Findlay Digital Academy 'exceeds' state standards

Findlay Digital Academy, a trailblazer in high school dropout prevention when founded 18 years ago, is now working to make the case for better funding from the state of Ohio. The academy is one of just a handful of dropout prevention and credit recovery schools in Ohio eligible to participate in a pilot study that could change how the schools are funded. The study is for three school years, and is currently in its second year. Academy Superintendent Rosemary Rooker said the schools currently receive funding based on student hours, which can be problematic for e-schools. The pilot study also factors in completed courses and attendance. Rooker said it's not additional funding. She said it's full-funding for these students "similar to what all other students in Ohio receive. ... If Findlay Digital Academy did not have the support of the pilot dollars, there would most definitely have been a negative impact on our services to students." It helps that the Findlay Digital Academy exceeded every state standard on its Ohio Schools Report Card for the 2021-22 school year. The report card was released in October. Dropout prevention and recovery schools are rated on test performance, student growth, overall student performance and graduation rates. It is one of the highest-rated schools in the state among its peers. As a charter school, known as "community schools" in Ohio, the academy is sponsored by Findlay City Schools. It is managed by its own board and administrators. Rooker has led the academy for the past six years. She attributes the success of the program to the staff's dedication in working with students, tutoring and closely monitoring their participation and progress. Monitoring student participation is important for e-schools. In Ohio, students are automatically unenrolled from e-schools after 72 hours of non-participation, Rooker said. "We use all modes of communication," she said. "Our kids don't miss a beat." Students also have access to a minimum of five academic coaches, either online or in person, during the academy's operational hours. As for the online work, students can work anytime. The academy also has a focused service territory, as opposed to being statewide. It serves students from Findlay Schools, along with 14 other area school districts, including Ada, Arcadia, Arlington, Bluffton, Cory-Rawson, Elmwood, Fostoria, Hardin Northern, Liberty-Benton, McComb, North Baltimore, Riverdale, Van Buren and Vanlue. To participate in the pilot study, the e-schools were required to exceed graduation standards and not be operated for profit. Other schools eligible to participate in the study include Auglaize County Educational Academy, Fairborn Digital Academy, Goal Digital Academy, Greater Ohio Virtual School and Quaker Digital Academy. Participation is voluntary. Students, ages 14-21, are eligible to enroll in the Findlay Digital Academy. Students who need to get back on track for graduation, struggle in a traditional setting, or want to graduate early can opt to attend the academy. Last school year, 79 students graduated from the academy. Findlay Digital Academy also offers a diploma program for adults, over the age of 22, who didn't finish high school. The program, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Education, is free and completely online. The coursework must be completed within two years. Rooker said it's a diploma, not a General Educational Development credential, or GED. This school year, 165 high school students are enrolled in the academy, and nine adults are pursuing their diplomas. Most are from Findlay City Schools, with about 25% from surrounding school districts. In all, Rooker said the academy works with about 200 students throughout the school year.