Larry G. Meeks Academy

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Larry G. Meeks (Virtual) Academy provides our families with an additional school option, this one virtually. The academy allows students to engage in a virtual (online) instructional model for grades K-8 and/or an alternative learning program for grades 9-12. The Academy is an educational commitment, a long term learning alternative to traditional schools, not a temporary alternative to the current global pandemic. Parents and students are required to submit a commitment contract indicating their interest to attend the academy for the full school year.

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Larry G. Meeks (Virtual) Academy includes:

For grades K-8:

NUSD Multiple-Subject Credentialed Teachers for grades K-6
NUSD Single & Multiple Subject Credentialed Teachers for grades 7-8 in a blend of Math, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education
Self-contained grade level instruction for grades K-6
Teacher led virtual lessons and instruction
Independent virtual lessons and instruction
Board adopted curriculum and textbooks (digital platform based on grade level)
Flexible student learning schedules upon request
Intervention / tutoring supports
Extracurricular opportunities
Field Trip Opportunities
Laptops and other required hardware and software
Math and Science learning kits
Gifted and Talented Education opportunities
Social Emotional Learning Supports
English Learner Supports
Special Education Supports
504 Supports
Library access and digital subscriptions
Regularly scheduled in-person student/teacher check-ins
Access to Counselors for High School, College, and Career Planning (grades 7-8)
Subject level acceleration opportunities (grades 7-8)
Elective / exploratory courses (grades 7-8)
Macbooks or Ipads (depending on grade level) and other required hardware and software

* ALL in-person classes and activities are subject to the California Department of Health School Re-opening guidance and the NUSD COVID-19 Safety Plan.

Sample Learning Schedules

The following schedules are samples of what a student’s instructional week may look like. All schedules are subject to change.

Enrollment Information

K-8:

Once enrolled, K-8 students become scholars of the Academy, ideally for the entire school year. We recommend our scholars to remain enrolled for all subsequent school years through the completion of eighth grade, although it is always a scholar’s family choice.

Should scholar families wish to transfer out of the K-8 Academy to another NUSD school for subsequent school years, parents are required to follow the intradistrict transfer request process. Intradistrict transfers back to your boundary school are subject to available space.

Enrollment requires the following processes: inter or intradistrict transfer form, master contract outlining school, scholar, and parent/guardian responsibilities, and the technology acceptable use agreement form. While there are a few other things to complete, these are the major baseline form requirements to get your scholar started with LGMA soon!

Please click here to go to the enrollment website.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I enroll?

Do I have to live in Natomas to enroll?

Is this an Independent Study program?

Larry G. Meeks Academy (TK-8) offers flexibility in scheduling to meet the needs of families and students but it is an online based school with both live and virtual teaching and check-ins, it is not a traditional independent study program.

Alternative Learning Program (9-12) is an expansion of the already existing independent study program combined with virtual lessons, options to attend necessary classes on their campus or community college campus, plus be able to participate in athletics and other extracurricular activities.

How is this different from distance learning that was provided during the pandemic?

Larry G. Meeks Academy is a NUSD school providing options for virtual, or online, learning that may take place in a classroom or from any remote location and is combined with live instruction and in-person instructional supports. The current distance learning model is a response to the pandemic while Larry G. Meeks Academy is a long-term educational option for families and students wanting online and in-person instruction with flexibility to meet their needs.

How long do I have to be enrolled?

As a NUSD school, Larry G. Meeks Academy meets the California state requirements for 180 days of instruction. Enrollment in Larry G. Meeks Academy is recommended for an annual, or year long, commitment as in other NUSD schools. However, we understand that sometimes changes are needed and parent/guardians do have the ability to change (although there are some specific requirements that changes occur along grading periods such as the end of a trimester or semester depending upon grade level program).

Can I do this part time / full time?

How can this schedule work for the individual needs of my student/family?

Is this free or is there tuition?

Is this a charter school?

Do students come to school?

The flexibility of Larry G. Meeks Academy’s schedule provides flexibility in the days of the week and the times of the school day that students meet with their teacher(s), counselor, or other coaches or support staff. The primary learning in elementary may take place at home with in-person supports and check-ins while in grades 9-12 there may be classes taken in person on the high school campus or community college. By reviewing the sample schedules, you can view bell schedules for students that do synchronous learning for the full school day, or a sample Flexible schedule that allows students to complete work in a semi-independent-study like setting with smaller check ins with the teacher to ensure learning is positive and productive. Lastly, there are opportunities for hybrid learning opportunities where students can, optionally, come onto LGMA’s campus to complete projects or activities with their teachers such as science labs, math projects, reading circles, and much, much more!

Will there be a physical Larry G. Meeks Academy school building?

Larry G. Meeks Academy (TK-8) will be located and operated on Bannon Creek School.

Alternative Learning Program (9-12) will be located and operated at a location to be determined. Students will enroll at their designated high school. High school students who attend in-person classes, as well as virtual, will attend those at Inderkum High School or Natomas High School.

Will my student be able to participate in the graduation at their home high school?

Do Larry G. Meeks Academy students still take state tests?

How does the school provide SPED services?

Does this school affect my student’s ability to attend college?

What type of technology will be provided to students in the Academy?

What type of technology will be provided to students in ViP?

Can a student be accelerated by grade level or subject if he or she is advanced?

How do the students interact with each other?

Can a student still participate in the IB program?

Will all grades 9-12 classes be available?

Will high school students be eligible to compete in CIF sports?

Will there be coordinated field trips?

What is the staffing model for Larry G. Meeks Academy?

Who is Larry G. Meeks?

The virtual academy is named in honor of community member, local artist and former NUSD Trustee Larry Meeks. Pastor Meeks served as a Trustee from 1986-2000 becoming the first African American elected to the Board of Trustees. He was integral in the unification of the district in 1992. Meeks is highly respected and well-known in the Sacramento region serving as Pastor of Williams Memorial Church since 2005, a talented artist with public displays throughout the City of Sacramento, and a syndicated columnist in publications throughout the nation. A dedicated supporter of K-12 education, he’s been a long-time resident of Natomas with his wife of more than 50 years, 2 children, and grandchildren.

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