Envision Academy

Envision Academy is a daily, blended learning, online (Edmentum software) program where students take 1-3 classes in the on-campus Envision Academy classroom, and  take their remaining courses on the GHS campus. In the Envision Academy classroom, teachers help students with coursework and mastery of standards based content. The teachers also provide content based lessons, tutoring, STEAM activities, community building, and social-emotional support. In addition, Envision Academy teachers work alongside GHS staff and guardians to support student success in all classes. Students are committed to the Envision Academy program for the school year; however, they are welcome to transfer back to CHS or GHS at the end of the year, or 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. Please see below on how to submit an application during this time. 

Application Instructions:

1. Middle School and High School Academic Counselors will be reaching out to students who they feel may be a good fit for Envision Academy. If you feel as if you meet the above requirements - have good attendance, display minimal discipline, and have the desire and motivation to be academically and socially successful - please reach out to your current Academic Counselor for further information on the Envision Academy program.

2. Middle School and High School Academic Counselors will then provide students an application to apply for the program. Students can also find a Google Form link to the Envision Academy Application on the GUSD website under the “Envision Academy” school page.

   1. If families do not have technology access to complete the Google Form, please call your current Academic Counselor and they can help you manually fill in the information that you are sharing during the phone call.

3. Once the student has a completed application on file, Envision Academy teachers will then send two Envision Academy Teacher/Staff Recommendation Forms to their provided two references to fill out and submit.

4. Once Envision Academy has received a submitted Envision Academy application and two teacher/staff references, contact will be made to the student and their family by scheduling a WebEx or phone interview with the student 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 us. We are happy to help provide any clarification to you and your family. We are looking forward to the upcoming 2020-2021 school year and meeting a new class of students!

The classroom environment at the Envision Academy is very different than that of a traditional high school classroom.  The combination of online courses and teacher directed courses allow students more flexibility and control over the way in which they learn the subject matter. In addition, it exposes students to the online learning they are likely to experience in college.

Students attend daily at Envision Academy. The 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 often additional staff members, will be in the room with Academy students. The schedule for the day varies per pupil. On average, half of the school day is spent working with teachers and students in a small group setting while the other half of the day is spent working independently using online (computer-based) curriculum.

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.

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, your have the ability to put more effort into the online work and move at a faster pace if you choose.

Yes, in 9th grade, Physical Education will be taken with Gilroy High School students on the main campus. A student may access other courses dependent upon individual needs and post-secondary goals.

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 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 their 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 courses needed for the graduation requirements at the comprehensive high schools. Student GPAs are calculated the same way they would be if they were attending the comprehensive high school.

• 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 to each student successfully completing all four years at the Academy.

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.