Amid growing hostility toward LGBTQ+ youth from federal and state governments, two Kentucky entrepreneurs have launched a virtual micro school that fosters community engagement and uses virtual reality to create an affirming, supportive learning environment for LGBTQ+ high school students.

Co-founders of The Harbor Academy, Louisvillians Dr. Josh Covington, a former teacher, and Taylor Young, say that 60% of LGBTQ+ high school students experience bullying, making them less likely to graduate high school or continue onto college.

“All of those statistics mixed with the current political climate ‚ we can do more for LGBTQ+ students,” Young said. Reflecting on his own experience attending an alternative conservative Christian school, which he describes as “not a great experience,” he is now committed to providing the opposite—a supportive and affirming education for LGBTQ+ youth.

Covington said the Academy has a three-pronged approach to education including standardized learning, or what students learn in a traditional school setting, individualized learning allowing for electives like Queer history and horticulture, and place-based learning where students travel to US major cities, retreats and even at least one international trip.

“The goal is to transform kids into being leaders of their communities and to then make changes in their communities,” Covington said. “Students will be from all over so new leaders will emerge across the country.”

The academy’s curriculum will be rooted in technology, using virtual reality and Zoom to facilitate classes. This approach allows students to interact with one another and participate in traditional high school experiences, such as playing basketball in gym class or dissecting a frog in biology.

“It’s not as active or as physical as actual basketball, but students can physically dribble and shoot the ball with virtual reality — it’s not a replacement, but it’s still moving your body,” Young said.

Class sizes will remain small, with their pilot class aiming for 20 students to ensure that students are able to get adequate attention from their teacher as well as to foster the ability to know their peers and classmates.

“We are hoping to have at least that many students for the initial pilot class, but are definitely open to more students/classes if the need/desire is there,” Covington said. “The plan is to staff according to the students we have.”

With most students expected to be members of the LGBTQ+ community, though allies are also considered for enrollment, the co-founders say intentionality in teacher hiring is a top priority. They are working with organizations such as CenterLink, a national network of LGBTQ+ community centers, The Trevor Project, and the It Gets Better Project to recruit educators.

“We’re looking for core competencies within our teachers and also affirming teachers,” Covington said. “We’re not looking to just hire anyone.”

Tuition for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Academy will be on a sliding scale, as it will serve students nationwide. Rates will be based on a combination of things, such as cost of living, family income, ability to pay, and other factors. For example, tuition in Louisville is estimated at around $14,000 per year, while in a city like Los Angeles, it could be up to $25,000. The co-founders say this pricing model aligns with standard rates for micro-schools across the country. The school is working to secure community grants from foundations to offer scholarships and other forms of tuition assistance, as well.

Enrollment for The Academy is currently open and both Covington and Young say they hope for a successful school year.

“As a now openly gay male, married with twin daughters, one of which identifies as LGBTQ+, is bullied for being Queer,” Covington said. “This is both personal and professional — there’s so much work to do for out LGBTQ+ youth.”