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Entries by Sierra Horton

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.

Finding a Place to Thrive: The Kennedy’s Visions Experience

September 29, 2025/in Student Spotlight

Finding a Place to Thrive: The Kennedy’s Visions Experience

Learning at your own pace and receiving personalized support isn’t the norm in traditional public school settings, but for the Kennedy family, that was exactly what their daughters needed.

After exploring several schools in their area, the Kennedys struggled to find a place that offered the kind of support and understanding their daughters required. It wasn’t just about academics, it was about finding a place where their children could truly be seen, heard, and supported as individuals.

That place turned out to be Visions.

Every child learns differently, and Visions embraces that truth. With flexible learning options, individualized pacing, and a strong support system, the school empowers students to take charge of their education, while still receiving guidance every step of the way.

“I love Visions so much,” says Simone. “It actually does make me feel heard.”

That feeling of being heard and understood has made all the difference. While students at Visions have the freedom to manage their own schedules and workload, they’re never on their own. Teachers and staff are always available to provide guidance, encouragement, and academic support.

“If you want to find a place that is going to invest in your child,” Ms. Kennedy says, “this is the place to go.”

At Visions, it’s not just about education, it’s about empowering students to thrive on their own terms.

Creating Community for Everyone – The Kravchenkos & Visions

September 23, 2025/in Student Spotlight

Creating Community for Everyone - The Kravchenkos & Visions

“For people like me from different countries, I really can advise them to be with Visions,” shares Ms. Kravchenko, a mom whose child found not just academic support at Visions, but also a true sense of belonging.

At Visions, every student is seen as an individual. Whether they are new to the country, learning English, or simply looking for a more personalized educational experience, Visions provides a space where all learners can thrive.

Students receive personal attention from teachers and staff who are committed to helping them succeed, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. It’s this commitment that encouraged Jessica to start Slavic Club, a student organization designed to support and connect those whose first language may not be English. “For the first time ever, I’m actually excited to go to school,” Jessica shares.

Though Visions operates remotely, students are far from isolated. The school offers over 70 student clubs, a growing athletics program, and regular events for all grade levels across the nine counties it serves. Whether a student wants to dive into the arts, sports, leadership, or cultural communities, there’s something for everyone.

Visions builds a strong, inclusive community that plays to students’ strengths and supports them in areas where they need to grow. It’s a place where learners from all backgrounds can find their voice, their confidence, and their path forward.

Building Lifelong Skills – The Lustados & Visions

September 16, 2025/in Student Spotlight

Building Lifelong Skills - The Lustados & Visions

“My experience with the Online Middle School program has been wonderful.”

Since enrolling, Arianna has discovered a whole new level of learning including opportunities to explore new topics and build lifelong skills. With the freedom to manage her own schedule and studies, she’s already learning key habits like time management, organization, and self-motivation – skills that will benefit her long after middle school.

For the Lustado family, choosing a remote program came with initial concerns. They were nervous about how she’d manage the workload and stay on track without an in-person teacher. But those worries quickly faded once they saw the strong support system Visions provides.

“Visions teachers are so accessible to the students, and they are also so encouraging,” Elain shares.

Visions also makes it easy for parents to be partners in their child’s educational journey. From tracking grades and attendance to viewing curriculum and directly connecting with teachers, everything is just a few clicks away. “It’s really intuitive and user-friendly for anybody to use,” says Elain.

At Visions, students are not only supported, they’re empowered. By giving students the opportunity to own their learning goals while ensuring strong academic guidance is always available, the Online Middle School program helps young learners thrive both inside and outside the (virtual) classroom.

Visions In Education Holds Ribbon Cutting at New Building

September 2, 2025/in News

Visions In Education Holds Ribbon Cutting at New Building

Visions In Education officially opened its new office with a ribbon cutting ceremony that brought together students, staff, board members, and community partners to celebrate this exciting milestone and the start of the 25/26 school year. The new space is designed to better support collaboration, innovation, and the success of the students and families we serve.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos, who shared his gratitude for the teamwork that made this day possible. “While we’re celebrating a new address, we’re really celebrating what’s possible when we work together. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished and even more excited for what’s ahead,” Dr. Olmos shared.

Board Chairperson Mark Holman and Chief Operations Officer Tom Tafoya also spoke, reflecting on the significance of beginning the new school year in a space that will allow staff to better serve families.

A highlight of the day was cutting the ceremonial ribbon, joined by members of our Board of Directors, including Clark Shueh, Sam Smalls and Vice Chairperson Terrence Shelton, and many of our student “Visionaries”, whose support and involvement were crucial throughout the process. We were also honored to have Mika Klinsmann from Senator Roger Niello’s office and Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce ambassador Thomas Steinbach in attendance. The celebration was a true community effort, with staff who helped make the move possible and several special guests joining in to mark the occasion.

The new building is not just an office—it’s a commitment to the future of education at Visions. As Dr. Olmos noted, this milestone is both a celebration of the past 25 years and the beginning of a new chapter as we enter our 26th school year.

Visions executive leaders and Board members with students cutting a ribbon at ribbon-cutting ceremony

Visions executive leaders and Board members with students behind a ribbon at ribbon-cutting ceremony

Visions executive leaders and Board members behind Visions lofo at ribbon-cutting ceremony

Visions Superintendent talking to students

Congratulations To Our Steve Phelps Scholarship Winners!

August 20, 2025/in News

Congratulations To Our Steve Phelps Scholarship Winners!

Congratulations to our 2025 Steve Phelps American Dream Scholarship recipients: Romela Khan, Maliaha Calhoun, Cassandra Vue, and Alliah Saidwal!

Each year, Visions proudly honors the legacy of beloved former teacher Steve Phelps through a scholarship established in his name. This $600 award supports Visions students who plan to attend a community college after high school, helping them take the next step toward their educational goals.

This year’s scholarship recipients shared moving essays about the people who have inspired them most—from family members who instilled values of hard work and discipline, to friends whose memory and passion for life continue to motivate them every day.

“No matter the time and the situation, my dad would always make us happy and support us in any way he could. He would always support me in school. He was like my best friend. My mom is always there to support my siblings and me when she is unhappy and depressed. My parents were inspirational because they would always smile to see us smile. No matter the challenges they faced, they kept going just to see us happy and successful.” – Romela Khan

“As I aged and kept watching Gordon’s cooking and the advice he always gave to the young chefs, I became more motivated to pursue my dreams of following in his footsteps… At the young age of 18, I am now enrolled at Contra Costa Community College, pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts. I will also take classes centered around business management and hospitality. I will one day own my own hospitality business and I will serve food for others in a way that transforms the way they experience food, ingredients and help to provide nostalgia while healing any trauma surrounding food. I will help others the way that Gordon Ramsay helped me.” – Maliaha Calhoun

“As a Hmong woman, (my mother) grew up with limited opportunities and responsibility. Despite this, she didn’t let that stop her from achieving her dreams of working hard to support her family to get the life she dreamed of. This inspired me to work hard for what I want to achieve in the future and the opportunity/chance to when she couldn’t. She is my biggest inspiration to continue my education further after high school and to work hard to make my dreams come true. She poured hours and her energy into supporting our family.” – Cassandra Vue

“Through this journey, I’ve learned that strength isn’t about the absence of hardship, but about having the ability to persevere in the face of it. Every challenge I’ve faced has shaped me into the person I am today, one who accepts change, never gives up, and values the connections made through shared adversity. I learned that I should surround myself with positive people instead of negative ones and look for friendships that are based on loyalty and trust. I look to the future while keeping with me the lessons learned from the past. My goal is to show others that even in the darkest moments, hope is still possible.” – Alliah Saidwal

Congratulations to our Steve Phelps American Dream Scholarship recipients! We wish you all the best in college and thank you for helping us keep the memory of Steve Phelps alive.

Remembering Steve Phelps

Steve Phelps was a dedicated Visions teacher from 2003 until his passing in 2008. Having faced his own challenges in school, Steve found his path with the help of a mentor teacher. He became a passionate advocate for the community college system, seeing it as an accessible and valuable pathway to higher education.

Prior to his passing, Steve created a scholarship to support students who took community college courses during high school and planned to continue at a community college after graduation. Today, in his honor, Visions partners with Sober Riders to raise funds and award scholarships each year in Steve’s name—carrying forward his mission of empowering students on their journey to success and lifelong learning.