By: Maria-Paula

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation has awarded new funding to Chesapeake Bay Academy to expand its online tutoring services, a move aimed at increasing academic support for students across the region.

The initiative, announced this week through a press release from CMS PR Service, will strengthen the Academy’s ability to provide individualized, virtual learning assistance for students with diverse learning needs. Chesapeake Bay Academy, CBA, known for serving students who learn differently, launched its online tutoring program to offer flexible, accessible academic help beyond the traditional classroom environment.

The high-dosage tutoring program will begin January 12, and run through June 5 2026. Instruction will utilize evidence-based strategies and feature direct instruction augmented through the use of desktop VR, allowing students to learn basic concepts directly from tutors and to build on them in the VR environment. Instruction will be offered via a videoconferencing platform, followed by desktop VR based instruction to provide students with a practical, embodied experience.

According to the announcement, the Foundation’s support will allow the school to increase the number of tutoring sessions offered, enhance digital learning tools, and ensure more families can access specialized academic support. The investment comes as many schools and non-profit education programs in Hampton Roads continue to look for innovative ways to address learning gaps that grew during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Research suggests that technology-based environments can heighten the confidence of students with learning differences. Self-efficacy is clearly linked with student motivation and engagement. Meeting students where they want to learn is at the core of Cadet Net’s philosophy,” said Dr. Judy Jankowski, CBA Head of School.

CBA leaders say the expanded tutoring program will focus on reading, math, and executive-function skills, with each session tailored to a student’s individual learning profile. Tutors trained in working with students with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences will provide one-on-one instruction through a secure virtual platform.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation which is one of the region’s largest philanthropic organizations has a longstanding history of supporting education initiatives. Foundation officials said the funding reflects the organization’s commitment to strengthening learning opportunities for children and teens across south-eastern Virginia.

The tutoring program will be delivered to 48 students in grades six through eight at no cost. Instruction will be delivered online in reading or math twice weekly to small groups, with a maximum of four students in each group. Participants may be enrolled in public, private, or home-school programs. Those with a demonstrated learning need will be given priority in the application process.

Families interested in participating can contact Chesapeake Bay Academy for enrolment and any further information.