VLA Grades 9-12

Welcome to South-Western City School District Virtual Learning Academy (VLA). You and your student are choosing this option because it fits the needs of your family. Please note that by choosing this option you will be enrolled in the Virtual Learning Academy for the entire 2020-2021 school year. It will not be possible to return to your home school this school year.

Each one-year one-credit course contains 36 weeks of lessons with a 4-5 hour workload per lesson. Each semester/half credit course contains 18 weeks of lessons with a 4-5 hours workload per lesson. A variety of academic and elective courses, similar to those in our high school curriculum, are available. See attached course list.

Students will be accessing the Internet to assist in completing their assignments. Teachers will also give students access to online tools and apps, recommended by the district. Through independent research, students enhance their creative thinking and confidence in their ability to problem solve independently. It is important to remember that independent work will require self discipline. If you struggle to complete tasks and work without regular supervision, this is not a program for you.

In most cases, VLA will be taught by a South-Western City School District teacher and a schedule will be established with the instructor. Attendance is mandatory Monday through Friday. Students will complete and submit all assignments online and are expected to engage in the lessons every day. All students that request a Chromebook will be issued one. Almost any electronic device that allows internet browsing will allow students to access required materials. Students will need consistent and reliable Internet access to participate in this program. Students receiving free/reduced lunch may qualify for Internet assistance.

Please understand that our virtual programs will not provide co-curricular, career-tech or performance-based courses. Therefore, band, choir, and orchestra will not be available in this learning model. However, a music theory course is available for those who are interested.

Students wanting to enroll in Advanced Placement courses have limited choices in this platform. VLA offers AP Calculus A/B or AP Physics. Those taking AP will be required to sit for the exam and pay the cost associated with the exam. For other advanced courses please contact your counselor to explore options through College Credit Plus

VLA students will be required to complete a midterm and final exam that may be face-to face. This will be determined at a later date.

Directions for scheduling will take place once a student has been approved for the VLA program. Please be sure to include the most up to date contact information on the registration application.

Below is a list of the available courses:

ENGLISH

  • English I, II, III, IV

MATH

  • Algebra I, II

  • Geometry

  • Advanced Math

  • AP Calculus A/B (AP exam plus fee required)

SCIENCE

  • Physical Science

  • Biology

  • Accelerated Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

  • AP Physics (AP exam plus fee required)

SOCIAL STUDIES

  • World History

  • American History

  • American Government

  • Sociology

  • Psychology

  • Financial Literacy

HEALTH - Health

PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Physical Education (P.E.)

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

  • Spanish I, II, III, IV

  • French I, II, III, IV

FINE ARTS

  • Art HIstory

  • Renaissance Art

  • Intro to Theater

  • Music Appreciation

BUSINESS - Marketing Basics

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE - Child Development

TECHNOLOGY

  • Career Planning

  • Computer Applications