What online courses are currently available?
Courses are available for grades K-12. The West Virginia Department of Education reviews courses for quality in instructional design and alignment with the West Virginia Content Standards and Objectives. These reviews, facilitated by West Virginia teachers, have led to an approved list of courses. View a complete list of available courses here.
Who are the Virtual School Content Providers?
Most courses are provided on the WV Learns platform using West Virginia teachers and an approved course curriculum. The curriculum may be developed by a West Virginia teacher or leased from an outside entity. In the few circumstances where a course is not available via the WV Learns platform, the West Virginia Virtual School will contract with distance learning companies, organizations, K-12 and higher education institutions to provide instruction. In these situations, a student will take courses directly from these providers once the approval process is completed.
What types of online classes do students generally take?
Students who are participating in a full-time virtual program can take all courses -- core and electives -- to meet graduation requirements. West Virginia students in a brick and mortar school typically take courses online not offered in their local schools. Additionally, some students are taking courses due to scheduling conflicts. Elective, world languages and AP courses are among the most requested virtual courses.
How long does an online course last?
Most online courses generally allow and encourage students to proceed at their own pace. Specific timelines are set by the local school system. Courses are arranged in .5 credit formats to meet the needs of all students regardless of school schedule.
How many online courses can I take?
Students who attend a brick and mortar school are limited to two courses at a time at the expense of the WVVS. Tuition fees for full-time virtual students are paid by the local school district; therefore, the school district will determine the number of courses permissible for full-time students.
Why does the virtual school offer the same course from more than one course provider? How do I decide which one to take?
Students are always placed with a West Virginia teacher through the WVVS if space is available.
Can I attend the WV Virtual School full time?
Yes, with permission from the local school district.
Can I earn my diploma from the WV Virtual School?
No, the WV Virtual School is not a diploma-granting institution. If a student meets the requirements for a high school diploma, the local school district will provide the diploma.
What instructional materials are used for course delivery?
Most courses include the instructional materials. If instructional materials are not included, the local school system will help provide materials.
Are there additional charges for instructional materials?
On rare occasion, the local school system may need to provide supplies for online courses just like they do in brick and mortar classes (i.e. art supplies, science lab materials not typically found around the home). The local school system receives legislative funding to provide materials for student instruction.
Technology requirements for virtual school courses change over time and are determined by the course. Students should have a device with updated browsers
Who pays for the online course?
Financial responsibility for online courses will vary based upon the type of program.
FULL-TIME VIRTUAL program -- Funding for students in a full-time virtual school program is provided to the local school district through FTE monies. The local school system is responsible for paying tuition fees to the WVVS for full-time students. The student is not charged tuition for attending a public school virtual instruction program.
SUPPLEMENT program -- The WVVS receives a set allotment of legislative funding to provide online courses to students who typically attend face-to-face classes but must take a virtual class because the course is not available in the brick and mortar school or a scheduling conflict exists. Pending the availability of funding, full tuition costs for the first ten students in an individual course per year at a school are paid through WVVS state funds. Tuition for each student above ten in the same course, from the same school, will be shared by the WVVS and the local school system. The local school system will pay $200 per student per semester for each student above 10 while state funds will be used to pay the remaining per student course cost.
SUMMER SCHOOL program -- Summer courses may be offered through the WVVS but payment for summer enrollment shall be the responsibility of the county or the guardian.