HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville City School leaders are working to roll out a new virtual and hybrid school option for the 2024-2025 school year. Artemis Academy will offer students in grades K-12 the flexibility to engage in teaching and learning virtually while also providing students the ability to receive additional support in-person.
The Huntsville City Board of Education approved the new virtual school during a board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.
“The purpose of Artemis Academy is to successfully meet the needs of the 2024 student,” said Emily Elam, HCS Chief Information Officer. “Whether a family frequently travels, a student plays travel sports, or a student thrives in a virtual setting, our goal is to provide families with freedom and flexibility as we strive to meet the needs of all students.”
Students in Artemis Academy will be able to participate in athletics, band, choir, and extracurricular offerings at the school they are zoned to attend.
Each student will be assigned a highly qualified teacher. Students will be able to attend open office hours and schedule meeting times with teachers. All students will be provided with an HCS-issued device and take-home internet option for students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunches.
Families must apply for their student to be enrolled in the program. Applications will open in February 2024. Interviews may be conducted to ensure Artemis is the best educational approach to service the needs of each student. The HCS Special Education Department will also be involved in reviewing applications for students for whom they service to ensure the needs of all students are met.
Artemis Academy will be located at the Blossomwood Elementary and Lee High campuses for the 2024-2025 school year. It will have the same support and requirements as other schools including testing, grading periods, report cards, and student code of conduct.
“Artemis Academy will be a full-fledged school,” Elam says. “It will have its own principal, counselor, library media specialists, and offer special education services as required. This is just like any other school, but it will be in a hybrid and flexible environment rather than a physical, traditional classroom.”
The Huntsville City Board of Education approved Dr. Jennifer McKinney as Artemis' new principal. She joins HCS from the Madison County School System where she served as an instructional administrator at Sparkman High and previously led the district's virtual program.
The program will be offered at no cost to families. Families must be zoned for Huntsville City Schools for their children to attend.