The Challenge
Portage Township Schools has seen nearly 300 students leave for external virtual programs in recent years. These students often face barriers to traditional schooling such as work obligations or family responsibilities that require more flexibility than a standard schedule can provide. District leaders set out to create an online program that could meet these students' needs while maintaining a connection to the local school community.
Why Subject.com
For its new PACE Virtual Academy, Portage has chosen Subject to deliver online education with:
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Certified teachers available from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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24/7 homework help
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Dynamic, interactive assessments (not just multiple choice)
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Built-in support for students with IEPs and multilingual learners
- Professional instruction and feedback
Program Design
The PACE model will focus on one course at a time over four weeks, allowing students to earn the equivalent of a full semester credit. This approach aims to promote deeper learning rather than juggling multiple subjects simultaneously.
Students will connect with in-person mentors at Portage High School, maintaining a local connection while learning online. A dedicated entrance and workspace at the high school will be available to PACE students.
Expected Outcomes
With a launch date of August 18, 2025 Portage Township Schools expects PACE Virtual Academy to:
- Recapture students who left for other virtual programs
- Provide a graduation pathway for students with schedule constraints
- Keep local students connected to their community
"We went with Subject because it's a more engaged platform," Director of Instructional Technology Tim Pirowski told the Chicago Tribune. "They want to be storytellers. They want to be known as the Netflix of education."
Institution
Portage Township Schools
Location
Portage, Indiana
Subject.com Solutions
- ✓ Credit Recovery
- ✓Core Course Expansion
- ✓ Multilingual learning