Launch Virtual Learning

Launch Virtual Learning is a purpose-driven K-12 virtual school provider for public, private and charter schools in the state of Missouri. Operated through Springfield Public Schools, Missouri’s largest school district, Launch provides full-time and per-course enrollments to member school districts as well as full-time enrollment options to families through the state’s MOCAP (Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program) law. All Launch courses are designed, developed and delivered by Missouri educators. With over 100,000 enrollments annually, Launch students not enrolled through MOCAP remain enrolled in their home district and earn credits through a cooperating school district agreement.

Launch operates on three core beliefs:

A student’s opportunity should not be limited by their zip code.
A caring educator who has a relationship with students is essential in all learning environments.
A collaborative approach to virtual course access solutions is essential for student success.

All Launch courses are designed in-house by a team of curriculum experts and digital course developers. With over 500 courses, and 550 educators, Launch offers the following programming:

K-5 full-time elementary programming
6-8 comprehensive middle school
1-8 gifted programming
6-12 Special Education programming
6-12 Traditional Virtual courses
9-12 Advanced Placement Courses
Alternative high school diploma options
Career and Technical Education opportunities
Project Lead the Way courses

Launch Virtual Learning is an active member of Quality Matters and received the 2019 K-12 Making a Difference Award. Launch also serves as the Missouri State Affiliate for the Digital Learning Collaborative.

Dr. Nichole Lemmon

Director of Virtual Learning for Springfield Public Schools

Dr. Nichole Lemmon is the Director of Virtual Learning & Strategic Planning for Springfield Public Schools and oversees Launch Virtual Learning. Following 12 years as a high school teacher, Dr. Lemmon began SPS Online, now Launch, in 2011. With over 120,000 online enrollments annually, Launch serves students K-12 from over 380 school districts across the state of Missouri. With over a decade of online course delivery, Launch courses are designed, developed, and delivered by Missouri teachers, for Missouri students. Launch Virtual Learning received the 2019 K-12 Making a Difference Award from Quality Matters.

Dr. Lemmon is passionate about equity in education and believes this is best achieved by providing all students with access to learning opportunities, no matter their zip code. She is a first-generation college student earning her doctorate in curriculum from Lindenwood University in 2013. Dr. Lemmon was named “20 Under 30” by 417 Magazine in 2010 and “10 for the Next 10” by Biz 417 magazine in 2023. Additional accolades include two honors from the Springfield Business Journal, which named Dr. Lemmon a “40 Under 40” in 2019 and a “Most Influential Woman” in 2020.

Dr. Lemmon serves as the Missouri State Affiliate for the Digital Learning Collaborative and on the Executive Board for the Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance.