How Oasis Elementary South Scaled Math Mastery With Khan Academy Districts

Background

Oasis Elementary South is a high-performing public charter school celebrating its 20th anniversary, consistently earning an “A” rating from the state of Florida and recognition as a School of Excellence.

While Khan Academy had been used sporadically in earlier years, true transformation began when Assistant Principal Carrie Abes championed adoption in 3rd-5th grades after seeing its impact on her lowest-performing math students. With the introduction of Khan Academy Districts, the school moved from inconsistent use to a unified, data-informed approach that now spans multiple grade levels.

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Challenges

• Inconsistent implementation: Early use of Khan Academy depended on individual teachers self-reporting progress, limiting visibility and accountability.
• Scaling personalization: Teachers needed a way to support students working both below and far above grade level without increasing the burden on teachers or families.
• Supporting student independence: Students often needed help outside direct instruction time, creating bottlenecks for teachers.

Solutions

1) Leadership & Data Drive 100% Teacher Buy-In

Carrie Abes established schoolwide implementation and achieved 100% teacher buy-in by setting clear goals, aligning incentives, and utilizing district-level data (tracking student minutes practiced, mastery progress, and weekly goal completion) for accountability. This comprehensive data visibility enables leadership to proactively coach teachers, identify students needing intervention or enrichment, and ensure mastery goals are consistently met across all classrooms.

This data allows her to support teachers proactively, identify students who need intervention or enrichment, and ensure mastery goals are being met across classrooms and grade levels.

2) Students Work Towards Mastery Goals 

Teachers use Khan Academy mastery goals as a core instructional tool, allowing students to work at their own pace while staying aligned to grade-level expectations.

For advanced learners, mastery goals provide enrichment, and some students progress multiple grade levels ahead, including one fourth grader reaching pre-algebra through sustained engagement.

3) Mastery & AI Support Accelerate Learning & Independence 

Fourth-grade teacher Kimberly Lucas shared that students who master skills in Khan Academy arrive better prepared for classroom lessons, reducing confusion and increasing confidence.

Students are encouraged to use Khan Academy’s AI support for students, Khanmigo, for help before asking the teacher. Those who do so effectively are recognized, reinforcing productive help-seeking behavior while freeing teachers to focus on higher-impact instruction.

4) Including Families On Khan Academy

To extend learning beyond school, Oasis Elementary South is hosting a parent night to help families create Khan Academy accounts, monitor progress, and support students at home, including families facing language barriers.

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District-reported Outcomes

• Academic gains: Significant increases in math scores across grade levels, with improved state test proficiency.
• Teacher efficiency: Khanmigo and mastery goals reduce friction and increase student independence.
• Student growth: Learners progress at their own pace, from intervention to advanced pathways,  with visible confidence gains.‍
• Systemwide consistency: District-level data enables aligned expectations and sustained implementation.