FAQs

We are no longer ccepting applications for the 23-24 school year at this time.

The Virtual Academy is a public, tuition-free school for students in kindergarten through 10th grade.
*Families are required to pay a one-time, non-refundable technology assurance fee of $25. Students will be charged a fee for lost or damaged technology equipment.
 

No, our campus is a stand alone school and students will be enrolled in the Virtual Academy of North Texas full-time.

Remote Asynchronous Instruction 
This method allows the Virtual Academy and our families the flexibility to earn daily attendance through primarily asynchronous (non-live, self-paced) instructional methods OR through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction. 
 
Attendance will be documented (counted as present) if the student participates in one, or more of the following: 
• daily progress in Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) that confirms students accessed 
instruction by 11:59 pm each day, 
• daily check in via teacher-student lessons and/or interactions that confirms students accessed instruction, and/or 
• completion/turn-in of assignments from student to teacher (potentially via email or online) by 11:59 pm each day. 

We do request that students attend all live sessions the first two weeks to learn about our expectations,  build a relationship with the teacher and learn all systems and programs that are utilized for virtual instruction.

For online testing purposes, students will have to attend live online sessions when tests are proctored.
Synchronous (live) lessons will be recorded and posted in Canvas for students to refer to, as needed.
 
Students that are failing any subject(s) or not on grade-level with assessments will be required to attend all synchronous (live) sessions to remain enrolled in the Virtual Academy. 

Information can be found on our website at https://virtualacademy.wsisd.com/.

We do not require uniforms, but our students are expected to dress appropriately when attending live sessions.

We will have a mandatory parent/student orientation when a student enrolls. During this meeting, we will discuss policies, procedures, expectations, etc.  Technology devices and instructional materials will be issued at this time and families will be able to meet our teachers.

To remain enrolled, students will be required to report for state assessments and, possibly, interventions at various times during the year.  This will include, but is not limited to:

• STAAR/TELPAS Assessments
• Students that are not academically successful may be required to come in for intervention/tutoring services

OPTIONAL activities for students include family engagement programs, clubs, special academic activities, field trips, etc.
 

Yes. Students who are coming from homeschool without records will be asked to come in before school starts for an admission assessment. 

Students enrolled will be instructed by certified teachers. Teachers will be available for conferences during their office hours and by email.

Canvas, SeeSaw, Class Kick, and Google Meet will be used daily in addition to other academic programs. Classes will be offered synchronously and asynchronously depending upon the schedule.​ Synchronous (live) lessons will be recorded and posted in Canvas for students to refer to, as needed.
 

Yes.  Students will be instructed in English/language arts, math, social studies, science, fine arts, physical education, technology, etc.  All teachers are certified.  District grading guidelines will be in place.

Students who are enrolled are assigned a schedule of classes with courses designated for specific times and days of the week. On any given day, students may be working independently on follow-up or practice assignments, or they may have the option of receiving “live,” synchronous instruction depending on the schedule for the specific grade level. Synchronous (live) lessons will be recorded and posted in Canvas for students to refer to, as needed.

Yes, students with disabilities served through the WSISD Special Education Department will have equal access through the open enrollment criteria. The district ensures to the greatest extent possible that each student with an IEP or IAP will receive instructional services to meet the unique needs of the student as documented in their IEP or IAP.

Yes, 6th-10th grade students who desire to participate in UIL activities will be able to participate at the appropriate school campus (based on their proof of residency) as their schedule allows.

For students in grades 6-10, learners will follow a full schedule – that is, they will carry the typical number of courses (seven for most students) on their schedule. 8th-10th graders will be contacted before the year begins regarding elective choice and PE/athletic choice.

All students enrolled will have access to the high quality curriculum aligned with the state standards (TEKS) and developed by our district instructional department and teachers. Lesson quality, the amount of work assigned, the timing and pacing, and the order in which concepts are learned will follow our district scope and sequence. Students who choose to return to their home campus at semester should have a learning path that matches their peers.

​Schedules will vary by grade level. Classes will be scheduled between 8:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Thursday. Asynchronous lessons are available on Friday. Students that wish to participate in the live classes will need to follow the teacher’s schedule. Students are able to choose asynchronous learning and watch recorded lessons instead of live classes for more scheduling flexibility.

​We will provide virtual and in-person tutoring as needed and as teacher schedule allows.

It is expected that an adult learning coach is with the student for assistance, as needed, to ensure that the student is making progress and completing assignments. Younger students will probably need more assistance.

• Is academically unsuccessful with grades and/or not on grade-level with assessments; 
• Fails to attend live sessions (if required due to failing grades or not on grade-level with assessments; ) and participate;
• Does not adhere to guidelines regarding asynchronous attendance plan, behavior, assignment completion, etc.;
• Has excessive unexcused asynchronous absences; or 
• Administration recommends withdrawal.

Student and parent conferencing to develop an intervention plan will occur before revocation occurs.