Learning Comes to Life: WVVA Students Experience History at the State Capitol 

For many West Virginia Virtual Academy students, this wasn’t just a field trip, but their first time stepping inside the West Virginia State Capitol. 

Lessons Brought to Life 

Traveling from communities across the Mountain State, sixth through eighth grade students met face-to-face for an experience that brought their virtual lessons to life. For a school community that connects online each day, the Capitol Field Trip offered something special: the chance to gather, explore, and learn side-by-side. 

Students toured the historic State Capitol building, visiting both the upper and lower chambers and watching the House of Delegates in session from the observation deck. The legislature even paused to give the students a round of applause. For many, this was their first time seeing where their state laws are made.  

After their tour at the Capitol, students headed to the West Virginia State Museum for a hands-on history lesson, walking through exhibits depicting years of West Virginia history. 

Connection and Confidence 

For WVVA teacher Kyla Fishbaugh, the day was about more than just a visit but making connections and real-world learning. 

“My favorite part was just seeing how excited the kids have been the whole day,” Fishbaugh said. “They were so excited to get to see what their delegates were doing and how everyone is introduced.” 

The museum tour was especially meaningful because it is directly connected to what students are learning in class. Seeing them apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting stood out to Fishbaugh. 

“The students loved the museum tour,” she said. “They were going through and gathering information exactly the way a social studies teacher would want them to.” 

For seventh grader Jazmyne, the day was just as much about meeting classmates in person as it was about exploring the Capitol. 

“I liked coming to meet new people, and I actually made a new friend,” Jazmyne said. “The best part was going into the courtroom.”  

Fishbaugh highlighted how the trip emphasized the strengths of virtual learning and the importance of creating opportunities for students to try something new.  

“My favorite part about virtual learning is that each of the students can take their own approach to their learning,” she said. “It’s really nice to see them take their education into their own hands and honestly create and do things with their learning that isn’t possible in a brick-and-mortar school.” 

Rosie, an eighth grader at WVVA, also appreciates the flexibility of virtual education. 

“I like online school because it is more flexible for me and it is easier to talk to people,” she said. 

Jazmyne added that she feels more comfortable in a virtual setting as well and enjoys the supportive environment at WVVA. 

“I like that you don’t have to worry about being bullied at WVVA,” she said. 

A Day to Remember 

Erin Baldwin, Community Engagement Specialist at WVVA, emphasized how the field trip was a reminder of why these experiences matter – especially for students who may be seeing these historic buildings for the first time. 

“It brings learning experiences to life,” said Baldwin. “These students are learning about these things in their classrooms and now they get to actually come to these buildings and learn about the history and culture. It’s really exciting.” 

From watching lawmakers in session to exploring the rich history of the Mountain State, the WVVA Capitol Field Trip gave students a meaningful opportunity to see their studies come to life, together. 

Back to Blog