Stacy Smith: Leading Volunteer State Virtual Academy Toward a Bright Future

Shaping a New Era of Education

As the Executive Director of Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA), Stacy Smith is helping shape a new era of education in Tennessee. With the school entering its second year, Smith has been at the heart of its growth and transformation from day one.

Smith’s background spans 34 years in education, and when the opportunity to lead a virtual school arose, she saw it as an exciting new challenge and transition. “It was just something new,” Smith reflects. “I wasn’t burned out, but I was excited about the opportunity.” The chance to work with a team she admired, including Director of Academics Amber Calvert and Portfolio Leader Julie Overholt, sealed the deal. “When I met Amber and Julie, I knew this was a team I could work with.”

Student-Centered Vision and Growth

Smith’s vision for the school is clear: students come first. “We are all here for our students,” she affirms. “We want to make sure that it’s a good experience for them and that they feel part of a community.” While VSVA is an online school, Smith emphasizes that being virtual doesn’t mean students are isolated. “You’re virtual, but you’re not alone,” she says, aiming to create a strong sense of connection among students and faculty.

Under Smith’s leadership, VSVA has already seen impressive growth. After opening in 2023, VSVA’s projected population was approximately 400 students, yet they ended the 2024 school year with an enrollment of over 1,500 students.  This growth is a testament to the success of the virtual learning model and the engaging, supportive community Smith and her team have cultivated.

Celebrating Achievements and Future Optimism

One of the most notable aspects of VSVA’s culture is its focus on celebrating student achievements. Smith explains, “We celebrate the wins, big or small.”  For example, students participated in a March Madness event, competing to meet academic goals based on interim assessments.

At VSVA, students get to participate in some events many wouldn’t expect at an online school, like awards for perfect attendance, an online “pie-in-the-face” challenge for the principal, and an in-person prom. These activities help create a positive, motivating environment and have had a noticeable impact on attendance and academic performance. “We’ve seen attendance improve, especially in middle school,” says Smith, pointing to the progress made so far.

What makes Smith’s leadership particularly impactful is her unwavering dedication to supporting both students and teachers. “My job is to make sure my admin team is taken care of, and they in turn support the teachers, who are focused on the students,” she explains. This structured, student-focused approach ensures that everyone in the organization—from administrators to teachers—understands their role in the mission to provide top-notch education.

Smith’s commitment to students goes beyond their academic performance. She recalls heartwarming stories from VSVA’s first graduation, where parents expressed deep gratitude for the school’s role in their children’s success. “For some of these students, it was the only reason they had a high school diploma,” Smith shares. The school’s personalized approach, meeting students where they are, has proven life-changing for many.

Looking ahead, Smith is optimistic about VSVA’s future, particularly with the continued growth in interest and enrollment. “We ended the year at about 1,500 students and the demand for a supportive virtual education is only increasing,” she says. This growth reflects VSVA’s commitment to helping more families find the educational support they need.

With her emphasis on rigor, relationships, and student-centered education, she’s ensuring that VSVA will continue to thrive, providing Tennessee students with the opportunity to succeed, no matter their circumstances. With Smith’s guidance, VSVA has positioned itself as an option for all, proving that virtual learning is as engaging, supportive, and successful as traditional school models.

Enroll at Volunteer State Virtual Academy today and join a thriving, supportive community that puts students first.