Envision Academy

Envision Academy is a daily, blended learning, online learning program located on the Gilroy High School campus. Students enrolled in Envision Academy will take 1-3 classes in the Envision Academy classroom, and will complete their remaining classes with Gilroy High School teachers on the main campus. 

Envision Academy provides students a blended learning environment. Students will have the opportunity to participate in both teacher led, small group, and independent learning instruction. Teachers will provide daily classroom lessons and activities to help support and guide students through their online coursework. Students will complete their online coursework through Edmentum; an A-G college approved online learning platform. 

Envision Academy teachers help students with their coursework and mastery of standards based content. The teachers also provide content based lessons, tutoring, community building, and social-emotional support. In addition, Envision Academy teachers work alongside Gilroy High School staff and guardians to help support student success in all of their classes.  

Students are committed to the Envision Academy program for the school year; however, they are welcome to transfer back to Christopher High School or Gilroy High School at the end of the year; or they can select to remain in the hybrid program. There will be a few exceptions depending on the specific needs of the student.

In order to be considered an Envision Academy student, students must submit an application, have good attendance, display minimal discipline, and have the desire to be academically and socially successful. 

Students interested in applying to Envision Academy will complete an online application, which will be available in spring 2024. Both the student and their guardian will be asked to answer questions on the online application. 

Once Envision Academy has received a completed “GUSD Envision Academy Application” on file, Envision Academy teachers will then email the student’s selected teachers/staff references a recommendation form to complete.

When Envision Academy has received both a submitted “GUSD Envision Academy Application” and the teacher/staff recommendation forms, contact will be made to both the student and their family to schedule an interview. Interviews will be provided through Zoom or a phone call to determine if Envision Academy will be a good fit for them at this time. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email the Envision Academy teachers or your academic counselor. We are happy to help provide any clarification to you and your family.

The classroom environment in Envision Academy provides a unique and comfortable learning space. The combination of online courses and teacher directed courses allows students more flexibility and control over the way in which they learn the subject matter. Teachers provide students support in various ways: whole group, small group, and independent learning instruction to help support students in their online courses. In addition to receiving support in their Envision Academy courses, Envision Academy teachers also maintain contact with Gilroy High School teachers to support students in their on-campus classes as well. Envision Academy offers students positive daily support and encouragement with their academics, small class sizes, community building, and social emotional learning components. In addition, students also have the opportunity to work on a credit recovery course alongside their assigned Envision Academy courses if needed. If students are on pace with their high school credits, students also have the opportunity to get ahead and begin a future high school course as well.

Students attend Envision Academy during their assigned class periods. Envision Academy is a double-sized room divided into independent learning stations with group work areas and has a designated space for teacher instruction. Two teachers, and at times additional staff members, will be in the room with Academy students. A few days during the week, the class participates in community building/social emotional learning activities, and then begins lessons for the day. Throughout the week, teachers will lead whole group and small group lessons on their assigned online tutorial for the week, then provide students independent time to complete their weekly assignments. During student independent time, teachers monitor and work one-on-one with students when needed. In Envision Academy, the goal is to create a positive and engaging learning environment where students feel encouraged and supported.

Teachers will create an individual academic plan for each semester with the help of an academic coordinator. Students will take courses in areas of strength through online learning and have direct instruction in areas where they need more assistance. Online courses will be completed through Edmentum, an A-G college approved online learning platform. While courses will be completed online, teachers will provide direct instruction throughout the week to help guide and support students with their learning.

Yes, students will be able to request help from the teacher while in the classroom. While the Envision Academy encourages an independent learning model, students are never without guidance and support.

Students will be participating in online activities that will drive learning. Students will have access to content, discussions and collaborative experiences.

High school teachers appropriately credentialed will be working in the Academy.

Yes. Some tests and quizzes will be given in class, while others can be administered online. Final exams will be administered at Envision Academy during the regular final exam schedule for Gilroy High School.

It does not mean more work. It does mean work in a different format - independent, small group and teacher directed instruction.  During the independent learning time, you have the ability to put more effort into the online work and move at a faster pace if you choose.

Yes, all classes will be on campus with Gilroy High students.

Yes, any student academically eligible can participate in the clubs and sports available at Gilroy High School.

When you enter Envision Academy, goals will be set with the teacher and academic coordinator. These goals will include a four-year plan from the academic counselor which is flexible to fit the needs of each student. You can choose to stay in the Academy for your entire high school career, transfer back to the comprehensive high school or look into other options within Gilroy Unified School District.

The grades students receive for the online Envision classes are counted the same as the grades students receive for the small group and teacher instructed classes.  All of the classes students take at Envision Academy are the traditional college prep (A-G) courses needed for the graduation requirements at the comprehensive high schools.

All courses meet the same guidelines as those at the comprehensive high schools. The coursework will meet the eligibility requirements for students to enter a four year college or university if all grade requirements (C or better) are met. A Gilroy High School diploma will be issued upon completion of required graduation credits.

Yes.  A student with an active IEP or 504 Plan, will have a transition meeting with the current school team prior to the student’s acceptance to Envision Academy to ensure that Envision Academy can offer the appropriate services.