Family Requests for ACPS Virtual Learning for 2024-25 School Year Due April 12, 2024

All Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) families are being given the opportunity to request virtual learning for their child(ren) for the upcoming school year. Families only need to complete the Virtual Learning Request form if they wish to request that their child(ren) participate in virtual learning during the 2024-25 school year. The deadline to complete the Virtual Learning Request form and make this request is April 12, 2024.

This timeline will give schools the opportunity to review family requests, contact families regarding each approval and allow time for fall term virtual registration. Students who participated in virtual learning previously and struggled academically may not be offered the opportunity for virtual learning in the upcoming school year. Families requesting virtual learning for the 2024-25 school year are opting in with the expectation of full-year participation; however, there may be reasons related to student achievement that arise in which ACPS may require a change in learning environment to best support student success.

ACPS students in grades kindergarten-five (K-5) who participate in virtual learning during the 2024-25 school year will take synchronous courses through Virtual Virginia, a state program that offers online instruction to students throughout the state. Students in grades 6-12 will take asynchronous courses through Edgenuity, which provides online courses and instructional services. Virtual courses are reading intensive and it is strongly recommended that students participating in virtual courses are reading on grade level to best ensure success.

Please speak with your child(ren)’s school counselor if you have any questions about whether virtual learning may be appropriate for your child(ren). To see sample daily virtual learning schedules, please visit the links below:

• Elementary (Grades kindergarten-5): Grade Sample Virtual Learning Schedule
• Secondary (Grades 6-12): Grade Sample Virtual Learning Schedule

Below are the characteristics that successful virtual learning students should be able to demonstrate:

• Reading on grade level: Virtual coursework is presented at the specific reading level associated with the virtual course. Therefore, it is advisable that students are reading on grade level.
• Self-motivation: Students should have some ability to direct their own learning at the 6-12 grade level. Students in grades kindergarten-5 may require support from an adult in the home.
• Independent learner: The virtual learning environment enables students to learn at their own pace, but there are specific deadlines that must be met.
• Time management: Virtual coursework requires daily work, just as with in-person learning. Students should be able to designate enough time per day to remain on pace in their courses.
• Demonstrated attendance: Students should have a favorable attendance history whether in a virtual or in-person  environment.
• Demonstrated work completion ability: Students should have a favorable work completion history whether in a virtual or in-person environment.
• Computer literate: Advanced computer skills are not required, but students should possess a working knowledge of e-mail, the Internet, and have basic keyboarding skills.
• Effective written communication skills at the secondary level: Students enrolled in virtual learning should have the ability to write clearly to communicate and complete assignments.

Please complete the Virtual Learning Request Form by April 12, 2024, if you wish to select virtual learning for the 2024-25 school year.