In this modern era, the virtual education segment is escalating and emerging as one of the fastest-growing industries. Teachers with extensive experience and learning platforms are educating students of all ages and backgrounds virtually. Here, we are presenting a distinctive virtual learning institution, Pecos Cyber Academy (PCA), which empowers students to embrace learning, reach their full potential, and enhance their mental, social, and physical health through an online learning community.
Incorporated in 2016, PCA is a free online school for students who reside in New Mexico. With a flexible and welcoming environment, the academy aims to transform education for non-traditional learners, preventing dropouts and better preparing them for the future.
In the beginning, PCA came into existence with seven employees and 250 students, grades K through 8, and operated under the name Pecos Connections Academy. Within four years of its incorporation, PCA has expanded to teach more than 2,000 students in K–12 classes. It has played a crucial role in providing parents and students with a virtual education during the pandemic. The institution’s cutting-edge dual enrollment program serves to further increase access to higher education. PCA offers students the opportunity to attend concurrently, facilitating a smooth transition to higher education. The team of dedicated employees at PCA is onboarded with excellent training to help them acquire and refresh the abilities required to teach and operate in a virtual environment. PCA ensures that every student earns a diploma by opening doors to a better future and accommodating students who might have struggled in traditional settings. Many PCA graduates have successfully continued their studies to earn bachelor’s degrees, demonstrating the success of this effort and greatly increasing accessibility and educational attainment for its students.
Bearer of the Beacon
Pecos Cyber Academy is presently educating and empowering students worldwide under the fine guidance of Dr. Kim Hite-Pope. Dr. Hite-Pope is an amazing and dynamic educator with diverse experience in various special education settings, serving as both a teacher and a department head.
The aspiring leader began her career in education back in 1997 in Fairbanks, Alaska, working mostly as a teacher’s helper with pupils who had physical and intellectual disabilities. She moved to New Mexico in 2004 and enrolled in the University of Phoenix’s online bachelor’s program in business management. Her previous experience as a teacher’s assistant resulted in an offer for a special education teaching post while she was enrolled in an online master’s program in special education in 2005. In 2007, she secured a New Mexico Special Education Teaching License.
Dr. Hite-Pope acquired a wide range of experience in a variety of special education settings between 2005 and 2016. She started her Ph.D. program in educational leadership in 2009 and was able to finish it in 2017. She started her leadership adventure in the spring of 2017 when she was hired as an executive director at an online school. Since then, she has been in a leadership position and has made significant contributions to education.
On being asked what steps she takes to be remembered by her peers and the students, she said, “I aspire to be remembered as a dedicated advocate for school choice in New Mexico, empowering both peers and students to access diverse educational opportunities that best suit their needs and aspirations.”
Staying at the Forefront of Tech Integration
PCA remains at the forefront of education by seamlessly integrating the latest advancements in technology. Through the dynamic use of cutting-edge tools and platforms, the academy ensures a modern and engaging learning experience. This commitment equips students with the necessary abilities to rapidly align their education with the newest developments in technology.
Overcoming the Hurdles Along the Way
In New Mexico, the primary hurdle is ensuring equal internet access for all students. PCA addresses this challenge by providing hot spots to students and offering internet reimbursement to families, reducing obstacles to online learning.
A Mission and Vision Beyond the Ordinary
Understanding PCA’s vision and mission is essential to grasping the essence of their journey. The vision is to create a dynamic learning environment and a successful virtual K–12 school that meets the academic goals of students across the nation. Through this, the leading woman, Dr. Kim Hite-Pope, envisions empowering students with the flexibility and choices they need to excel in their education, preparing them for success in the evolving landscape of learning.
Their mission is to support virtual education and advocate for school choice in New Mexico, aiming to provide diverse educational opportunities.
The Growing Future of Pecos Cyber Academy
Since its inception, Pecos Cyber Academy has been flourishing and has had a tremendous journey so far. Looking ahead to the next ten years, PCA envisions a flourishing community as more students join the online family. More than everything, they want to make every student feel welcome and supported in their endeavor to be New Mexico’s top virtual state charter school. With a focus on creativity and academic excellence, PCA is more than just a place to learn—rather, it’s a community where students are empowered to take control of their own educational paths.