Purpose
The purpose of the PCHS Full-Time Virtual Program is to provide students who reside within the residential zones served by Pell City High School the option to complete a program of courses which allows for graduation and receipt of a high school diploma through an online, virtual program.
Courses will follow the Courses of Study developed by the Alabama Department of Education and meet the standards established by the State Board of Education. By selecting the co-enrolled virtual option, students also assume increased responsibility in personal time management, organization, self-direction, and personal discipline to complete the course and school requirements.
Method
Students participating in the (PCHSVP) must have daily access to the Internet. Courses will be web-based (accessed through the Internet). Students will also be required to agree to and sign the PCHSVP Academic Integrity Contract.
Courses will have their own pacing guidelines, which students must follow to achieve the pre-determined goals. Based on a student’s four-year plan, early graduation may be possible.
Requirements
Students:
Are required to reside within the legal Pell City School System school zone.
Must maintain consistent, reliable daily access to the Internet, either at their home or other location available to them.
Should have a 2.5 cumulative average to apply for consideration into the program (Unless extenuating circumstances apply).
Must maintain a passing grade, determined at the semester grading period, in each course taken.
Will schedule all tests, semester exams, and any other assessments determined by administration, to be taken on campus. Students will need to to schedule tests with the Virtual Lab Facilitator/Virtual School Director.
Will be expected to participate in a weekly conference with the PCHSVP Virtual Lab Facilitator/Virtual School Director. (This may be done through telephone or video-conferencing.)
Are required to take any Alabama mandated tests and must do so at PCHS. The Virtual School Director will ensure testing dates and requirements are known to VP students.
Whose education program and pathway is determined by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may apply for enrollment if the IEP team determines the PCHS is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for that student. In doing so, the PCHS will follow the guidelines published by the State Department of Education on December 11, 2015, “Virtual Schools (and Programs) Guidance for Students with Disabilities.”
Extracurricular and Technology
Students are eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. Students are required to meet all organization requirements.
Students are responsible for ensuring that their coursework meets NCAA eligibility standards, if that is a necessity.
The school district will provide students in the virtual program any devices that are provided to PCHS students in the same grade.
Deadlines for Applications
Fall Term - August 18, 2020
Spring Term - December 11, 2020
Interested students should talk with their school counselor as early as possible.
Working with their guidance counselor at school, students can participate in online classes. Individual needs differ from student to student, so it is important for families to talk to their guidance counselor before proceeding. For the most part, families should make these choices as early as possible to ensure both all graduation requirements and needs of the student are best met. Remember, PCHS Virtual follows the school schedule, so students need to start classes in August or January and as a rule schools do not allow students to drop courses in the middle of a semester.