Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All ACPS students are eligible to attend. Families can connect with their school counselor, principal, or other support staff to discuss the best options for their child(ren).

The virtual school is currently open for registration for only full time students. No part time virtual school options will be offered.

• The virtual school will follow the high school and middle school schedule.  Therefore, they will be on an A/B schedule with classes alternating every other day. 
• Elementary students will follow a typical daily schedule and will follow ACPS county curriculum and pacing in the four core content areas including specials.
• A typical school day for all levels of virtual students will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.

School meal pick up will be available at some school cafeterias. Locations will be updated once they are confirmed.

Student’s schedules will be developed with parent and school counselors with a goal of on-time graduation.

For elementary, middle, and high school students, the curriculum is aligned by pace, scope and sequence with what is taught in classrooms throughout the division.

All online courses were written and are continually updated by ACPS teachers. The courses align with what is taught in the classrooms and are designed to align with best practices in online learning as well as being innovative and engaging for all students. 

Students enrolled in the Virtual School will be taught by virtual ACPS teachers. Virtual Virginia courses may be used in extenuating circumstances to support students in meeting graduation requirements.

All ACPS students are eligible to attend. School counseling, special education, ESOL, Talent Development, and other specialized services will be provided to students virtually. Families can connect with their school counselor, principal, or other support staff to discuss the best options for their child(ren).

It’s important for students and parents to understand the Virtual School classes are based on state standards. We believe that the best practice for a student is to engage during traditional school hours in order to connect with their teacher and classmates in real time. If a student needs flexibility to that schedule, then students/parents must set up a time to meet with school administration including the guidance counselor.

Students who enroll in the Virtual School will still remain connected with their home schools. While there will be effort to develop a strong sense of belonging within the virtual classes, students will be able to participate in all athletics, extra-curricular, and social events through their home schools.

Students wishing to transfer back to a home campus may be eligible to transfer back to their base school at the end of each quarter.

This transfer will first need to be processed through the Virtual and Base School administrations and will be allowed on a case-by-case basis.

• All students will be required to have their cameras on while in their Zoom sessions.
• All students will be expected to be logged into Zoom for the entire duration of the class period.
• All students will engage in all day synchronous instruction. 

Virtual students will still be required to take the same standardized tests that in-person students are required to take.

Most standardized tests must be given under secure testing conditions. In order to meet the test requirements and secure testing conditions, students may have to take some standardized tests at school. ACPS will offer standardized testing in the location where students are receiving virtual instruction when all testing conditions can be met. 

Any questions about standardized testing for Virtual School students can be discussed with the student's principal.

No, students remain a member of their base school and will participate in sports, performance, extra-curricular activities, and graduation from their base school.

Students enrolled in ACPS academies will not be offered access to face to face cohorts classes.  Course offerings will be determined by demand and staff availability.  

We will develop individualized plans for students enrolled in the Virtual School so they can remain connected to their educational programming. We will hold students’ spots in the academy programs so that students can return to the program the following year.

However, not all academy classes will be offered at Virtual School. It is possible that students will have to take alternative courses.

The Department of Technology will work with each student’s school to find a connectivity solution available for virtual learning requirements. 

ACPS will provide a learning device that will support a successful virtual learning experience for enrolled students.