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Where Excellence Meets Opportunity.

About us

Our story

Empowering Every Child to Reach New Heights

At PLA Virtual, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to soar. Our dedicated educators, inclusive environment, and evidence-based curriculum are designed to unlock each scholar’s unique potential.
We meet every scholar where they are—providing personalized support, encouragement, and high expectations. Whether a child is neurotypical, neurodiverse, ASL, ESL, or gifted, we ensure they have the tools and confidence to rise above challenges and achieve more than they ever imagined.
Empowerment at PLA Virtual means celebrating growth, nurturing curiosity, and helping every child discover their strengths. We’re committed to guiding scholars beyond academic success—so they develop the character, resilience, and vision to reach new heights in school and in life.
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PLA Virtual scholar.

20+

Faculty & Staff

97%

High School Graduation Rate:

State of Indiana High School Diploma

100%

State-licensed teachers:

Providing inclusive instruction for all learners

100%

Full-time Tuition-free:

Full-day Schedule with LIVE Classes

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Start your journey of excellence

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PLA Virtual scholar.

Our

Mission & Vision

At PLA Virtual, our mission and vision guide everything we do. We are dedicated to providing a nurturing, high-quality online education that empowers every scholar to master essential academic skills, build strong character, and believe in their limitless potential. Our commitment is to create a vibrant, inclusive community where scholars, families, and educators work together to inspire growth, achievement, and lifelong success.

Our Mission

Our mission is to ensure that each of our scholars meets high academic and social standards and thrives as leaders at home, in their communities, and in the world.

Our Vision
Our ultimate goal is for our scholars to master key academic skills and demonstrate strong character, as evidenced by honesty, service to others, a superior work ethic, and a strong vision for and belief in their futures.
PLA Virtual scholars and parents.

Empowering Scholars & Families

Your voice plays a pivotal role in shaping our school’s growth. We create partnerships that celebrate every student’s journey.

PLA Virtual scholars.

Blended Enrichment

Online coursework combined with options to engage in sports and enrichment activities at local PLA campuses for well-rounded development.

PLA Virtual scholar.

Technology-Powered Learning

High-quality virtual instruction with state-licensed teachers delivering rigorous, evidence-based K-12 curriculum.

Our team

We are ready to serve you

Dr. Tora Townsend

Dr. Tora Townsend

Principal

Mrs. Deanna Maxwell

Mrs. Deanna Maxwell

Assistant Principal

Ms. Kelly Hershey

Ms. Kelly Hershey

Instructional Coach

Mrs. Ann Semon

Mrs. Ann Semon

Instructional Coach

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What Makes Us Different

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Scheduled for Success

Full-day Schedule with LIVE Classes

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Community Focus

Strong family partnerships and community engagement that builds lasting connections

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Safe Environment

PLA Virtual goes beyond traditional brick-and-mortar education by educating scholars in the safety and comfort of their own homes.

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Learning for All

Personalized education tailored to your child’s unique learning style. From ASL integration to specialized curriculum, we make learning accessible for all.

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Rich Extracurriculars

Our scholars can participate in sports and enrichment activities at a local PLA campus.

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Individual Growth

Personalized attention and support to help each student reach their unique potential

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Free job training for families

Free job training for all our families through Skilled US

The McKinney-Vento Act protects scholars from discrimination based on their lack of a permanent residence. Homeless Scholars are eligible to receive a variety of services including: transportation services, free meals under the school nutrition programs, limited English proficiency class, gifted and talented programs, and special education services based on a scholar’s eligibility. Homeless Scholars will not be denied enrollment based on lack of proof of residency. Please consult the McKinney-Vento Act Liaison if you need assistance. The PLA Network does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability or national origin in any employment and/or educational opportunity. No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination in any program or activity for which the PLA Network Board is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. The PLA Network values diversity. Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is committed to making its websites accessible for all, including individuals with disabilities, and strives to ensure accessibility currently and as new technologies emerge. PLA welcomes questions and input on its sites' accessibility at each development phase. Please contact our Call Center at 888.655.0777 or submit feedback to Communications@PhalenAcademies.org if you encounter an issue accessing any portion of the network's websites.

Click here to learn more about the network's digital accessibility efforts.