Academy teachers are current York School District One teachers that have been selected to teach in the Virtual Academy. All faculty are SC certified.  Grade-levels, content areas, and electives will be staffed based upon student enrollment and declaration of intent.  Dr. Torri Barber will serve as the administrator of the YSD1 Virtual Academy.  

An accredited, online learning platform based on South Carolina curriculum standards will be delivered through Canvas, our current learning management tool.  Courses will be designed using the curriculum platform of Edmentum (K – 6) and Edgenuity (7 – 12) and supported with teacher-designed lessons, direct instruction, and relevant activities. 

The Virtual Academy will primarily utilize a synchronous (real-time) class model. Courses will be offered as full virtual courses with opportunities for online face to face instruction, tutoring, small group instruction, and independent learning.

Students will follow a schedule of virtual class sessions and have the opportunity to schedule additional time for independent assistance and small group instruction. The YSD1 school calendar start and end dates, including all grading period dates, will apply to the Virtual Academy. There will be flexibility for the actual start date of the Virtual Academy to allow for onboarding of students in the virtual setting.  

Virtual Academy teachers will develop and maintain meaningful relationships with students. Various activities and interest or progress surveys will be administered to determine learning styles, strengths, and mastery of learning targets to assist teachers with assessing and meeting students’ needs. Activities will be conducted throughout the delivery of the course to build community and relationships with the teacher and class. 

The Virtual Academy will provide student and family engagement opportunities on its campus.  In addition, students will be able to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports and Fine Arts programs at their home school while enrolled in the Virtual Academy.  These activities typically are offered at the home school before or after the school day.  

Students are expected to attend online class sessions, complete class activities, submit class assignments, take all assessments, and remain on the defined schedule directed by the teacher. Participating in online small group instruction or individual sessions may be optional unless otherwise assigned by the teacher.  Teachers will post a syllabus for each course. A schedule detailing expectations, class schedule, and due dates will be posted each week. Canvas and the online learning platform will provide instant course participation data such as time on task, assignment completion progress, assessment scores, and overall course average.  

Students who qualify for special education services will receive accommodations and modifications according to the established individualized education plan (IEP) or 504 plan.  Any required face to face accommodations will be provided accordingly and in a means that ensures the safety and health of the students and teachers. 

It is the expectation that students have strong, reliable internet access and a personal device with keyboard. 

Yes. Students enrolled at the Virtual Academy will remain connected to their home school.  Therefore, they will have access to the Chorus, Band, ROTC, and various CATE courses on their respective home school campuses.  

Yes. Students enrolled at the Virtual Academy will have an opportunity to participate in clubs and athletics offered at their designated home school.  Parents must provide transportation to and from the home school for club meetings or practices.  Club meetings/activities and athletic practices occur after the conclusion of the school day. 

Yes. Students will be provided with a virtual class schedule that includes routine scheduled class time with their class and teacher(s). Students will be expected to participate in the scheduled class session, whole class activities, small group instruction, and individual meeting opportunities.  In addition, teacher lessons will be recorded and available for students to access at their convenience or as needed. 

The Virtual Academy is a virtual school within the York One School District, staffed with YSD1 certified teachers that are equipped to deliver virtual coursework.  The curriculum and teacher created lessons are designed to be delivered in a high-quality, engaging online virtual environment.  The Virtual Academy will provide routine access to teachers that will be able to provide online additional support in small groups or individually.  

Although efforts will be made to maintain appropriate and relevant course requirements and assignments, the virtual learning environment requires students to be self-paced and self-directed to complete independent work and advocate for additional teacher support as needed.  Students are advised to create daily, disciplined schedules to ensure completion of online tasks and activities.  

Students will be expected to attend and participate in scheduled class sessions.  Direct instruction and learning activities will be provided by teachers in the online virtual setting. Additional scheduled sessions and support opportunities will be available and can be scheduled individually by students.  Students may complete assignments independently. However, students must maintain appropriate pacing, progress, and achievement.  Students will need to adhere to completion and submission deadlines of assignments, projects and activities.  Students will have 24/7 access to course content.  

Yes. Students may attend the Virtual Academy as a current 12th grade student. Students that successfully complete required courses and meet all graduation requirements will receive a high school diploma and be included in the commencement exercises.  

The district does not offer support for home internet service or personal devices.  Teachers will provide onboarding and training opportunities for students and parents to learn to navigate the associated software and learning platform.  The teachers will provide ongoing support with regards to the use of the learning platform throughout the year. 

The respective online learning platforms for K-6 and 7 – 12 include video lessons and additional tutorials.  Teachers will also provide additional support by conducting small group instruction and individual sessions. Teachers may provide appropriate face to face academic support and learning opportunities on the Virtual Academy campus based upon student need.  Teachers will be available via email and routine office hours.  Students will have access to a school counselor and other members of the school community staff for further services as needed.  

YSD1 will host informational webinars on the following days and times: 

July 15 (Wednesday): 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM, 7:15 PM 

Information regarding registration for the informational webinars will be posted on the district’s website and school websites.  

Students should first complete the annual primary registration process (Gateway) and provide proof of residency at their home school.  Once completed, students/families must complete a Declaration of Intent form (found on our district website) indicating their request to be enrolled in the Virtual Academy, confirming their ability to provide reliable internet access and a personal device with a keyboard, and noting any transportation needs.  Upon receipt of the Declaration of Intent, students/families will be advised to enroll by completing the application that will be posted on the York One School District website.