Richland One Elementary Virtual School Program
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Richland One offers a yearlong Elementary Virtual School Program for students in grades K-5 and a Secondary Virtual School Program for students in grades 6-12. Applicants are selected using a lottery for both programs based on available slots.
In the R1 K-5 Virtual School Program, students interact with certified Richland One teachers daily during live Teams meeting sessions. In the 2022-2023 school year, the sessions will be virtual 4-5 days per week from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Face-to-Face instruction will be provided 1 day per week (optional). Classes will be a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (independent) learning activities for all types of learners. Students in grades K-3 will receive approximately 2-3 hours of virtual instruction per day, and students in grades 4-5 will receive about 3-4 hours of virtual instruction per day. It is essential to adhere to a flexible and balanced schedule that promotes rigor, responsibility and opportunities for socialization, collaboration and community.
Students must:
- Reside in Richland County and be enrolled in a Richland School District One School;
- Have demonstrated academic success in the previous school year (Recommend grades of C or better in all courses;
- Have maintained good attendance in the previous year; and
- Have the desire and ability to work in a variety of formats.
The goal of Richland One Virtual School Program is to provide children and their families with high-quality virtual learning experiences necessary for school success.
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Q. Can you tell me more about the new Richland One Virtual School Program?
A. Yes! Richland One is excited to offer this new enhanced virtual school program to elementary students in grades kindergarten through five who meet the criteria of a student who is equipped to learn in a digital learning environment. This program will be much like a traditional school setting and will be conducted by certified and highly qualified staff who will offer a variety of research-based and varied virtual learning experiences for all types of learners. Students will be expected to complete and submit all assignments. Staff will provide ongoing support, communication, and guidance so that your child will be successful with his/her virtual education.
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Q. What will the daily schedule be?
A. The daily schedule will be from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. with extended virtual after-school learning opportunities from 2:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Students will follow the virtual learning program schedule that consists of four days a week of virtual learning and one face-to-face learning day. On face-to-face learning days, transportation is provided. The face-to-face day is optional, and students who are not participating in the face-to-face learning day will have an asynchronous learning day.
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Q. If my child is accepted, how will the classes be structured?
A. Classes will be a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (independent) learning activities for all types of learners. Learners include gifted and talented, special services, and English language learners. The VSP will offer related arts (music, art, physical education) social and emotional activities, and a support schedule. Students in grades K-3 will receive approximately 2-3 hours of virtual instruction and, students in grades 4-5 will receive about 3-4 hours of virtual instruction per day. It is essential to adhere to a flexible and balanced schedule that promotes rigor and responsibility and opportunities for socialization, collaboration, and community.
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Q. If I choose the Elementary Virtual School Program for my child will s/he remain assigned to her/his zoned school?
A. No, students in the Virtual School Program will be enrolled in this separate program. All Richland One policies, procedures, and schedules will be the same for the Virtual School Program.
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Q. Does my child have to remain in the Virtual School Program for the entire year?
A. The preference is that your child remains enrolled in the program. If a family requests a transfer to his/her zoned school, we will make every effort to work towards a semester transition release if appropriate space is available. If approved, the family will follow the procedures of their zoned school to include transportation.
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Q. What if we do not have a computer or internet access in our home?
A. The district’s 1:1 initiative is being expanded. All VSP students in grades K-5 will receive devices this school year. Hot spots will support families without internet connectivity. The district is exploring other ways to provide support to students who live in areas without service.
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Q. What curriculum will be used while my child is in the Virtual School Program?
A. Teachers will follow the South Carolina state standards and use a combination of the District’s curriculum units of instruction and research-based and vetted instructional resources.
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Q. How do I know if my child is “right” for this program?
A. If your child meets most of the following qualifications, he/she may be a good fit for the VSP program. My child would be a good candidate for the VSP because he/she:
- completed all prerequisite coursework;
- can read, write, and communicate at or above grade level;
- can work independently and meet the demands of a rigorous schedule of online learning;
- has no record of behavioral issues that are disruptive to the learning environment; and
- has access to technology with an internet connection.
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Q. What are the steps to applying, and how is my child selected?
A. Here is a summary of the steps necessary for the VSP:
- Complete an online application and registration information process.
- Upload all requested document, preferably all at the same time as submitting individual documents slow the process.
- Watch a virtual Parent Information Session and complete the survey.
When all of the items above are complete, a committee of administrators and educators will evaluate the application and accept or deny the request for attendance via letter/email. If there is a waiting list, a lottery selection process begins. It is encouraged to complete and submit all requested information as soon as possible.
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Q. If I completed an application this past spring or summer for my child’s traditional zoned school, do I need to complete the Virtual School Program application?
A. Yes, parents requesting their child attend the Virtual School Program must complete the above steps of applying. (Steps and information will be forthcoming on Richland One website)
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Q. What curriculum will be used while my child is in the Virtual School Program?
A. Teachers will follow the South Carolina state standards and use a combination of the District’s curriculum units of instruction and research-based and vetted instructional resources.
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Q. If my child is selected to attend the VSP, can a sibling attend as well?
A. Special accommodations can be made for a sibling to attend if they meet the characteristics’ criteria and space is available
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Q. What are the steps to applying, and how is my child selected?
A. Here is a summary of the steps necessary for the VSP: Complete an online application and registration information process. Upload all requested document, preferably all at the same time as submitting individual documents slow the process. Watch a virtual Parent Information Session and complete the survey. When all of the items above are complete, a committee of administrators and educators will evaluate the application and accept or deny the request for attendance via letter/email. If there is a waiting list, a lottery selection process begins. It is encouraged to complete and submit all requested information as soon as possible.
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Q. What role will parents play in the VSP?
A. As your child’s first teacher, parents will become partners with your child’s teachers. We encourage parents to communicate and collaborate with their child’s teacher to ensure academic success.
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Q. What support will be provided to help students and parents gain confidence in using their devices and accessing digital content used in the classroom?
A. Training materials such as student- and parent-friendly videos, documents with screenshots, and simple directions are being developed and posted to our district’s website. Print copies will be made available in our schools, as well.
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Example Schedule for grades K-2
(One day a week optional face-to-face day) If opting out, an asynchronous learning day will be scheduled.- 7:30-8:00 A.M.
Breakfast, morning prep, office hours - 8:00-8:30 A.M.
Morning meeting with students, synchronous live update conversations, social & emotional activity, review daily plan, highlight learning - 8:30-10:30 A.M.
ELA & Social Studies Block Combination of synchronous, direct instruction, modeling, checking for understanding, breakout groups, brain and body break/snack, work 1:1 with students, small group work, asynchronous learning tasks - 10:30-11:30 P.M.
Lunch/Exercise/Virtual Yoga - 11:30-12:15 P.M.
Related Arts (Music, Art, P.E., Foreign Language) - 12:15-2:15 P.M.
Math and Science Block STEAM/PBL: Combination of synchronous direct instruction, modeling, check for understanding, breakout groups, brain and body break/snack work 1:1 with students, small group work - 2:15-2:30-
Wrap-Up/Closure
- 7:30-8:00 A.M.
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Example Schedule for grades 3-5
This schedule outlines 25-3.5 hours of directed learning and 2-3 hours of flexible learning time.

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Q. How will I know what assignments are due?
A. For all learners, it is critically important that parents are informed about learning expectations.
With this in mind, teachers in the Virtual School Program will consistently communicate with parents
regarding their child’s upcoming learning experiences and individual progress. We encourage our
parents to become learning partners in their child’s education. -
Q. Will students sit at computers for long periods listening to lectures?
A. No, the Virtual School Program will adhere to a schedule that incorporates synchronous and
asynchronous learning experiences for kindergarten through five learners. Students will receive
engaging and differentiated content with a sufficient number of brain breaks to ensure that they are
not sitting at their computers for extended periods. Teachers will include independent hands-on
activities that do not require the use of a device. -
Q. How will I know if my child is progressing?
A. Teachers will provide information regularly. The staff will post and communicate specific
office/conference hours to establish and build a collaborative partnership for the benefit of your child.
On face-to-face learning days, scheduled appointments may be allowed if time allows. -
Q. Will good attendance matter during the Virtual School Program?
A. Yes, just as important as regularly attending a traditional school, it is the same for the VSP. All
District policies regarding attendance or consistent tardiness will apply. -
Q. Will my child be tested in the Virtual School Program?
A. Yes, assessments are a critical part of the planning process, and data will determine your child’s
individual learning needs. The children will follow the same testing schedule as a traditional school.
Teachers will regularly assess using formative and summative assessments coupled with
differentiated activities that will help paint a clear picture of what your child needs to academically,
intellectually, and socially grow. -
Q. Will meals/snacks available? What will be the process be?
A. Yes, it is vital to feed a child’s mind and body that improves focus for learning. A meal/snack plan
and schedule will be forthcoming. -
Q. What school supplies/materials will I need?
A. Before the beginning of the new school year, a class list of supplies will be available so that you
can prepare for school. A printer should be available for your child as he/she may need to submit
digital products of learning. -
Q. My child has an IEP. How will his/her needs be addressed?
A. Students with Disabilities (SWDS) will have equal access to the general curriculum through
Richland One's Virtual School Program. Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams will meet to
determine student services. IEPs are evaluated and amended to meet the individual needs of
students