Alabama's Online Public Schools Boost Student Outcomes

K12-powered academies provide flexible options that improve attendance and graduation rates.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:08pm

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In recent years, Alabama's commitment to providing alternative educational options through online public schools has begun to pay dividends. Programs like Alabama Destinations Career Academy, Alabama Virtual Academy, and Legends Virtual Academy are serving disadvantaged student populations across the state and seeing significant enrollment growth, improved attendance, and better educational outcomes compared to traditional public schools.

Why it matters

Expanding parental choice in education has played a significant role in Alabama's comeback story, as online public schools offer flexibility and individualized support that helps students who may not thrive in a traditional classroom setting. These programs are serving military families, students with health challenges or disabilities, and other unique situations where online education provides stability and continuity.

The details

Alabama's K12-powered online public schools are seeing impressive results, with the Destination Academy reporting an 89.26% graduation rate and an 80.99% College and Career Readiness rate in 2025-2026, representing a 4.52% increase in CCR and over 15% increase in graduation. Alabama Virtual Academy is also projecting an 81.01% graduation rate and 70.16% CCR rate for its 2025 graduating class, an 18-point increase year-over-year. These academies have expanded career pathway opportunities and created shared CCR teams to drive this progress.

  • Alabama Destinations Career Academy has offered online options to students statewide for the past 6 years.
  • Alabama Virtual Academy, operated through Eufaula City Schools, has been serving Alabama students for a decade.
  • Since 2023, enrollment at Alabama Virtual Academy has doubled, and Destinations Academy has experienced similar growth.

The players

Alabama Destinations Career Academy

A program within Chickasaw City Schools that has offered online options to students statewide for the past 6 years.

Alabama Virtual Academy

Operated through Eufaula City Schools and has been serving Alabama students for a decade.

Legends Virtual Academy

A newer program in Tuscaloosa County that is already serving English learners, students with disabilities, and families seeking more flexible options.

Terri Collins

Alabama State Representative for District 8 and chair of the Education Policy Committee.

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What they’re saying

“Despite receiving roughly 30 percent less funding, K12-powered academies are serving disadvantaged student populations in every Alabama House District. This program shows that innovation and flexibility can produce real results.”

— Terri Collins, Alabama State Representative, District 8

What’s next

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The takeaway

Alabama's investment in online public school options has paid off, with K12-powered academies serving disadvantaged students, improving attendance and graduation rates, and proving that innovation and flexibility in education can produce real results for students who may not thrive in a traditional classroom setting.