Frequently Asked Questions

Is The HCS FLEX Program a Full Time Program?

The HCS FLEX Program functions as an educational program, not a traditional school. Students remain enrolled in their base schools, where counselors help them select and approve appropriate FLEX courses based on their individual graduation plans. Typically, students engage in one or two FLEX courses at a time. For information on available online courses, parents should reach out to their child’s school counselor.  The HCS FLEX Program is NOT a Full Time Virtual Option.

Expectations for Student Participation

While enrolled in FLEX courses, students are required to engage actively in their online courses, similar to how they would in a conventional classroom. To maximize their learning experience, students should log in and complete assignments every day. Each course includes a 'Course Pacing Guide' outlining assignments and deadlines. Although students have the flexibility to work ahead, they should avoid falling behind.

Coursework Submission Guidelines

All assignments must be submitted by the deadlines specified in the 'Course Pacing Guide.' Late submissions may result in grade penalties. Students are expected to submit their work electronically through their course's Learning Management System; any submissions made outside this platform will not be accepted. Additionally, no coursework will be accepted after the 'Last Day to Submit Course Work' as noted in the Dates and Deadlines Document. Final assessments must be taken on the designated date, time, and location as instructed by the course teacher.  Students who miss their final exam time must notify their school counselor within two days to schedule a make-up proctoring session.

Time Commitment for Courses

Students should plan to allocate approximately one hour each day for half-credit courses and up to two hours daily for full-credit courses. While students have the flexibility to choose their study times, consistent daily engagement is essential. They may also submit work on weekends and work ahead in their courses.

Selecting Courses

Local schools monitor student progress toward graduation, so parents and students should collaborate with their school counselor to identify online courses that enhance the student's individual graduation plan. For the summer term, students take no more than two full units, which can comprise two half-unit courses and one full-unit course or two full-unit courses.

Tuition for Online Courses

Courses taken in the FLEX program are offered at no cost to currently enrolled HCS high school students.

Withdrawal from On-Line Courses

Only through continuous communication can students be successful in online courses. Within each course the instructor outlines the weekly minimum work requirements and abides by the following HCS Virtual policies:

• Newly enrolled students have ten school (10) days to request to drop a course without being penalized. Students who request a withdrawal will not be withdrawn from any virtual courses without approval from the school counselor. 

*During the summer session, counselors will be notified of requests to withdraw from courses since they may not be on contract at the time of the request.

• If a student is inactive during the first 14 days from the date of their enrollment, they will automatically be dropped without penalty from the course(s). The student will not receive credit and will only be allowed to re-enroll with approval from HCS Virtual.

• Students may be administratively dropped for inactivity at any time during the course. Students will receive a failing grade of a WF (51) if dropped after the grace period. 

Communication with Instructors

Communication with FLEX teachers primarily occurs via email. All teachers are also reachable by phone, text, and during their office hours via Google Meet. If communications from FLEX are not being received, check your spam folder. Teacher contact information is available in the Teacher Information section of all FLEX courses.

Accommodations for Students with Special Needs

The HCS FLEX program evaluates Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and other educational documents to provide necessary accommodations. Not all accommodations may be applicable to online courses, and the base school remains responsible for fulfilling IEP/504 requirements.

Reporting Grades and Credits

Final grades for courses taken via the HCS FLEX Program will be recorded in the student's historical grade file and reflected on local school transcripts.

NCAA Eligibility

HCS FLEX courses are not NCAA-certified.  Students and parents should discuss college eligibility requirements with the high school athletic director and school counselor.

Course Repetition Policy

In coordination with the SC Uniform Grading Policy, students are not allowed to retake courses they have already successfully completed. A course may only be repeated if a student has received a final grade of D or F. The initial course grade and the sub-sequential course grade will be recorded on the cumulative transcript.

Enrollment After Graduation

Once a student has graduated, they are not eligible to enroll in the HCS FLEX Program.

Accessing Courses While Traveling

Students can access their HCS FLEX classes while traveling within the U.S. using a laptop or desktop with reliable internet. However, FLEX classes are geo-restricted and can only be accessed within U.S. borders.