• AUSD is pleased to announce the grand opening of the Thomas Gaines Virtual Academy, in August 2021. The Thomas Gaines Virtual Academy is an alternative school of choice open to all K-8 students in AUSD who thrive in a virtual learning environment, are independent and self-motivated, would like to accelerate their learning, and/or need a flexible learning option.  The Thomas Gaines Virtual Academy promotes student voice and choice, student goal setting and monitoring, critical thinking, community, and collaboration.