Overton, Texas — February 12, 2025 — Oakton Academy is proud to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of a competitive grant from the VELA Education Fund, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating education innovation and expanding nontraditional learning opportunities for families nationwide.

Founded in 2020, VELA invests in “everyday entrepreneurs” — students, parents, teachers, and community leaders — who create innovative learning experiences outside of traditional school systems, including homeschool co‑ops, microschools, after‑school programs, and other flexible models. To date, VELA has awarded more than 1,300 grants totaling over $11 million, supporting education innovators across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

VELA’s mission centers on the belief that education flourishes in freedom and that families and communities are best positioned to design learning environments tailored to their needs. The fund supports early‑stage ideas that redefine where, when, and how learning occurs, enabling families to access flexible and personalized options beyond the traditional school model.

A Highly Competitive Selection

In announcing Oakton’s selection, VELA shared this recognition:

“Out of 170+ eligible applications, Oakton's application stood out for its strong alignment with VELA’s priorities – serving customers, responding to demand, making an impact now, and developing a revenue strategy beyond grants.”

This statement underscores Oakton Academy’s commitment to building sustainable, learner‑centered models that respond to the real needs of students and families.

Oakton’s Vision Aligned with VELA’s Mission

Oakton Academy’s educational philosophy emphasizes joyful discovery, multi‑age collaboration, and personalized instruction — an approach similar to the kinds of community‑driven innovation VELA seeks to uplift. The grant will support Oakton’s continued growth as a learning environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections among students.

About VELA Education Fund

The VELA Education Fund is a national 501(c)(3) public charity focused on accelerating education innovation and expanding opportunity for every learner. It supports everyday entrepreneurs who design custom educational programs, builds community among innovators, and increases awareness of nontraditional learning models through research and storytelling. VELA has facilitated hundreds of grants to support the expansion of community‑based alternative learning approaches across the country.

To learn more about VELA, visit: https://vela.org