Launch Virtual Academy Team

Teachers (Academic Coaches)

Our Academic Coaches are the first point of contact between student/parent and school. Each student at Launch Virtual Academy is assigned to an Academic Coach who provides personalized support based on the student’s academic progress, social, emotional and/or technical needs.

Bilingual (Spanish)

Banos, Ana

World Language (Spanish) / English (Bilingual Spanish)
ana.banos@sweetwaterschools.org

Marquez Gamez, Belen Andrea

ELD / English
belenandrea.marquezgamez@sweetwaterschools.org

Champagne, Marie

Math
marie.Champagne@sweetwaterschools.org

Clark-Cadwell, Michelle

English
michelle.clark-cadwell@sweetwaterschools.org

Conchas, Yadira

Math
yadira.conchas@sweetwaterschools.org

Cox, John

English / Social Science / World Language (Spanish)
john.cox@sweetwaterschools.org

Cuellar, Anahi

English / ASB / Avid Excel
anahi.cuellar@sweetwaterschools.org

Cueva, Jannet

Spanish
jannet.cueva@sweetwaterschools.org

De La Cruz, Jose

Math / Physics
jose.delacruz@sweetwaterschools.org

De La O, Johanna

Social Science
johanna.delao@sweetwaterschools.org

Del Busto, Roberto

Math
roberto.delbusto@sweetwaterschools.org

Dombrowski, Timothy

Social Science
timothy.dombrowski@sweetwaterschools.org

Escobedo, Adan

CTE-Arts Media & Entertainment / Video Game Design
adan.escobedo@sweetwaterschools.org

Gardocki, Ryan

PE / Social Science
ryan.gardocki@sweetwaterschools.org

Govea, Michael

Math
michael.govea@sweetwaterschools.org

Griepenstroh, Dale

Social Science
dale.griepenstroh@sweetwaterschools.org

Guerra, Blanca

CTE-Public Service / CTE-Behavioral Health & Wellness
blanca.guerra@sweetwaterschools.org

Harris, Tere

Attendance Coordinator
Social Science
maria.harris@sweetwaterschools.org

Hermundson, Zachary

Science
zachary.hermundson@sweetwaterschools.org

Hernandez, RoseAnita

Social Science / ELD
roseanita.hernandez@sweetwaterschools.org

Howard, Raymond

English / ELD
raymond.howard@sweetwaterschools.org

Kranzberg, Nicole

Science
nicole.kranzberg@sweetwaterschools.org

Lavie, Sharon

English
sharon.lavie@sweetwaterschools.org

Lehpamer, Monica

ASB Advisor
Math
monica.lehpamer@sweetwaterschools.org

Luera, Christina

Science
christina.luera@sweetwaterschools.org

Mendez, Priscilla

Math
priscilla.mendez@sweetwaterschools.org

O’Donoghue Melisa

Prep for success
melisa.odonoghue@sweetwaterschools.org

Pettit, Stephanie

English
stephanie.pettit@sweetwaterschools.org

Petty, Kathryn

Physical Education
kathryn.petty@sweetwaterschools.org

Ruston, Diane

PE / English / Health
diane.ruston@sweetwaterschools.org

Santa Cruz, Renae

Social Science
renae.santacruz@sweetwaterschools.org

Santoyo, Maria

Science
maria.santoyo@sweetwaterschools.org

Song, Carl

Spanish / Math
carl.song@sweetwaterschools.org

Vecchia, Alessandra

SpaceHub Coordinator
English / Study Skills
alessandra.vecchia@sweetwaterschools.org

Velliquette, Katherine

CTE-Business & Finance / CTE-Information & Communications Technology
katherine.velliquette@sweetwaterschools.org

Virgen, Miriam

SpEd / Biology
miriam.virgen@sweetwaterschools.org

Virgen, Misael

Social Science
misael.virgen@sweetwaterschools.org

Frequently Asked Questions

View all FAQs
  • What is Launch Virtual Academy?

    Launch Virtual Academy is a Course-Based Independent Study School using a blended learning pedagogical approach designed for the student and family that wants a flexible program that maximizes choice. It is open to any 7th – 12th grade student that wants their education primarily online. It provides Choice, Flexibility, Personalized Learning, Online and On-Site Activities, Certified Teachers, Engaging Curriculum, Access to On-Site enrichment programs (as conditions allow and safety protocols are in place) including Sports, Visual and Performing Arts, Career Technical Education (CTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).

  • How is Online Learning at Launch Virtual Academy different than Distance Learning?

    Launch Virtual Academy is an online school. It is not Distance Learning. Launch Academy is an independent study program where student attendance is based on satisfactory course progress, not seat time. There is teacher online instruction (LIVE Academic Sessions) and student collaboration, but less frequent than what students experienced during Distance learning. In regular school the teacher paces the class for all students to be on the same curriculum topics. At Launch Academy students have access to the course content 24/7 and can move faster through the curriculum than regular school. Students at Launch move independently through the course content while teacher monitors, evaluates, and provides support. Launch offers personalized and flexible education for each student.

  • Who can attend Launch Virtual Academy?
    1. Any student in grades 7th-12th who lives within the San Diego County boundaries.
    2. Any student seeking a flexible, safe, and engaging learning environment that maximizes choice and offers personalized learning experiences.
  • How many classes do students take at a time?

    We operate on a quarter system. Within each quarter, students will take 3 classes (credits). Each quarter class is equivalent to a semester-based class at a comprehensive school. By the end of the academic year students will complete 12 credits (classes) just as they would at a traditional site. Opportunities for advanced credit completion are also available within our quarter system.

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