Application Process


  • VIRTUAL SCHOLARS ACADEMY ENROLLMENT FOR THE 2023 - 2024 SCHOOL YEAR

    • 2023-2024 Virtual Scholars Academy Application Packet
      The Virtual Scholars Academy (VSA) will be available for enrollment with full course offerings to students in grades kindergarten through 12. Applications for students with disabilities served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) will be reviewed for acceptance and enrollment following the recommendation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Student IEP teams will need to convene prior to acceptance into VSA for any students with disabilities to determine if the student’s special education services and/or accommodations can be provided in VSA in order for the student to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
      Students in all grades kindergarten through 12 will receive synchronous (live online) instruction from Virtual Virginia teachers through the Virtual Virginia Select Enrollment Synchronous Program. Therefore, students who are enrolled in VSA will be expected to be online for class every day. Students will be provided with devices and internet access as needed.
      Norfolk Public Schools seeks students who:

      1. want to learn from home;

      2. are self-starters;

      3. are motivated learners;

      4. possess basic computer skills and are comfortable using the Canvas learning platform, Zoom, email and other online learning platforms for independent learning activities;

      5. meet academic course requirements by having earned passing grades in all core courses (English, mathematics, science, social studies) in quarters one, two, and three during the 2022-2023 school year;

      6. exhibit adequate attendance by having 8 or fewer daily absences (unexcused) during the 2022-2023 school year;

      7. meet the prerequisites for available courses (secondary only);

      8. will make a one-year commitment to enrollment in the Virtual Scholars Academy;

        • practice appropriate digital citizenship behaviors and abide by guidelines set forth in the NPS Student Handbook.

    • Norfolk Public Schools seeks Parents or Guardians who:

      1. agree to attend any virtual information sessions required by VSA if their student is accepted, as well as to sign any additional agreements or expectation forms for the academy;

      2. provide daily support to best promote student success;

        • ensure students in the synchronous instruction portion attend daily teacher-led instruction via Zoom with cameras on and directed at the student’s face;

        • commit to the virtual learning option for the entire 2023-2024 school year;

        • ensure students complete required daily independent learning assignments every day they have class;

        • ensure students have appropriate technology and internet access or use a Norfolk Public Schools issued device and/or hotspot;

        • engage in routine communication with the Virtual Scholars Academy teacher(s) and staff;

        • enforce appropriate digital citizenship behaviors and abide by guidelines set forth in the NPS Student Handbook;

        • work collaboratively with the home school and/or assigned case manager to schedule all required meetings for students with disabilities in a timely manner in accordance with IDEA regulations, including scheduling of the initial meeting following submission of an application to determine if VSA is appropriate for the student to receive a FAPE;

        • make students available in person as needed to complete any special education evaluations and assessments as required by IDEA.

    • Students interested in participating in the Virtual Scholars Academy must apply and be accepted into the program each school year; therefore, current VSA students must reapply. Completed applications are due April 28th, 2023. Enrollment is limited. Non-NPS students must first register at their appropriate NPS home school before applying for the VSA program. Case managers or appropriate staff at the student’s home school will contact parents/guardians of students with disabilities following the application deadline to schedule the required IEP team meeting.
      Applications will be evaluated before acceptance into the Virtual Scholars Academy occurs.
      Students who are accepted into the program will remain enrolled at their zoned school and may participate in all school-sponsored athletics, clubs, and activities if program requirements are met.
      Students cannot participate in the Virtual Scholars Academy full-time if they are currently enrolled in any of the school division’s specialty programs as their program-specific course needs cannot be met.
      Students enrolling in the full-time Virtual Scholars Academy program during the 2023-2024 school year who are given permission to transfer back to in-person learning at their home school will not be able to be enrolled in courses/classes taught by the same teacher to which they were assigned in the Virtual Scholars Academy. Additionally, if a student transfers to in-person learning, they will not be able to transfer back to VSA within the 2023-2024 school year.
      Students who are not successful in the virtual learning environment will be provided additional support. If they are still unsuccessful following additional support, they may be moved to an in-person instruction model as deemed appropriate by the administration or IEP team.
      Please review the application and requirements for admission into the VSA. Students/families are to submit their completed applications online using the link below. Please review the next page for important dates and information for each program.
      Requirements:

      1. Student meets academic course requirements by having earned passing grades in all core courses (English, mathematics, science, social studies) in quarters one, two, and three during the 2022-2023 school year.

      2. Student exhibits adequate attendance by having eight (8) days through the third quarter.

      3. Student meets the prerequisites for available courses (secondary only).

      4. Student and family will make a one-year commitment to enrollment in the Virtual Scholars Academy.

    • If the student does not meet the above criteria, the student will be enrolled in the school division’s traditional (in-person) program for the 2023-2024 school year.
      For more information about VSA, please contact Dr. Leon Edwards II, Senior Coordinator-Instructional Technology and Virtual Learning, at ledwards988@nps.k12.va.us.