Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced on Tuesday that he will seek the Legislature's approval to expand the state Department of Education's Star Academy program — now offered at four West Virginia middle schools — to as many as 16 more schools during the next several years.
The immersive, core instruction-driven program targeting at-risk students now takes place in a pilot project in designated classrooms at middle schools in Logan, Martinsburg and Philippi as well as ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä's West Side Middle School.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey speaks to reporters on Dec. 11, 2025, at the Governor's Office in the West Virginia Capitol in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä.
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE | Courtesy photo
"These are programs that are working — schools within schools that focus on re-engaging middle school kids," Morrisey said. "They are producing some good feedback," he said, including improving math and English test scores while reducing behavioral incidents by 81% and increasing attendance rates by 63%.
Morrisey said the program could be expanded to include up to 16 more schools by tapping into the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which currently funds the state's Star Academy pilot project.
Tuesday's announcement took place during a news conference billed as an event to showcase the governor's "legislative programs related to Human Services."
Morrisey said his Star Academy expansion proposal ties into that theme by helping to "reduce some of the risk that leads to foster care involvement."
Morrisey said he would also like to see the state Department of Health and Human Resources "work more closely with churches" to provide faith-based programs that align with the departmental goals.
