Ohio Virtual Academy Earns National RAMP® Designation for Excellence in School Counseling
MWN-AI** Summary
Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA), an online public school in Maumee, Ohio, has achieved the Recognized ASCA Model Program® (RAMP®) designation from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). This prestigious national recognition is awarded to schools whose counseling programs exemplify strong alignment with the ASCA National Model® and demonstrate meaningful impacts on student success. The RAMP designation reflects OHVA's commitment to a comprehensive, data-driven counseling approach that promotes academic achievement, social-emotional development, and readiness for postsecondary opportunities.
Kyle Wilkinson, executive director of OHVA, expressed immense pride in the counseling team's dedication, emphasizing that achieving RAMP status is a labor-intensive process that only a few schools nationwide can attain. Currently, OHVA stands among only four schools in Ohio holding the RAMP designation. This recognition is valid for a five-year term, during which the school must continuously demonstrate its effective counseling practices.
The process to obtain the RAMP designation involves submitting a year's worth of evidence showcasing the implementation of ASCA's counseling model, focusing on measurable outcomes. Cristina Foster, lead school counselor, highlighted that the counseling team concentrates on supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally, as well as facilitating their future planning.
OHVA serves approximately 16,700 students in grades K-12 with a team of 35 counselors, organized by grade bands and specialized pathways. The unique challenges of providing counseling in an online environment are met through diverse communication methods, including phone calls and virtual meetings, ensuring that students receive essential support.
The formal recognition ceremony for the RAMP designation will take place at the ASCA Annual Conference in New Orleans on July 13, 2026. Continued success could allow OHVA to reapply for this distinction beyond the 2030–2031 school year.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) recently earning the Recognized ASCA Model Program® (RAMP®) designation marks a significant milestone for both the institution and the broader landscape of online education. As a financial analyst, this achievement reflects positively on OHVA’s operational efficacy, potentially enhancing its market position and attractiveness to students and investors alike.
The RAMP designation is a notable marker of quality within the education sector, as it indicates comprehensive, data-informed counseling services that prioritize student success. Ohio Virtual Academy's commitment to academic achievement and social-emotional support exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to education, particularly in an online environment where student engagement can be challenging. The rigor associated with earning such a distinction suggests that OHVA possesses not just a solid counseling framework but also the ability to implement innovative educational strategies effectively.
For investors and stakeholders observing the online education market, this development signals the potential for sustainable growth. The emphasis on strong counseling practices may lead to improved student outcomes, higher retention rates, and a more substantial competitive edge against traditional and online counterparts. Moreover, as one of only four schools in Ohio with the RAMP designation, OHVA holds a unique position in the local market that could attract more families seeking personalized education solutions.
The expanding interest in online learning models, particularly as society shifts towards increased digital engagement, underscores the viability of investing in education technology and institutions that demonstrate proven success metrics. Prospective investors may consider Ohio Virtual Academy a favorable option, as the school not only meets current educational demands but is also equipped to adapt to future trends in digital learning.
In summary, OHVA's RAMP designation could be a catalyst for growth and should be monitored closely as part of a strategic investment thesis in the education sector.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
MAUMEE, OHIO, March 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA), an online public school serving students statewide, has earned the Recognized ASCA Model Program® (RAMP®) designation from the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), a national recognition awarded to schools whose counseling programs demonstrate strong alignment with the ASCA National Model® framework and measurable impact on student success.
The RAMP designation is a highly selective recognition that reflects a school’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive, data-informed school counseling program that supports students’ academic achievement, social-emotional development, and postsecondary readiness. The designation is valid for five years.
According to ASCA, more than 1,300 schools nationwide have earned the RAMP designation since the program’s inception in 2004. Ohio Virtual Academy is currently one of only four schools in Ohio holding the recognition.
“This is an extremely difficult and time-consuming process, and few schools in the nation are able to claim this designation,” said Kyle Wilkinson, executive director of Ohio Virtual Academy. “I’m incredibly proud of the entire counseling team for their dedication to our students and families. This recognition reflects the high-level support services OHVA provides every day.”
The RAMP application requires schools to submit a full year of evidence demonstrating implementation of the ASCA National Model through data-driven counseling practices, including program goals, student support services, planning tools, and measurable outcomes. Applications are reviewed by a national committee using a detailed scoring rubric.
“Earning the RAMP designation requires thorough documentation and clear evidence that the counseling program is making a measurable difference for students,” said Cristina Foster, lead school counselor at Ohio Virtual Academy. “Our counselors are focused on supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally while helping them plan for their futures. Their goals matter, and their growth is intentional.”
Ohio Virtual Academy’s 35 school counselors serve approximately 16,700 students in grades K–12 and bring decades of experience supporting students academically, socially and emotionally. The team is organized by grade bands and includes specialized counselors supporting career and technical education pathways and students who need additional academic support.
Delivering comprehensive counseling support in an online environment presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to student access and engagement. OHVA counselors address this by connecting with students through multiple channels, including phone calls, email check-ins, and one-on-one virtual meetings, ensuring students receive the support they need wherever they are.
“Students choose online learning for many reasons, and many benefit from the flexibility and individualized support our model provides. This recognition shows what’s possible when a counseling program is intentionally designed to support students in an online learning environment.” Megan Daley, OHVA student support principal, said.
Ohio Virtual Academy will be formally recognized for its achievement at the ASCA Annual Conference in New Orleans during the RAMP Recognition Dinner on July 13, 2026.
The designation will remain in effect through the 2030–2031 school year, at which point the school may apply again to maintain its RAMP status.
About Ohio Virtual Academy
Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) is a tuition-free, full-time online public charter school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Ohio. Guided by the motto “We are accountable, respectful, engaged,” OHVA is committed to providing personalized learning experiences that meet the unique needs of each student. The school offers tailored education options and support from state-certified teachers to ensure academic success. Powered by K12, a Stride, Inc. portfolio brand, OHVA benefits from more than 25 years of expertise in online education. Learn more at https://ohva.k12.com/.
Cameron Bell | Public Relations ManagerK12press@k12.com
FAQ**
How does earning the RAMP designation from ASCA enhance Ohio Virtual Academy’s reputation in the education sector, particularly in relation to Stride Inc. LRN’s overall mission?
What specific data-driven practices did Ohio Virtual Academy implement to achieve the RAMP designation, and how do these align with Stride Inc. LRN’s commitment to educational excellence?
How does the comprehensive counseling support at Ohio Virtual Academy, which contributed to its RAMP recognition, reflect on Stride Inc. LRN's focus on student engagement and success?
In what ways could the RAMP designation influence future partnerships or funding opportunities for Ohio Virtual Academy within the Stride Inc. LRN framework and online education landscape?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Stride Inc. (NYSE: LRN).
NASDAQ: LRN
LRN Trading
3.85% G/L:
$91.89 Last:
269,897 Volume:
$89.48 Open:
