Bastrop - Cedar Creek Edition | January 2025

Education

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Valenta Academy looks to expand in Bastrop Currently operating within The Boring Bodega as an after-school and family-day program, Valenta Academy ocials are looking for a new space to expand into a private microschool in August. In a nutshell Spokesperson Paige Fults said although a new location has not been set, the expansion will utilize adaptive arti cial intelligence to enable a self-driven, accelerated learning experience. “Our mission is to cultivate well-rounded students who are not only academically strong, but also equipped with the practical skills needed to thrive in their communities,” she said. The new program will be based on the 2-Hour Learning model, which provides students with personalized lessons each morning for two hours— allowing them time in the afternoon for communi- ty-focused projects, Fults said.

Cedar Creek gets new head football coach Jared Shaw began his chapter with Bas- trop ISD in late December when he started his position as head football and athletics coordinator for Cedar Creek High School. BISD Communications Director Cassie Balderas said the former athletics coordina- tor, Josh Thomas, has taken on a new role as middle school athletics coordinator. Zooming in Throughout his career, Shaw has imple- mented new community outreach programs and character-building opportunities, Balderas said. “Together, we will build a program that not only excels at a high level but also shapes well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges that life pres- ents,” Shaw said.

Valenta Academy will utilize the 2 Hour Learning model, which allows students more time for hands-on learning.

COURTESY VALENTA ACADEMY

Stay tuned Once opened, Valenta Academy will start by oering programs for students in grades 4-8, before expanding to include pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. “We will also be hosting various informational, educational and experiential events throughout 2025 until the opening in August,” Fults said, add- ing that they hope to expand as a larger, charter school in 2026.

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