By Angela Reggiero
Morgan Hill Times

There weren't just normal first day jitters for the students at Silicon Valley Flex in Morgan Hill on Tuesday, it was the first day for everyone at Morgan Hill's newest charter school.

Located on W. Main Street at its temporary location at the Community Church, nearly 200 students from San Jose to Hollister and their parents arrived before 7:45 a.m. amid welcome balloons.

Flex Academy is different than other schools, said Head of School Jean Southland. Not only is it a public school not affiliated with the Morgan Hill Unified School District, but it also combines an online K12 curriculum with offline lessons and breakout sessions with smaller groups of 10 to 15 students. The school employs four English, science, math and history teachers, and four academic coaches - those who will coach students in breakout sessions from math problems to essay writing. With 130 electives offered for their high school students, there are also additional virtual online teachers.

They also have a full time guidance counselor, Mark Hennessey, for support outside the classroom, said Southland.

"It is a small school, but the staff is going to make your learning entirely different environment. It is a place where you can get your problems solved," she said to students in a welcome address. "Whether you've been successful, or not been so successful, today is a new day for you. It starts today."

CLICK HERE to read the full article and view pictures from Flex Academy's first day!