Discovery Schools Launching Statewide Hybrid Virtual Program for 2024-25 School Year

DISCOVERY SCHOOLS IS LAUNCHING A STATEWIDE HYBRID VIRTUAL PROGRAM IN 2024-25 FOR STUDENTS IN 5TH-8TH GRADE: 

DISCOVERY FUSION HEALTH SCIENCES ACADEMY

New virtual hybrid school first of its kind in Louisiana, combining virtual learning with the benefit of a brick and mortar campus support

Discovery Schools, a high-performing, open-enrollment, charter school network, is now accepting applications for grades 5th-8th for the 2024-25 school year for its new, virtual hybrid program: Discovery Fusion Health Sciences Academy, announced Chief Executive Officer, Patty Glaser. 

The program is one of Louisiana’s first hybrid virtual school, offering students the ability to adapt their school schedule to their individual needs with virtual or on-campus classes. Discovery Schools currently operates three charter schools in Louisiana serving over 3,100 students in grades PK-12. 

“Through our amazing partnership with Ochsner, we are offering a groundbreaking program for the next generation of Louisiana students,” said Glaser. “Discovery is always ahead of the curve, and we know that this hybrid virtual model will appeal to many students in the state who want the flexibility of a virtual school, but with the stability and option of a brick-and-mortar campus base with face-to-face interactions with teachers.”

Discovery Fusion is a program within Baton Rouge Ochsner Discovery, a Type 2 charter, and students can enroll from anywhere in the state. Children of current Ochsner employees will comprise about half of the enrollment, while the other half will be open to the community. Discovery Fusion will be a tuition-free public school offering a health sciences-integrated curriculum with the flexibility to adapt to students’ individual educational needs.

Discovery Fusion will be operated by Discovery Schools, implementing the structures and best practices that have contributed to the success of the Discovery model, and providing students access to a brick-and-mortar campus to support their virtual learning success. 

Students enrolled in the Discovery Fusion program are able to access course materials and resources at their own pace, promoting independent learning skills, and providing flexibility for those with different learning styles or schedules, said CEO Glaser.  The hybrid model will also facilitate greater interaction and collaboration through online discussions, forums, and digital tools, even when the students are not physically present in the classroom. Discovery Fusion has carefully designed technology availability and teacher training to ensure a seamless integration between online and offline components to create a cohesive learning experience, she said

“Discovery Schools is growing and we are thrilled to be able to offer the benefit of a quality Discovery education to any student in the state,” said CEO Glaser. “Exciting things are happening at Discovery Schools!”

The deadline to apply for the 2024-25 school year is noon, Friday, February 2, 2024. Parents can submit an application online at www.discoveryapplication.com. 

To learn more about Discovery Schools please visit www.discoveryhsf.org.

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Founded in 2013, Discovery is a high-performing, open-enrollment, charter school network operating three schools in Louisiana. Discovery prides itself on a creative and rigorous academic learning environment as well as a strong school culture. At Discovery, courses have been developed for college and career readiness with an emphasis on health sciences, and technology. The mission of Discovery Health Sciences Academies is to provide a rigorous learning environment where students achieve academically, develop intellectual curiosity, and practice environmental responsibility while exploring health and science topics and careers.