Exploring Sage Oak’s Virtual Learning Academy with Principal Lana Beshara

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster interviews Lana Beshara, Principal of the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) at Sage Oak Charter School. Lana provides insights into the enrollment process for the 2025-2026 school year and explains how VLA blends structured online learning with flexibility. The discussion covers the difference between independent study and homeschooling, the role of parents in online education, and how small class sizes help build strong teacher-student connections.

Lana also highlights Oakschool enrichment programs, field trips, and community-building activities, helping families understand how VLA provides both academic structure and social engagement. Resources for parents and steps to enroll are also shared.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:27 Meet Lana Beshara: Principal of the Virtual Learning Academy
01:13 Understanding Independent Study vs. Homeschooling
03:02 What Makes VLA Similar to Traditional Schools?
04:25 How Small Class Sizes Strengthen Teacher-Student Connections
06:20 A Day in the Life of a VLA Student: Live & Asynchronous Learning
07:06 Oakschool: Enrichment & Career-Focused Programs
08:45 Field Trips, Social Events, and Community Connections
10:52 The Parent’s Role in Virtual Learning Academy
12:19 Is VLA the Right Fit for Your Family?
13:04 How to Enroll for 2025-2026 & Upcoming Webinars
14:15 Conclusion and Farewell

For more information, visit the Sage Oak website at www.sageoak.education

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed. We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below. Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California. Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Exploring Sage Oak's Personalized Learning Academy with Principal Chelsey Anema

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster interviews Chelsey Anema, Principal of the Personalized Learning Academy at Sage Oak Charter School. Chelsey provides insights into the enrollment process for the 2025-2026 school year. The discussion covers the differences between independent study and homeschooling, curriculum customization based on learning styles, and how Sage Oak supports a diverse range of learners. Chelsey also highlights specialized programs like Oakschool, community events, and various extracurricular activities. Resources for parents and ways to get involved are also shared.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:27 Meet Chelsey Anema: Principal of Personalized Learning Academy
01:13 Understanding Independent Study vs. Homeschool
03:02 Personalized Curriculum Choices
04:25 Learning Styles and Curriculum Customization
06:20 Community Providers and In-Person Classes
07:06 Programs for High Achieving Students
08:45 Oakschool: The Gem of Personalized Learning
10:52 Building a Strong Community at Sage Oak
12:19 Field Trips and Extracurricular Activities
13:04 Is Personalized Learning Right for Your Family?
13:32 How to Get Started with Sage Oak
14:15 Conclusion and Farewell

For more information, visit the Sage Oak website at www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed. We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below. Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California. Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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In this episode of Sage Studio, hosted by Tiffiny Webster, the focus is on navigating the upcoming testing season and addressing the anxiety it can cause. Guests Bethany Burgos, an assessment facilitator at Sage Oak, and Allie Whalen, a school counselor, offer insights and strategies to help students and parents manage testing stress. The discussion covers the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and its components, including the Smarter Balanced Test and the California Science Test. Additionally, they discuss practical tips for test preparation, creating a conducive testing environment, and techniques to alleviate anxiety. Key takeaways include familiarizing students with the test format, ensuring proper rest and nutrition, and utilizing calming techniques. The episode also highlights upcoming test preparation workshops and the importance of celebrating once the testing season is over.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed. We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below. Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California. Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Effective Winter Break Strategies to Prevent Learning Loss

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster converses with school counselor Allie Whalen about preparing parents to prevent learning loss during the winter break. Allie shares practical tips and strategies, including maintaining a family calendar, dedicating 20-30 minutes daily to learning, encouraging reading and writing, integrating math in fun activities, leveraging school subscriptions, planning educational trips, and utilizing free time for creative and community activities.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:52 Understanding the Role of a School Counselor
01:56 Addressing Winter Break Learning Loss
04:16 Reading Strategies for Winter Break
06:21 Engaging Writing Activities
07:55 Fun Math Activities
10:20 Utilizing Online Learning Resources
11:24 Educational Trips and Activities
12:53 Maximizing Free Time for Learning
14:17 Conclusion and Recap

SoCal Museums:
https://socalmuseums.org/

Math Games
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14GEyQ-0U6tM5fgKmi1c_CUqCs3GplcmA/view?usp=sharing

For more information, visit the Sage Oak website at www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed. We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below. Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California. Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Exploring Sage Oak's PAGE Program with Christy Hartman

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster welcomes Christy Hartman to discuss the Program for Advanced and Gifted Education (PAGE). Christy explains the PAGE program's goals to cater to the educational needs of gifted students from third to eighth grade, its similarity to the GATE program, and offers insights into PAGE-specific activities including STEM and English Language Arts classes, one-on-one advising, guest speakers, field trips, and parent support groups. The episode also provides information on how students can qualify for the PAGE program.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:25 Christy's Background and Role at Sage Oak
01:07 Overview of the PAGE Program
02:21 Comparison Between PAGE and GATE
03:38 Opportunities and Activities for PAGE Students
06:14 One-on-One Advising and Additional Support
09:31 Qualifying for the PAGE Program
12:16 Conclusion and Contact Information

For more information, contact chartman@sageoak.education or visit the Sage Oak website at www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed. We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below. Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California. Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Exploring Sage Oak's Innovative CTE Programs: Entrepreneurship and Information Technology

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster is joined by Brandy Yurkosky and Jared Tourse from Sage Oak's high school department to discuss the school's cutting-edge Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs focusing on Entrepreneurship and Information Technology. Brandy, an education advisor since 2018, introduces the new Entrepreneurship One class designed for students interested in business who might already be running their own ventures. The program provides foundational skills, progressing through Entrepreneurship Two, culminating in internships and certifications. Jared, with a background in Math and eSports, outlines the Info and Tech pathway, which includes an Intro to Computer Science and an AP Computer Science class. Students can also engage in internships within Sage Oak's IT department, gaining real-world experience. Both pathways offer diverse opportunities, field trips, and integrative learning experiences, combined with community and academic collaboration. Recommended for students and parents interested in the growing fields of business and technology.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:39 Brandy's Role and Entrepreneurship Program
01:47 Jared's Role and IT Program
03:10 Entrepreneurship Program Details
07:17 IT Program Details
08:43 Internship Opportunities
10:30 Future Plans and Opportunities
15:27 Getting Involved and Final Thoughts


For enrollment information, contact jtourse@sageoak.education or visit the Sage Oak website at www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed. We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below. Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California. Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Exploring Sage Oak's Career Technical Education Programs

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster invites experts to discuss the Career Technical Education (CTE) programs at Sage Oak. Panelists Crista Bross, Pam Werner, and Marion Tell Cofield share insights into the Child Development and Sports Medicine pathways, detailing the program structures, experiential learning opportunities, and career prospects for students. The conversation emphasizes the importance of CTE in preparing students for college and careers by offering hands-on experiences, guest speakers, and field trips. Viewers also learn how to get started with these programs and the comprehensive support available at Sage Oak.

00:00 Introduction to Sage Studio and CTE Programs
00:33 Meet the Panel: Crista, Pam, and Marion
01:43 Understanding CTE: Purpose and Goals
03:26 Child Development Pathway: Courses and Experiences
06:39 Sports Medicine Pathway: Courses and Experiences
08:56 Real-World Applications and Career Opportunities
17:10 Getting Involved: How to Join CTE Programs
18:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts




For enrollment information, visit the Sage Oak website at www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed. We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below. Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California. Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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Exploring Sage Oak's CTE Art, Media, and Entertainment Pathway with Tracie Ferring and Jessica Perri

In this episode of Sage Studio, host Tiffiny Webster discusses the Sage Oak CTE Art programs with high school teachers Tracie Fearing and Jessica Perri. Tracie and Jessica share insights into their roles, the types of art they teach, and the diverse career pathways available through the art programs. They highlight the benefits of the AP Studio Art and Animation courses, the critical thinking skills developed through art education, and the opportunities for students to engage in art clubs and field trips. They also discuss how the CTE pathways prepare students for college and careers in the art industry.

00:00 Introduction to Sage Studio
00:27 Meet the Art Program Teachers
00:36 Overview of the CTE Art Programs
00:46 Tracie's Role and Expertise
01:41 Jessica's Role and Expertise
02:39 Career Opportunities in Art
05:06 Developing Skills and Critical Thinking
07:52 Class Structure and Learning Environment
13:07 AP Art Program Details
15:50 Art Clubs and Extracurricular Activities
17:11 Field Trips and Real-World Experiences
18:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts



For enrollment information, visit the Sage Oak website at www.sageoak.education.

Thank you for listening to the Sage Studio podcast presented by Sage Oak Charter Schools and hosted by Tiffiny Webster, M.A.Ed. We invite you to follow the show and leave your review below. Sage Oak Charter Schools is an independent study nonclassroom based TK-12 personalized learning public charter school serving students in Southern California. Visit sageoak.education for more information.

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