Virtual School

Q: What does the typical day look like for a student in the virtual school? 

A: Typically, students will log into their homeroom each morning for a check-in then attend zoom classes throughout the day. There are breaks scheduled throughout the day. Art, PE, and some electives are indirectly taught meaning it is on your schedule, but live attendance is not necessary.

Q: Are zoom classes mandatory? 

A: Zoom classes are mandatory when a student is new to our school and when they are struggling in a subject. However, we do not take attendance based on zoom. We take attendance based on interaction with the content each day. While not mandatory, we recommend you attend live zoom instruction as much as possible.

Q: Will teachers hold office hours for support? 

A: Teachers will have intervention and office hour periods each day and will either offer tutoring or assign students to a tutoring time. Teachers CAN require MANDATORY tutoring if a child is not passing the class.

Q: Do we have to take state assessments in Virtual School? Yes. In fact, the only required in-person days are STAAR testing days. PSAT is also offered to 8th graders and 9th graders, but we do not require it. However, we do not have an ability to offer state or national standardized assessments virtually.

Q: What is the attendance policy? 

A: Students are expected to be present each day of school, whether it is an indirect teach day or a direct teach day. A student is marked present if they log into Canvas and interact with their classes and submit assignments. A student who is absent more than three days in a marking period is subject to removal from the school.

Q: What is the difference between a direct and indirect teaching day? Direct teaching days are days where live zoom classes or office hours are scheduled and students are expected to attend those live instruction opportunities. Indirect teaching days are when there are no live lessons or live office hours for the entire class, but teachers may pull students for small groups, offer office hour times, and allow students to work on their assignments for the week. Direct teaching days for 4th and 5th grade are all days except for Wednesdays and Fridays when we have field trips or socials scheduled. Direct teaching days for 6th through 9th grade are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Q: Do you offer all courses available at a brick and mortar campus? No. In grades 4-6 we offer all four core classes (Math (or Advanced Math), Reading, Social Studies and Science) Art and PE.

In grade 7 we offer honors courses in all four core areas, (Math, Reading, History, Science) level courses, PE, Art, World Languages and an elective of choice in Edgenuity.

In grade 8 we offer honors and level core classes, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Spanish I, Spanish II Native Speakers, Creative Writing, PE, Art I (Hs Credit) and electives offered through Edgenuity.

In 9th grade we offer honors and level core classes, Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra II, AP Human Geography, Spanish I, Spanish II, CTE Electives, ART I, ART II (Paint, Draw), PE, Creative Writing, Health, Communications Applications and other electives offered through Edgenuity.

Q: Where does your staff work? 

A: For the 2023-24 school year, the Virtual School is housed at Veterans Memorial Intermediate school in the Caney Creek Feeder zone. However, we utilize central district facilities for many events.

Q: Can I enroll after the school year starts?

A: Yes, at the nine weeks in October and the end of the semester in December to start in January 2024 we will enroll new applicants. We do not have rolling admissions throughout the year.

Q: Can my child participate in athletics or fine arts? 

A: If the event is sanctioned or governed by the UIL then your child can participate at their zoned campus. This applies to grades 7 through 9 for the 2023-24 school year. Please let the principal of the Virtual School know of your intention to participate in a UIL Activity. UIL activities include most athletic, fine arts, and some CTE events.

Q: I applied for Virtual School but I have not heard back from anyone yet. When will I hear a response?

A: During the school year, applicants are updated within a week of their application. During the summer months, applicants will be communicated with as soon as possible, usually within 24-48 hours after an application is submitted. Please reach out to the Virtual School if you have questions.

Q: Will the Virtual School offer special services (Special Education, 504, Bilingual, ESL, GT, etc.)?

A: The Virtual School does not offer bilingual services, but is able to serve students supported through Special Education or Section 504, based on the determination of an ARD or 504 committee. Not all services can be provided virtually.

Q: What if I need technology? 

A: Let our school know your needs and we will work to provide you with the equipment necessary to support your learning.