MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Inside Maryville Virtual School, math, science and English teacher Emily Smith's office is also her classroom, where she and her students meet on Zoom.
"I've been here since the beginning. It was so exciting to get to open a school," Smith said.
For two years, Maryville Virtual School has provided a different option for kids who cannot or do not want to be in a traditional classroom. The fully online school is a public school within Maryville City Schools.
Since the school opened in 2022, the physical space for teachers and staff has undergone renovations, a change in TSSAA guidelines now allows virtual students to participate in area school sports and the school's graduating class grew from three to 13, with 20 to 30 seniors expected to graduate this school year.
"I just see these kids and the needs they have," said school principal Deana Bishop. "For us to have the ability to help them, knowing that an on-site school can't give the help that we can, it's just thrilling to me."
Bishop said the virtual school is not a repackaging of digital learning during the pandemic. It's a completely different approach, she added, allowing students to work on their own schedules while adhering to the state's curriculum.
"We're a public school, so if a student here is not getting their work done then we intervene and we do different things to make sure they are doing their things done," Bishop explained.
As this unique approach to schooling continues to gain popularity, educators say for many students, it may be the only pathway to success.
"It's really cool to get to offer this to kids in a way that didn't exist when I was a kid but is still delivering that high quality education I want every one of my students to experience," Smith said.
School staff emphasized that the virtual school is not a homeschooling option; it is a public school that adheres to the state's education standards.
Maryville Virtual School employs one part-time and two full-time teachers onsite, as well as 23 adjunct educators.