An online school that has recently made headlines for a partnership with Oklahoma officials has been denied access to a state tax credit program designed for private schools. According to reports from OKC FOX, the American Virtual Academy, which originated in Arizona, has not met the required criteria to participate in the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program.
A July 22 announcement from State Superintendent Ryan Walters had previously praised the school's focus on "promoting American principles rather than pushing a liberal agenda" and made mention that the academy was in the process of approval for the tax credit program. Nevertheless, this latest update from the OTC invalidates that claim. According to KSWO, officials have emphasized that only schools with a physical location in Oklahoma are eligible for the Parental Choice Tax Credit.
Amid the controversy, it has been reported that the Arizona Charter School Board has begun shutting down American Virtual Academy schools in Arizona due to underperformance. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, Walters's support for the virtual school appears to unwaveringly remain, as he continues to advocate for educational options that aim to instill a more patriotic curriculum. "I've always viewed this role as I'm the head of public instruction. That means instruction for the public. Whether they choose a public school, private school, charter school, homeschool, we're here to help them in those options, and so, this is another one we're going to be providing for the parents of Oklahoma," Walters told KOCO.
Meanwhile, questions from lawmakers about the necessity of this school and the state superintendent's involvement with private education persist. State Rep. Melissa Provenzano expressed confusion over Walter's focus, inquiring, "It appears this school is private, and I'm not sure why the state superintendent of public instruction is focusing on a private online school," she told KOCO. The discussion around educational choices and state resources continues as these developments unfold.
