Former Snowshoe Elementary School principal Jason Moore first heard about the proposed hybrid learning program at Mat-Su Central School earlier this year. The idea was introduced at the first school board meeting of 2025. It intrigued him.
The plan called for a Hybrid Learning Academy housed at Mat-Su Central School. For the district, it’s an interesting numbers and dollars game. District officials estimated that students switching from correspondence to hybrid could generate an additional $1.5 million in revenue for the district. It wasn’t just a numbers game for Moore though, he was excited about the options the program gave to students. He was interested enough to apply. Today, he is the principal of both Mat-Su Central School and the Hybrid Learning Academy. Nathan Chud continues as assistant principal.
Enrollment in the new Hybrid Academy has exceeded projections. As of last week, 3,016 students were enrolled at Mat-Su Central. Students were enrolled in more than 1,600 hybrid courses – double the early estimate. Students can take up to three Hybrid Learning classes for free each semester.
Moore is Valley-grown. He attended Snowshoe Elementary School and graduated from Wasilla High. He began his career as a science teacher at Wasilla Middle School and served as its assistant principal for 11 years. He later worked as interim principal at Colony High and as principal at Snowshoe Elementary.
He credits his middle school experience with shaping his leadership style. “Nothing prepares you for public education quite like middle school,” Moore said.
At Mat-Su Central, his priority has been addressing gaps that can arise with flexible schedules and customized coursework. One strategy has been building partnerships in the community.
A standout example is the collaboration with Skeetawk Ski Area in Hatcher Pass. In the past, students earned Outdoor Recreation credit simply by logging outdoor hours. In the Skeetawk course, students receive instruction from a certified teacher, reduced-price ski passes, and Thursday bus service to and from Skeetawk. Students can also pursue certifications in avalanche safety, wilderness first aid,and junior ski patrol at Skeetawk in addition to the Outdoor Recreation credit.
The $300 ski passes for students are covered by per-student revenue generated by the Hybrid Academy. Students at traditional schools may also take these classes, but with a different fee structure.
Moore says the goal is to give students more than credits. Hybrid courses—whether Outdoor Recreation or Construction—are about preparing students for the real world and building community.
Page Two will continue to provide coverage on the Mat Su Hybrid Learning Academy and hybrid learning on upcoming Thursdays.
In other news…the road over Hatcher Pass closed yesterday.
Here are some events you may want to start your weekend with:
- Friday at 7:30pm Everett’s you can enjoy national touring comedian Keith Terry
- Friday at 7pm: Open Mic Nic at the Commons in Wasilla. This is a mic-free open mic – no stage, no barriers, just voices and instruments filling the room
- Friday at 7pm: Kickoff for the Potato Bowl Football Game between Wasilla High and Palmer High at Wasilla High.
The podcast series Voices of the Mat-Su came to a close in August. The two-year series was produced with a grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation. Now it’s time to reflect on the impact and success of the podcast. And, we need your help. Please complete a short survey on Voices of the Mat-Su. The survey is open until October 15th.
Page Two articles are written by Emily Forstner and Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Thursday, October 2 2025.