FCPS Virtual Academy

The Franklin County Public Schools (FCPS) Virtual Academy is designed to provide K-12 students with a flexible and rigorous online learning experience that closely aligns with the in-person curriculum offered by FCPS. Students will engage with licensed teachers and follow a structured course schedule to ensure they receive a quality education, even while learning remotely. FCPS Virtual Academy is a unique solution for those seeking quality remote instruction without losing the connectedness to our school division. Students in the Virtual Academy are FCPS Students who take their courses online through Imagine Learning and have the opportunity to remain active in their school by participating in local events. The program has been specifically designed to reengage homeschool families with FCPS and provide a unique learning environment for families who are considering a homeschool option which allow students to work from home but remain FCPS students.

Virtual Format

FCPS partners with Imagine Learning, a VDOE approved MOP (Multi Division Online Provider), to provide most online courses. Courses are approved by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for SOL/CTEVA or approved by the VDOE as a non-SOL-aligned course. Some courses are part of CIP, Comprehensive Instruction Program. FCPS will work closely with students and Imagine Learning to schedule courses that closely align with course offerings for in-person students. For some courses that have not been approved by the VDOE, like Health & PE Grades 6 through 8 and courses that are specialized, like Driver’s Education/PE 10, the Virtual Academy partners with a FCPS, VA Certified teacher to teach a virtual section of these courses. All virtual courses are accessed via the Imagine Learning Portal with the exception of FCPS taught courses, which are accessed via Canvas.

Virtual Learning is a unique academic experience. Most of the instruction is asynchronous which means students are responsible for learning material without the benefit of daily direct instruction provided by a teacher. Teachers in Imagine Learning courses are certified educators and provide feedback to students on their work, are available for one on one virtual meetings to help clarify content and provide academic support, and to communicate with students; however, the program only has online synchronous classes for elementary English Language Arts. All other courses are asynchronous. Students also do not have the opportunity to work with peers. While this style of instruction works for some students, it does not work for all students.

Important to Consider

Learning in the virtual environment is unique and very different from in-person courses. It requires a lot of independence and self motivation. Student success is most important, therefore there is an application process for participation. Please consider your child’s ability to work independently and online before submitting an application. Applications and eligibility are reviewed on a semester basis.

Students are only eligible to enroll in the Virtual Academy at a semester change (the beginning of the school year and at the end of first semester). In order to remain eligible for participation each semester, students must adhere to the Virtual Academy expectations.

To remain eligible for the FCPS Virtual Academy students must stay less than 10% behind pace in all of their courses, have a passing grade in all of their courses (59 or higher), and actively participate by completing assignments on time and communicating with their teachers as needed.

Parents and guardians who are interested in their child participating, can contact the Virtual Academy Administrator and have their information put on a “contact list” to receive an application when the window opens. More information can be found on the Enrollment page.

Contact Information

If you are interested in learning more about FCPS Virtual Academy, contact Karen Weaver, Virtual Academy Administrator 540-483-5128 or Kara Bernard, FCPS Homeschool Coordinator 540-483-5138

Additional Contact Information

Virtual Academy Administrator: Karen Weaver | 540-483-5128
Homeschool Coordinator: Kara Bernard | 540-483-5138
Special Education Case Manager: Chandler Hunt | 540-483-0221
Virtual PE Teachers: Andy Flora (BFMS) | Bailee Washburn (10th Grade)
School Contacts: Meagan Funck (Elementary) | Dana Furrow (BFMS)
Support Services: Individual contacts at each school (School Counselors, Gifted Education, 504, IEP, etc.)
FCHS Administrators: Teresa Sanders/Anitra Holland | 540-483-0221