Virtual Instruction means the student takes all of his/her courses in a virtual setting away from the school regardless of schools being open or closed. In the School District of Pickens County, the Pickens County Virtual Academy (PCVA) will provide a virtual instruction option for our K-12 students. A certified teacher directs the instruction through the use of a learning management system (LMS). Students enrolled in PCVA may still participate in school based extracurricular activities. During the school day, students will have access to their teachers; however, students may work at any time of the day, holidays and weekends.

A successful student in virtual education is organized, well supported, and is motivated to learn. The teachers serve as facilitators guiding the student through instruction, and therefore, the student is held accountable for their time and effort in the learning process. While all students are eligible to apply for the Virtual Academy, take time to consider if these statements describe your student.

Any family who chooses the option to attend the Virtual Academy must:

1. Register at their assigned school based on your current Pickens County address.

2. Complete the PCVA application from March 1 - March 15. Applications will be emailed to parents and will be available on the PCVA Website

Registration will open on March 1st and close on March 15th. All information to register will be right here on the PCVA website.

Yes, registration for the 2021-2022 school year will be for the full year. Consistency is so important for our elementary and middle school students and committing to a full year in PCVA allows them to build a relationship with their teachers and really thrive in the program. Our high school students are on a block schedule and will change classes after 1st semester. We still require that high school students complete their course selection for the full school year, including any virtual classes they plan to take, so that we can make sure every student is on a plan leading them to graduation.

Students will need dependable internet access.

Students and parents will need a valid email address that are checked regularly.

Students need a device to complete their work on (desktop, laptop, or chromebook).

Students will need scheduled time daily to commit to school work.

Students will need strong home support (K-8).

Yes! Your student will remain enrolled at their home school and is still eligible to play sports, participate in clubs that meet after school, and attend games and dances with their classmates. All academic and behavioral requirements for participation will still apply to PCVA students.

Students who receive services through an IEP must attend virtual sessions scheduled by the special education team lead and/or therapists.

Yes, students will be required to be on a SDPC campus for all state and federal testing. Tests that are required to be administered face to face include, but are not limited to: MAP, WIN, End of Course testing, ACT, ACCESS, SC Ready, and SC PASS. Quizzes and tests for your virtual courses will be administered online.

Any student that lives within the Pickens County attendance area is eligible for PCVA. All students must first be enrolled in their zoned Pickens County school and then register for PCVA.