SALINEVILLE-Students have the option to pursue online schooling through the Southern Local School District’s Indian Academy.

The Indian Academy was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide continued education for students when school buildings were closed, operating primarily online. Over time, evolving needs prompted officials to expand its services to support youth both within and beyond the district. Today, the academy is open to any student residing in the State of Ohio.

District educator Eric Sampson, who has served at Southern Local Jr./Sr. High School for the past 18 years, was given a two-year contract to helm the online school as director during the Sept. 9 school board meeting. Sampson said the district had obtained an Individual Record Number (IRN), or a unique identifier assigned to educational institutions for online schooling, to operate during and after the pandemic, but this year Superintendent Tom Cunningham and the school board wanted to give students an alternative educational resource.

“It’s just another pathway of education for students who don’t necessarily excel in a traditional setting,” Sampson explained. “We wanted to bring kids back or keep kids here [who left after COVID]. We also want to help increase enrollment and give students other opportunities to learn.”

He said enrollment numbers essentially doubled to about 37 and he was still adding new pupils to the roster, while the total could possibly exceed 40. Officials initially expected about 20 students with anticipation for numbers to grow, and Sampson had told the school board that 10 pupils resided outside the district while 27 were from Southern. Of the latter, six were returning from other districts and another seven were retained. Indian Academy is open to students in grades K-12 who either live inside or outside the district, but the majority of those currently enrolled are in the junior high and high school levels.

It utilizes Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) courses and district teachers to grade tests and guide the students, while pupils may work at home with access to teachers online or visit the Williams Building in Salineville to work with Sampson and an academic coach so they can stay on track.

“It’s more streamlined for kids with anxiety or health issues or those who want to focus on academics,” he added. “The kids can get on line at their own convenience, but they have to get 910 hours of educational time throughout the school year.”

Interested parents may contact Sampson, who will enroll and set schedules for students, then upload them to the VLA to get them started. Once they are uploaded, the students may begin at any time.

“Students may enroll at any time throughout the year with open enrollment,” Sampson continued. “One of the things that sets us apart from other online schools is that being a part of Southern Local, students have the ability to take traditional classes at Southern Local Junior/Senior High School, such as band or agriculture classes. Students can also play sports at Southern barring any transfer rules.”

Indian Academy was also granted a career-tech option with an online welding credential, plus students may obtain career-based learning at SLHS. For more information or to enroll, contact Sampson at 330-679-2343, Ext. 4208, or email eric.sampson@slindians.org.