Stride's Virtual Career Schools Hit $1 Billion as Student Outcomes Vary Sharply

Stride Inc., the publicly traded company behind more than 50 online secondary schools, reported that revenue from middle and high school career learning programs exceeded $1 billion in fiscal year 2026. That figure represents a 19% increase from the previous year. The company identifies online career learning as its fastest-growing business segment.

The expansion coincides with a national trend where students seek affordable alternatives to four-year college degrees. Stride operates schools in states including Alabama, Idaho, and Wisconsin. These institutions offer five career tracks, ranging from construction and engineering to health sciences and business. Proponents argue these programs provide a direct pipeline to entry-level jobs through industry-recognized credentials.

Student experiences differ based on location and individual engagement. Mileka Hager, a student at the Idaho Technical Career Academy, earned eight professional certifications during her enrollment. She completed a business track that included live classes four hours a day and a written business plan for a late-night coffee shop. State data indicates that 61% of students at her Idaho school earned industry-recognized credentials in 2024-25, well above the state average of 7%.

In contrast, Cori Space attended the Alabama Destinations Career Academy for her sophomore year. Her mother, Hilary Space, reported that Cori attended live classes only two hours a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. Homework often took less than an hour daily. "To be honest, I don’t really understand why ALDCA is considered a career readiness program," Hilary Space said. The academy did not respond to requests for comment.

Regulatory oversight varies by state, influencing program structure. Idaho requires private virtual schools to operate as public charters with nonprofit boards. The state reviews vocational programs every five years. Alabama allows local districts to contract directly with private entities, granting them broad latitude in design. A county superintendent told the Alabama Political Reporter in 2020 that there has never been enough oversight of these schools.

At the Wisconsin Destination Career Academy, teachers facilitate job shadows and ship practice kits to students. Sara Cutler, the school’s executive director, noted that students in health sciences train with suture materials and demonstrate mastery on video. However, Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction records show only 16 students at that academy earned an industry-recognized certification between 2021-22 and 2024-25. Stride officials dispute this count, citing different definitions of certifications.

Stride spokesperson Brooke Gabbert stated that the variation in outcomes is by design. Many students enroll to satisfy elective requirements rather than complete a full career path. The company monitors students through assignment completion and course performance. In 2025, Texas legislators amended state law to give districts a bonus of $3,000 to $5,000 for each student graduating with an industry-recognized certificate.