Optima Academy Online Holds Classes in the Metaverse

The virtual school uses VR headsets for live classes and receives Florida school choice funds, drawing a conflict-of-interest critique.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Distance Learning

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a single VR headset resting on a pale surface, evoking immersive online classroom learning. — Optima Academy Online, founded by Erika Donalds, holds live Florida classes in the Metaverse while drawing school choice funds overseen by the governor, drawing conflict-of-interest criticism. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should Florida use public school choice funds for virtual reality online schools?

Optima Academy Online enrolls students who attend live classes in the Metaverse while wearing virtual reality headsets. The school, founded by Erika Donalds, the incoming First Lady of Florida, receives school choice funds ultimately overseen by the governor.

Why it matters

Former Congresswoman Gwen Graham has said the school is a conflict of interest, raising questions about oversight of public funds directed to an online school with close ties to state leadership. The arrangement also tests how far immersive technology may reshape K-12 education in Florida.

The school holds live classes in the Metaverse, with students wearing virtual reality headsets. The source gives a 10-year projection for immersive learning but does not report enrollment or voucher funding amounts.

The players

Optima Academy Online

An online school that holds live classes in the Metaverse and offers classes in several states.

Erika Donalds

Founder of Optima Academy Online and the incoming First Lady of Florida.

Gwen Graham

Former Congresswoman who has said the school is a conflict of interest.

The details

Students attend live classes while wearing virtual reality goggles, and other students join the same virtual classes wearing headsets. Adam Mangana, president and CEO of OptimaEd, predicts that students will move away from talking on glass rectangles toward immersive presence in headsets or hologram form.

Over the next 10 years, Adam Mangana predicts a shift toward immersive learning in headsets or holograms.
Optima Academy Online plans to grow as Florida's school voucher program expands.

Roadmap

Optima Academy Online applies virtual reality headset instruction to a publicly funded school voucher program in Florida. The school's leadership projects that immersive presence will replace conventional screen-based learning over the next decade.

Florida families weighing school choice vouchers may find virtual options like this one available, though the source does not state enrollment requirements or costs. Students would need VR headsets to attend the live Metaverse classes described.

The takeaway

Families considering virtual schools should ask how public funds are overseen and what equipment is required. Official state voucher program details are the best place to confirm eligibility.