Secondary FAQ
R1 Secondary Virtual School Program FAQ
- What skills must a student possess to help ensure success in a virtual learning environment?
Students who are interested in enrolling in a virtual learning environment should be self-motivated and have great time management skills. The student must possess the technical skills to upload and retrieve documents as well as communicate and respond to instructors online.
- Will my student be able to transition from the virtual program to the zoned/assigned school before the end of the school year?
The R1 Virtual School Program is a year-long choice program. Enrolled students will be expected to remain in the program for the entire school year.
- How do I register my student to participate in the Secondary Virtual School Program? Once I register, is my child guaranteed acceptance?
Interested parents may register their child by clicking on the application link found on the Richland One Homepage. Parents will be able to apply starting Monday, December 11, 2023 through Wednesday, January 31, 2024. No applications will be accepted after 11:59pm on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
Completion of the application does not guarantee acceptance in the program. All applications will be used in a lottery selection process, and parents will be notified of the status of their application. There may also be a waiting list established since there is a maximum number of students that will be accepted in the program.
- Is the Secondary Virtual School Program a separate school?
No, the virtual program is not a separate school. Your child will remain enrolled in the zoned/ assigned school. Also, the program will follow the district’s school year calendar.
- Will my student be expected to report face-to-face to the virtual program site at any time during the week?
Students may be required to report, in person, to receive face-to-face instruction/support. The program coordinator will work with the student/parent to attempt to schedule the face-to-face sessions at times convenient for the student.
Also, 25 percent of the instruction will be through synchronous opportunities. These may include live online whole group or small group instruction, meetings and conferences with teachers, as well as face-to-face instructional support sessions.
- Will my student be able to participate in afterschool extracurricular activities/sports at the home school?
Students will be able to participate in afterschool extracurricular activities/sports at their assigned/zoned school if they meet program eligibility requirements and guidelines.
- Will my student be required to take district and state assessments?
Students will be required to take assessments, as required by the state and/or district. Some assessments will require in-person attendance, which is mandatory. When that is the case, parents will be notified of specific times for students to come in for assessment administration.
- Will students who qualify for special services (IEPs, ESOL, GT, etc.) be provided access to those services?
To the greatest extent possible, services will be provided to meet the needs of the students. Models and formats may be modified to be implemented virtually; however, some services may only be provided face-to-face and can’t be provided in a virtual environment.
- What is the grading process for students in the Secondary Virtual School Program?
Teachers will follow the guidelines outlined in the district’s grading manual and the SC Uniform Grading Policy to grade students. Students will be expected to be actively engaged in completing their coursework, assignments and projects as required by the instructor.
- Will my student receive a district-issued laptop?
Students will receive district-issued laptops. Access to technology for online coursework or other educational opportunities impose responsibilities and obligations. Students must be able to demonstrate appropriate use of the equipment by adhering to the Richland One Acceptable Use Policy.