First graduating class at a Utah virtual school graduates

SALT LAKE CITY — We’re celebrating the first graduating class of Kings Peak High – a virtual high school in Jordan School District.

“This year marked our kind of a milestone for us,” said Ammon Wiemers, principal of Kings Peak High. “It was our first graduating class that attended all of their classes at Kings Peak High School.”

Full-time students get live instruction twice a week over Zoom and can also meet in person with teachers or for lab work. Wiemers said their format works for students who travel or compete in sports and need more flexibility in their schedule. It also gives students an edge before they go to college.

Graduate Adynn Jones enjoyed her experience.

“I fell in love with the school and the people here. But I’m proud of myself for making it through,” Jones said.

Isabella Vasquez said the schedule gave her free time to spend with family.

“I’m a slow learner so being able to go at my own pace and to work on the classes that challenged me a lot and the classes I found easier to do was super effective,” she said.

The principal said their numbers are growing every year. Right now, they have more than 2,000 students taking one or two classes at Kings Peak.