Franklin County Schools’ Virtual Academy Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a virtual school? A: Virtual education is teaching and learning in which students and teachers are separated by space and/or time. Teachers and students will have limited physical contact during the instructional process. Virtual education is often called “distance learning”.
Q: What is the difference between virtual school and home school? A: Homeschool is a parent-directed education. Homeschool parents can choose an individualized curriculum that reflects their own beliefs and ideas as they see fit to their child’s learning style. Parents are the teachers in a homeschool. Curriculum, materials, and activities are all organized and paid for by the parent. In a homeschool, the parent is responsible for the instruction and record keeping.
In contrast, a virtual school is associated with the school district despite the instruction occurring in the home environment. FCS Virtual Academy will follow the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for all subjects. A rich, comprehensive curriculum will be provided for students in grades K-12. All materials are provided by the school district. A certified teacher provides instruction and oversees the curriculum and progress of the student. Virtual students have access to school activities to include field trips, clubs, award days and graduation ceremonies.
Even within a virtual learning environment, parents play an important role in the success of their child. Younger students may need support to login to computers and follow the schedule provided by the classroom teacher. Middle and high school students will still need monitoring for completion of assignments and communication with classroom teachers. Parents are important partners in a student’s success regardless of the learning environment.
Q: Will I still be enrolled in the base school? A: Yes, all students who enroll in the FCS Virtual Academy will maintain enrollment in their districted school. Students will be assigned a teacher from this school who will serve as their instructor in the Virtual Academy.
Q: Who will provide the instruction? A: Instruction in the FCS Virtual Academy will be provided by licensed FCS teachers who have demonstrated strong technology skills, an ability to maintain high student engagement during remote learning periods, and a desire to work with students in a nontraditional school setting.
Q: Who takes virtual courses? A: Students and families seeking high quality instruction with licensed teachers through a flexible format.
Q: How does it work? A: Each student enrolled in the Virtual Academy will be assigned a teacher or teachers from their base, districted school within Franklin County. Students will remain a student at that school for the entire school year. All K-12 students will experience direct and indirect instruction from a combination of book based and online resources.
Q: Does it cost anything? A: Franklin County Virtual Academy is an alternative to our traditional model within Franklin County Schools and is free. Full-time students at all grade levels are issued a Chromebook or tablet.
Q: I am behind in required credits for my grade level. Can I catch up as a full-time FCS Virtual Academy student? A: The Virtual Academy does not offer credit recovery courses. All courses offered are for first-time learning only.
Q: How do I know if the FCS Virtual Academy is a good fit for my child? A: Virtual education is not necessarily the best fit for all children. This style of teaching and learning requires that the student remain engaged in the coursework despite not being in the physical classroom. Students and families must effectively communicate with the classroom teacher, manage their time well, and follow all assignment deadlines.
Q: Is online learning safe? A: All virtual instruction takes place in a secure online learning system that features protected communication protocols that eliminate external threats. Franklin County Schools provides internet filtering while students are using their school computer. However, there is no physical oversight provided at your home.
Q: What courses are offered? A: For students in grades K-12, the Virtual Academy offers all the core subject areas (Math, Reading, Social Studies, and Science). In addition, for grades 6-12, the Virtual Academy offers a wide range of elective courses. There are some classes, however, that are difficult to offer in a virtual environment due to lab requirements and/or access to equipment. Each middle and high school will work with interested students to determine the courses available.
Q: Does the FCS Virtual Academy follow the traditional school calendar? A: Yes, for 2020-2021, the Virtual Academy will follow the traditional school calendar.
Q: When are classes offered? A: Virtual instruction begins on the first day of the new school year and concludes on the last day indicated on the traditional calendar. Students will enroll in their base/districted school and indicate that they wish to participate in the Virtual Academy.
Q: Can I leave the Virtual Academy and go back to my assigned school for instruction? A: Yes, students can return to their assigned school if families determine that the Virtual Academy is not the best fit for the student. Franklin County Schools will work with families to accommodate the transition back to their assigned school.
Q: What do students do if they have questions or problems while taking a course? A: Just like in a traditional classroom setting, teachers are available to assist students with any questions they might have. A student’s first stop should always be the classroom teacher. A student may text, email, or ask a question during video conferencing. Teachers are available during the school day and until 4:00PM Monday-Friday. Teachers will respond to students in 24 hours or less. Face to face assistance is available by appointment when needed. Technical support is provided by the FCS Technology Department.
Q: Are students able to meet in person with their teachers? A: FCS Virtual Academy acknowledges the importance of relationships in the educational process. All teachers who work with students in the Virtual Academy are available for face-to-face assistance by appointment.
Q: What are the face-to-face requirements for a full-time FVA student? FCS Virtual Academy students are required to participate in several mandatory events at their base school. All students must attend the following events: Virtual Academy orientation, parent-teacher conferences, and all district and state required testing.
Q: Can FVA students participate in extracurricular activities? A: Students enrolled in the Virtual Academy will have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities at their base school. These activities may include field trips, activity days, and clubs. Students are encouraged to partake in the activities and socialize with other students. Per the NC High School Athletic Association, students in grades 9-12 must be enrolled in at least one face-to-face class at their base high school in order to participate in athletics.
Q: My child has an IEP and/or a 504. Can they still participate in the Virtual Academy? A: Yes, students with an IEP and/or a 504 plan can participate in the Virtual Academy. Students in the Exceptional Children’s program each have a written Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that documents goals, accommodations, and strategies used to create a learning environment best suited for the student. EC students applying for the Virtual Academy are essentially changing the delivery method of their instruction. As such, an IEP review has to be conducted before a child can be enrolled in the Virtual Academy. At this meeting, it may be determined that virtual instruction is NOT the best fit for a student with special needs.
Q. My student receives related services through their IEP for 504. Will they still receive those services? A: Students who receive speech and language services will be able to be delivered virtually. The IEP team will need to review the delivery and frequency of services prior to enrollment in FVA. At this time, occupational and physical therapy are not able to be delivered virtually.
Q: My student received mental health services at school via an outside agency. Will they still receive those services? A: Yes. Your student is eligible to continue receiving those services. Franklin County Schools’ lead social worker will work with the providing agency to continue services as needed.
Q: Will my child still have to take state-required End-of-Grade and End-of-Course assessments? A: All students enrolled in the FCS Virtual Academy must participate in all state and district testing. Students will have to come to their base school on designated days to take these assessments.
Q: How will my child be counted in attendance during Virtual Academy? A: Students are required to participate in the activities assigned by their classroom teacher. Attendance is defined as contact between the student and teacher and will be measured by logging into Canvas or Google Classroom, submitting assignments, participating in online discussions and other class activities. Teachers will take attendance on a weekly basis. Students who are absent for a week (5 days) will be referred to the Principal of the school l. Coaches of student athletes will also be notified when a student is absent from the class for 5 days. Students will be in danger of disciplinary action and failure of the course.
Q: Can students enrolled in the Virtual Academy enroll in courses through the NC Virtual Public Schools or a Vance-Granville Community College? A: Yes, students can choose to enroll in dual enrollment courses just like any other Franklin County Schools’ student. They must still meet admission requirements.
Q: If I am a senior and enroll in the Virtual Academy, will I be able to march with the graduating class at my assigned school? A: Yes. Seniors enrolled in the Virtual Academy will be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies at their assigned school.
Q: I have more questions about the Virtual Academy. Who should I contact? A: If you have additional questions, please reach out to the principal of your assigned school.