Your teacher is the best resource for course content questions.  They are highly qualified instructors in this content area, and know the scope and sequence in each course.  If your content does not make sense or it appears that  a course resource is missing, your teacher can help you access the content.   

Review the orientation information for course dates and policies.  This is also included in the registration packet.  Your course syllabus contain specific information  about your course and your teacher.  There you will find your teacher's contact information, important course dates, a pacing guide, and directions for assignment submission.

Your instructor's syllabus will including contact information, such as their email address and phone number.  Try to contact them using their preferred method, and give them at least 24 hours to respond.  Some responses will be delayed due to holidays, scheduled breaks, snow days and/or weekends.  If two school days pass without a response, please email our office via fcvs.program@fcps.org.  Include your name, course and instructor's name and we'll help to put you in contact.  

If you have specific content questions, such as assignment directions or how to solve an equation, contact your teacher.  If you need help navigating your course or locating course resources, watch the introductory LMS videos located here.  If you have other questions, contact us at fcvs.program@fcps.org.  Screenshots or error message codes are helpful if you are able to send them!

The course duration is listed on your instructor's syllabus and was shared during the registration process.  Each program we supervise has courses that start at different points of the school year or in the summer.  Students are not granted extensions unless there is an extreme family emergency or illness.  These types of requests should be shared with the principal of our program.  

Students do have some control over their pace.  Specific policies are shared on the instructor's syllabus.  However, if a student cannot access their course for a day or two, they can make up that time another day that week.  Our historic data has shown that students who stay on pace each week have the best chance to complete their course and earn the grade they desire.  Those who fall off pace risk falling further off pace as they become overwhelmed by the number of assignments they need to complete.  A best practice is to finish assignments on (or ahead) of schedule.  Some students can work ahead in their course to accommodate for family or extracurricular activities.  Please note that those who work at an accelerated pace are still subject to our attendance policies, unless they successfully complete the entire course ahead of time.

We have a withdrawal period that is similar to what you would experience at your traditional high school.  If you feel this course placement will not result in your desired outcome, speak to your parent/guardian and your counselor.  The sooner, the better.  Our program offers more flexibility and options to those who elect to withdraw earlier.  Specific information related to withdrawal policies and dates are listed on your course syllabus.

Each program has different policies related to class meetings.  Refer to your pre-registration packet or course syllabus for attendance policies.  This information is shared before students register, so families can make informed decisions about whether or not their schedule will allow them to take a class in a given program.   For programs with mandatory orientations, it is essential that you attend this orientation.  Students who miss the orientation will not be permitted to access their course. 

Our course registration fees help to cover a portion of the course seat fee.   This fee covers the cost of adding a student to the learning management system, which must be done prior to the start of a course.  We are unable to offer refunds for this reason.  Please ensure all course dates, policies and requirements can be satisfied before you commit to paying for the course.  

Digital course participation is different than a classroom setting.  It is more difficult to hold synchronous chats or have class discussions.  However, teachers set assignment due dates and students are expected to complete work on a predictable schedule.  For example, students should expect to spend time working in their course each work day (excluding weekends and holidays).  Students work at their own unique pace as they have some control over their learning environment, but should abide by the schedule created by the instructor.  Those struggling to keep pace with the course may need to set aside more time to finish the classwork.  This predictable pattern of work allows students to stay on pace and gives them their greatest chance to complete the course successfully.

Our instructors send out progress reports throughout the course duration.  They indicate your level of participation, current grade and progress, and tips to continue toward successful completion.  There is also a gradebook feature available, which indicates your current grade and other assignments that need to be completed.  This information is shared on the syllabus.  Contact your instructor at any time if you have a question about your overall grade, or for more feedback an a specific assignment.   Instructors use a variety of methods to share feedback on various assignments.  

Life happens!  We understand.  Please contact your instructor as soon as possible, should an issue arise.  Our program can usually provide better options or accommodations if you proactively communicate an issue or situation with us.  Our options are more limited the further we get in to a course.  However, unexpected medical emergencies or conditions can occur, and we work with families to ensure a successful and fair opportunity for our students.  Share all concerns with your instructor as soon as possible.  

Students with IEPs and 504 plans have experienced great success in our programs.  When pre-registering, please make sure to complete the special education plan documentation.  This will allow our office to work with your family and counselor and ensure your accommodations can be met.  We have a full-time special educator on staff who works with case managers in each school to craft a learning experience that meets your needs.  Please note that our office provides accommodations in courses, but does not provide special education services.  

Yes!  Many students take a course through us for grade improvement.  The higher of the two grades will show on your transcript, and will reflect so in your GPA.  Contact your home school counselor for more options and to verify that the course in which you plan to enroll will replace the transcript grade in question.