Any WA student can enroll in new virtual school. Why Pasco is offering online classes

Pasco’s online school for K-12 students received state approval to expand enrollment for certain students across Washington.

Beginning this fall, the Pasco School District plans to start accepting out-of-district K-8 students at Internet Pasco Academy of Learning, known as iPAL.

iPAL is now the second online public school in the Tri-Cities to gain approval from Washington OSPI to serve as a “multi-district online school program.”

Pacific Crest Online Academy in Richland got the OK in 2021 to begin serving students from other areas.

Pasco’s director of virtual learning Megan Hockaday called the approval a significant milestone.

“By offering this program statewide we can provide students across Washington with a flexible and personalized education,” she said. “iPAL adapts to each student’s unique needs, ensuring they have the support to thrive academically and personally in a secure, online environment,” she said.

This is a way to offer additional programs to students throughout the state who may not have access to them and allows the district to increase its total number of full-time enrolled students, which means more funding from the state.

Enrollment in online public schools in the Tri-Cities has been on the decline in recent years since schools fully reopened after the pandemic.

iPAL is one of four online alternative programs that are currently offered to about 600 Pasco School District students.

The district also offers real-time, synchronous learning opportunities (Pasco Innovative eXperiences and e-Learning), an online high school (Virtual New Horizons High School), and a parent-led instructional program (Pasco Parent Partnership).

iPAL classes are asynchronous, meaning students access materials and work on assignments at their own pace.

The school offers a variety of courses, including core subjects, electives, Advanced Placement and career readiness programs.

iPAL allows students to tailor their education to fit their schedules, and is preferable for families that need accommodations for extracurriculars, family commitments and other personal preferences.

In the fall, Pasco staff opened the doors to their new Digital Learning Center, a refurbished 10,000-square-foot school on the corner of Court street and Road 44.