Alabama Virtual Academy graduates a record number of students as growth continues
Jun 2, 2025
The Alabama Virtual Academy graduated its largest class at 256 students during a May 15 ceremony at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery.
The academy offers online public school courses for eighth- to 12th-grade students. It has been open since 2015. About 7,000 students attend school through the academy, Executive Director Melanie Barkley said.
The academy has continued to grow and gained more than 1,500 students in the last school year.
In addition to having an in-person graduation, the academy also has a prom and in-person events throughout the state on a monthly basis.
“Sometimes that’s a misconception that they never have socialization, or they never have an opportunity to meet their peers but that’s not true,” Barkley said.
The academy also provides an online platform where students can socialize.
For Evan Willey and his family, the Alabama Virtual Academy has allowed him and his siblings to excel. Willey graduated May 15 with both his high school diploma and an associate’s degree. He was this year’s valedictorian.
In the fall, Willey will attend the University of Alabama to pursue engineering. He said he will be able to complete his degree in three years because the academy offered him the flexibility to pursue collegiate classes while he was in high school.