choose to learn with our school and the wonderful teachers and staff that make the work we do possible,” Superintendent OImos shared.

We invite you to read the Visions In Education 2024-25 Annual Report below. Use the arrow keys at the bottom of the frame to page forward and back in the report.

Improving Student Outcomes: Visions Partnership with Lincoln Learning

January 13, 2026/in News

Improving Student Outcomes: Visions Partnership with Lincoln Learning

In 2024, Visions partnered with online curriculum provider Lincoln Learning to offer students a high-quality curriculum that is both standards-based and customizable, allowing them to meet grade-level standards at a pace that works best for their individual learning needs.

Through consistent use of the curriculum, paired with intentional planning and collaboration among teachers and staff, Visions is seeing strong results. Students using the Lincoln Learning curriculum are performing at higher levels than their peers on learning assessments.

These assessments measure students’ understanding of California state standards, essential learning benchmarks that support continued academic growth both now and beyond high school. Ensuring access to curriculum that will aid students in becoming proficient in these standards, with the support of their teacher, is a critical component of helping students build a strong foundation for future success.

Lincoln Learning has had a positive impact on student academic growth as measured by our learning assessments by increasing access to grade-level standards in Home School, Online Middle School, and Independent Study for both English Language Arts and Math.

Throughout our partnership, Visions and Lincoln Learning have remained committed to ongoing collaboration and continuous improvement to further strengthen student learning outcomes.

“None of this growth would be possible without the dedicated efforts of our educators, families, and students at Visions, along with the thoughtful partnership Lincoln Learning provides behind the scenes.” – Victoria Soria, Professional Learning & Innovation Manager

We are proud to continue our partnership with Lincoln Learning as we advance our mission of preparing students to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Read more about our partnership with Lincoln Learning here.

Visions In Education Featured in HopSkipDrive Case Study

January 12, 2026/in News

Visions In Education Featured in HopSkipDrive Case Study

At Visions In Education, we are proud to offer a wide variety of student-engagement activities to provide our students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to meet others outside of the virtual classroom.

During the 2024-25 school year, we launched a pilot program with HopSkipDrive designed to remove transportation barriers for our students to attend these events and enrichment activities. With the participation of our staff and families, the pilot program was a major success. To celebrate our partnership, HopSkipDrive featured Visions in a case study!

Connecting More Students to Opportunities

Visions serves 8,000 students in nine counties across Northern California and we found that some of our enrichment opportunities were out of reach for our students that didn’t have access to safe transportation.

“We needed a service that was more efficient and provided a higher level of safety to give caregivers and students a better option with more peace of mind,” shared Matthew Patterson, Director of Student Services.

In collaboration with HopSkipDrive, we have been able to connect even more students to the variety of opportunities for student engagement that we provide here at Visions, including student clubs, sports, field trips, regional events, and more.

“Our families, staff, and community partners made [the] pilot a standout success,” said Dr. Steve Olmos, Visions’ Superintendent. “Their collective dedication ensured that no student was left behind, whether on the court, in the classroom, or at family events. ‘I can’t get a ride’ should never be a reason why a student misses an important opportunity.“

We are proud to partner with organizations like HopSkipDrive to continue removing barriers and provide the best education experience possible for our students and families. Explore case studies from other Visions partners here.

Putting Students First: The Visions In Education Difference

January 12, 2026/in News

Putting Students First: The Visions In Education Difference

For over 25 years Visions In Education has continued to grow and evolve, but one thing has never changed: students remain at the center of everything we do. From personalized learning plans to meaningful relationships, Visions is built to support the whole child and each family’s unique educational journey.

“The development of the whole child is really what we do here,” shared Visions teacher Mitch Weathers.

At Visions, students are encouraged to explore their interests, develop passions beyond the virtual classroom, and learn in ways that reflect who they are as individuals. Our teachers and staff work closely with families to support students at a pace that works for them, helping them balance academics with enrichment, community involvement, and personal growth.

Through engaging regional events, strong partnerships with community organizations, and diverse enrichment opportunities, Visions provides a well-rounded educational experience rooted in connection and choice.

“It’s all about the [students], their learning, their experiences, and helping them become lifelong learners,” added teacher Erika Baker. Together, our staff and families continue to create a learning environment where students can thrive.

Thank you to the staff and administrators that participated in this video series. We’ll be sharing more videos of our Visionaries so stay tuned on viedu.org!

What are the Benefits of At-Home Learning?

January 5, 2026/in News

What are the Benefits of At-Home Learning?

The path to student achievement looks different for every learner. While the pandemic created an unprecedented shift toward remote learning, many families chose to remain in at-home learning programs long after returning to normal routines. Their reasons point to a clear truth: for many students, learning from home offers meaningful advantages that traditional classrooms may not always provide.

1. Tailored Learning Experience

At-home learning allows students to experience a truly tailored approach to education. Rather than keeping pace with a full classroom, students can move through lessons at a speed that works for them – faster when they’ve mastered a skill, slower when they need more time. At Visions In Education, this flexibility is supported by one-on-one guidance from a credentialed teacher, ensuring that each student’s unique learning needs are met.

2. Parent Partnership

An essential part of at-home learning is the partnership between families and educators. Parents play a key role in supporting their child’s daily learning experience, offering encouragement, structure, and collaboration. When learning happens at home, parents often gain deeper insight into their child’s progress. This leads to stronger communication with teachers and a shared commitment to helping the student stay on track and thrive.

3. Flexible Schedule

Without a rigid bell schedule, students have more opportunities to explore personal interests, participate in extracurricular activities, and build real-world skills. For example, Visions connects students with our Enrichment Vendors who offer a wide variety of hands-on activities, so that students can learn in ways that inspire them.

4. Increased Autonomy

At Visions, our mission is to empower students to take ownership and responsibility of their learning. When students help set their goals and manage their schedules, they develop confidence, self-discipline, and a clearer sense of direction in their education journey. Building these skills early on better prepares students for lifelong success.

5. Comfortable Learning Environment

Learning at home can provide a familiar space where students feel secure and supported. Without the social pressures or distractions that sometimes come with traditional school settings, many students are able to focus more deeply and reduce anxiety. The chatter of a busy classroom falls away, allowing students to engage with their work in a quiet, personalized space that supports their success.

About Visions In Education

Visions In Education is one of the most established TK-12 public charter schools serving Northern California. We provide high-quality educational programs for students and families seeking alternatives to the traditional public school setting. At Visions, students receive one-on-one teacher interaction and a personalized approach to learning along with in-person learning opportunities including clubs, sports, events and field trips.

We provide high-quality standards-based at-home education options for students in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade. Visions In Education has successfully supported students and families for over 25 years. Learn more about Visions here.

Student Spotlight: Making Extraordinary Progress

November 18, 2025/in Student Spotlight

Student Spotlight: Making Extraordinary Progress

At Visions, our mission is to empower students to take ownership of their learning, and since enrolling in the Independent Study Academy this year, Betty C. has done just that.

Betty started her 11th grade year at Visions with the hopes of finding a learning environment and pace that would work for her. Here, she has had the opportunity to work with her teachers to create a plan and routine that fits her individual needs.

So far, this new approach to learning has helped her to have less stress and anxiety, and she is truly understanding her lessons. Her teacher Mr. Kotko shared, “Betty showed an impressive determination to succeed from the beginning. She is not only passing…she is UNDERSTANDING.”

Personalized Support That Makes a Difference

In addition to the personalized learning environment, Betty has had access to one-on-one teacher support. “[The teachers] work really hard to have us understand the work, which I’ve never really seen in some or even most of my past teachers,” she shared. Learning is different for every student, but with access to the right tools and support, every student can achieve.

“Betty’s using ordinary means (persistence, support, flexibility of Independent Study) to make extraordinary progress toward her goals.” – Mr. Kotko

With her new routine, Betty has found more time to explore her hobbies and interests. Two of her biggest interests are drawing and playing video games. In the future, she hopes to meld these two passions into a career in concept art, which is visual art used to create the look and feel of a project such as a video game, film, or book.

Betty’s story is a powerful reminder that when students are given the opportunity to learn in a way that works for them, they can discover not only academic success, but also their sense of purpose. As Mr. Kotko reflects, “Visions provided the opportunity to sculpt a routine that fit Betty’s needs, and having a teacher available with timely support helped her overcome any hurdles.”

Check out some of Betty’s artwork below!

What is a Charter School?

November 4, 2025/in News

What is a Charter School?

For many of us, we are familiar with the differences between private and public schools. So what does it mean when someone refers to a charter school?

Just like traditional public schools, charter schools are publicly funded and operate as 501c3 non-profit organizations. This means that they are tuition-free for students and families, as opposed to a private school where a family would pay tuition. Private schools may also have other barriers to entry, while charter schools cannot discriminate based on disability, race, color, gender, national origin, religion, or ancestry. At Visions In Education, there is a place for every student regardless of background. Visions currently serves more than 8,000 students and remains committed to thoughtful growth, ensuring every student receives the attention they need to succeed.

While traditional public schools follow certain schedules and routines, charter schools are able to operate with more personalization. Charter schools still hire credentialed teachers and participate in state assessments, however there are differences in how charters function compared to traditional public schools. For example, a charter school can offer more tailored and innovative instruction or different teacher to student ratios than a traditional school may be able to. In exchange for this increased flexibility, charter schools also have increased accountability.

Each school is held accountable to its “charter”, which is essentially a contract that outlines the school’s mission, programs, performance goals, and methods of assessment. The school’s authorizer, which in the state of California is typically a local school district, holds the school accountable to these goals. Charter schools are also accountable to the parents and students they serve. Visions In Education remains accountable to the families we serve, our authorizing district San Juan Unified, and is committed to advancing the mission of the Charter Schools Act of 1992.

Focused On Student Success

Fiscal responsibility, consistent staff development, innovative technology, and thoughtful instructional practices have led to increased student achievement at Visions. Here at Visions, we remain committed to being “1% Better” every day for our students and families. What this means is we are consistently looking for ways to improve the way we serve our students, whether it be through curriculum, enrichment opportunities, or technological advancements. For example, we created our own student support system known as the LPAD Student Support System™ to unify operations and empower every part of the learning journey.

Learning is not one-size-fits-all, every child learns differently and for some the traditional in-person public school route is not the path to success. Charter schools give parents another avenue for their child’s educational journey. At Visions, we are proud to offer another option for student success, and we remain committed to preparing each student to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

What is Visions In Education?

Learning and Leading at the Annual CSDC Conference

October 9, 2025/in News

Learning and Leading at the Annual CSDC Conference

From October 6–8, Visions In Education staff representing Business Services and Instruction traveled to Palm Springs for the annual Charter Schools Development Center (CSDC) Conference, a statewide gathering of charter educators dedicated to advancing high-quality education for all students.

The event was an exciting opportunity for our team to collaborate, learn, and exchange ideas alongside hundreds of passionate educators and leaders from across California.

Visions Instructional Experts Shine

A highlight of the conference came on Tuesday morning when members of our Professional Learning & Innovation (PLI) Department including Kristin Manchester (Curriculum Coordinator, 9-12), Montoya Mayo (PLI Teacher on Special Assignment), Kaylee Song (Curriculum Coordinator, TK-8), Victoria Soria (Manager of Professional Learning & Innovation), and Dina Zakaria (PLI Teacher on Special Assignment) led a well-attended presentation titled “Comprehensive Systems: Curriculum, Instruction, and Educator Support.”

In their session, the PLI team shared how Visions builds coherent, standards-aligned systems that strengthen teaching and learning across diverse environments, including nonclassroom-based settings. Their model for aligning curriculum and instruction through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) features an annual curriculum review cycle for continuous improvement and a workshop framework grounded in Instructional Best Practices (IBPs).

Participants left with adaptable tools and strategies to foster shared leadership, strengthen educator capacity, and promote equity and excellence in their own schools and districts. The room was filled with engagement and energy as attendees asked thoughtful questions and connected with our instructional experts.

“We are deeply proud of the work that Visions In Education is doing to support our students in a rapidly changing world, and are honored to represent the incredible innovation each Visionary contributes to our collective goals. Sharing the comprehensive systems of support we provide through professional learning, coaching & consultation, and curricular review with charter leaders across the state is a celebration. It is a testament to our collective commitment to provide staff, students and families with high levels of learning,” shared Victoria Soria, PLI Manager.

Beyond presenting, our team enjoyed attending a wide range of sessions and connecting with other charter school professionals, vendors, and partners – including School Pathways, Parsec, Filmtwist, and more.

We’re proud of our staff for representing Visions on the statewide stage and demonstrating the innovative, collaborative spirit that drives our work every day.