York Virtual Classroom Program Approved for Use Statewide

By Amber Lester Kennedy Wednesday, June 08, 2011

York County Schools’ virtual classroom program is one of 13 approved for use throughout the state, the Virginia Department of Education announced Monday.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia Wright approved the virtual programs as part of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s effort to expand online learning in the commonwealth. The virtual schools will offer instruction aligned with the Standards of Learning (SOL) and delivered by fully licensed teachers. The approved providers include full-time virtual schools, programs offering supplemental instruction and blended-instruction programs in which students have a trained, on-site mentor in addition to an online teacher.

Each of the approved virtual school programs is accredited by a national or regional agency recognized by the state board. The other approved providers are: Apex Learning, Brigham Young University Independent Study; Chesterfield County Public Schools; CompuHigh; Connections Academy; Edison Learning; EdOptions Online Academy; Education 2020; Florida Virtual School; Giant Campus of Virginia; K-12 Virtual Schools; and Virtual High School Global Consortium. Read more about the programs and courses offered here.

McDonnell’s “Opportunity to Learn” education agenda was approved by the General Assembly in 2010. It allows school divisions to offer online instruction to students in multiple school divisions by entering into contracts with private organizations, educational institutions or nonprofit virtual-school organizations. The accepted programs are required to post information about course and program offerings, fees and how to get credit by July 1.

York County’s program offers full-time and supplemental instruction for students in grades 7-12. York County began its virtual program in 2003, with some of its teachers instructing students from across the region and state. Some students also take virtual courses that fell short of enrollment requirements in their home schools, and home-bound students can participate through online courses. York also offers virtual summer school.