Warren Connect, Warren County’s district‑run virtual learning program, told the Board of Education on Feb. 20 that it is at capacity with 84 enrolled students and a 25‑student wait list for the next academic cycle.

Dr. Courtney Bennett, who presented the program update, said the application window opens in May and that the program requires students to spend a mandatory 4.5 hours per day working in the online curriculum. “We are an accredited virtual learning program,” Dr. Bennett said, noting the program’s recognition by the State Department of Education and its focus on college‑ and career‑readiness through partnerships with Motlow State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) and a local aviation organization, EAA Chapter 1700.

Dr. Bennett described college‑prep supports including FAFSA help, ACT prep and industry certification opportunities through TCAT. She highlighted one senior who is completing dual enrollment construction coursework at TCAT and will participate in that institution’s graduation ahead of the high school ceremony.

Warren Connect also demonstrated classroom experimentation with artificial intelligence. Patricia “Patty” Smith showed Magic School, an AI classroom tool she has used to generate student‑centered stories, differentiated lesson plans, rubrics and other teaching resources. Smith said the tool is useful for tailoring content to reading levels and for generating lesson extensions and rubrics; Dr. Bennett and board members discussed the need for district policies and “guard rails” around AI use in classrooms.

Dr. Bennett said Warren Connect had 31 seniors this year (program growth compared with the prior year) and that the program retains funding when a student graduates early: “We still receive all the funding and all the dollars that we would if that student stayed for the entirety of the school year.” Board members praised the program’s growth and its role as a nontraditional pathway for students.

The presentation closed with an invitation for board members and the community to review program materials and to speak with Warren Connect staff about partnerships and next‑year enrollment.