Reminder: 2023-24 Virtual Learning Request Form Open Through March 24, 2023

All Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) families have the opportunity to request virtual learning for their children for the upcoming school year. Families who want to make this request must submit a completed virtual learning request form by March 24, 2023, so that their children can participate in virtual learning during the 2023-24 school year.

This timeline will give schools the opportunity to review family requests, contact families regarding each approval or denial and allow time for registration in the virtual fall term. 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 2023-24 school year are opting in with the intention of full-year participation; however, there may be reasons related to student achievement that arise that could lead ACPS to require a change in the learning environment to best support student success.

ACPS students in grades K-5 who participate in virtual learning during the 2023-24 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 recommended that students participating in virtual courses are reading on grade level to best ensure success.

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

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

Successful virtual students should be able to demonstrate the following virtual learning characteristics: 

• 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 K-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 person or in the virtual environment.
• Demonstrated Work Completion Ability: Students should have a favorable work completion history, whether in person or in the virtual environment.
• Computer Literate: Advanced computer skills are not required, but students should possess a working knowledge of email, 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 March 24, 2023, if you wish to select virtual learning for your student for the upcoming 2023-24 school year.