Double-Digit Growth
Innovations Academy — Virtual
How a K-8 virtual school in California's Palmdale School District turned rolling enrollment and virtual learning challenges into measurable ELA and Math gains, 95% attendance, and the highest test participation in their district — with Curipod.
Rolling Enrollment, Rising Expectations
Innovations Academy, a K-8 virtual school in California's Palmdale School District, serves students who need an alternative learning environment — whether for personal circumstances, anxiety, or the fit of online learning. Students can enter at any time of the year, creating both challenges and opportunities.
The team discovered Curipod through EduProtocols, well-known lesson frames designed to spark critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Curipod quickly became the perfect complement, helping Innovations move from the monotony of LMS slides to lessons that built community, confidence, and engagement.
“We have rolling enrollment… I can get a student that's starting today.
— Aaron Boenigk, Teacher
The Innovations Academy Team
Measurable Gains Across the Board
For virtual schools, even maintaining steady test participation can be a challenge. With students enrolling and exiting year-round, any measurable gains are significant. At Innovations Academy, those gains weren't just visible — they were substantial. They posted the highest participation in their district, along with measurable growth in both ELA and Math.
| Grade | ELA Growth | Math Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | +2% | +10% |
| 6th | +10% | +12% |
| 7th | +19% | +17% |
Year-over-year growth from 2023–24 to 2024–25
“We were the only school in our district to hit 95% attendance.
— Melissa Garcia, Principal
Five Ways Curipod Changed the Classroom
Immediate, Actionable Feedback
“The immediate feedback for the students is super beneficial… I'm able to get through a lot of things a lot quicker.”
“This generation needs instant everything, so getting that feedback right away means they're not waiting for me to read six other kids' first.”
Engagement in a Virtual Setting
“Curipod is one of the tools we use to increase engagement. Kids with cameras off still participate.”
“They get proud when they hit top three, and many return after class to improve their score.”
Building Test Prep Stamina
“Curipod creates sources to read and walks them through exactly what it'll look like on the test.”
“This pushes them to write longer.”
Flexibility Across Subjects
“We ran a session with 75 kids. We use it in math with the whiteboard, in science, in history — the same platform across subjects.”
“Curipod lets us break the monotony from the LMS ‘next page, next page.’”
A Culture of Revision
“Students come back on their own time to revise because they want that higher score.”
What began as teacher-directed feedback became student-driven improvement — a rare and powerful change, especially in virtual learning.
More Than a Teaching Tool
For Innovations Academy, Curipod isn't just a teaching tool; it's a bridge. It keeps students engaged, gives teachers instant evidence of learning, and fosters accountability alongside community.
“It is a game changer. Instant feedback is critical for buy-in, and attendance has gone up — kids ask, ‘Can we do a Curipod?’
— Megann Kane, Co-Teacher
With rolling enrollment and students facing personal or academic hurdles, any measurable gain is significant. Innovations Academy didn't just maintain — they grew. +19% in 7th-grade ELA, +17% in 7th-grade Math, and the highest participation in their district.
A Bridge to Engagement
For a virtual school where students can join at any point in the year, building connection and community is everything. Curipod gave Innovations Academy the tools to make every student feel seen, heard, and challenged — no matter when they enrolled.
Curipod lets us break the monotony. Kids with cameras off still participate — and they come back on their own time to revise.
— Innovations Academy Teaching Team