Frequently Asked Questions

Families choose the Virtual Academy for a variety of reasons, seeking an educational experience that differs from traditional public school. We are proud to offer a robust independent study option that provides both flexibility and academic rigor, built on a strong partnership between school and home.

Here's what makes our Virtual Academy a unique choice:

• Independent Study with a Strong School-Home Connection: While our program empowers students to learn independently, it thrives on a close partnership with parents and guardians. Families play a vital role in supporting their child's learning journey, working hand-in-hand with our dedicated teachers.
• Structured Learning Within the School Day: Our virtual environment provides flexibility in where and how independent study is conducted. However, to maximize engagement and direct interaction, students are expected to be available for live (synchronous) instruction and collaborative activities with their credentialed teachers, staff, and peers throughout the regular school day hours. This ensures a consistent connection and immediate support.
• Benefits of a Digital Learning Environment: Students gain valuable flexibility to learn from home, with required in-person testing and school events integrated into the program. They also develop essential technical skills crucial for success in today's digital world and for future higher education, which increasingly involves online learning.
• Regular Engagement with Teachers and Peers: Students participate in regular, live interactions with their teachers and classmates, engaging in activities that enrich their learning and foster a sense of community.

The Virtual Academy is an ideal choice for families seeking an Independent study program where the school-home partnership is central, and students are active participants in their learning during the school day.

Virtual Academy's physical location is at Del Vallejo Middle School, situated near the track and field. The map below will provide details on our accurate location of our driveway and the entrance to our front office.

Virtual Academy operates on a partial hybrid learning model, meaning it is not exclusively online. While the majority of coursework is completed virtually, our comprehensive educational program incorporates essential in-person requirements and activities, which are clearly detailed in our learning agreement.

Students should anticipate participating in various mandatory in-person activities throughout the school year, with a minimum of 10 in-person requirements per academic year. These activities may include:

• Testing sessions: Required for standardized assessments and course-specific evaluations.

• Field trips: Educational excursions that enhance learning through real-world experiences.

• Curriculum-stipulated events: Other in-person activities crucial for specific courses or overall program engagement.

• Guidance and Support Meetings: These can include check-ins with counselors or academic advisors.

Students in their senior year should expect an increased occurrence of in-person activities, which may include capstone projects, graduation-related events, college and career readiness workshops, and other essential activities designed to prepare them for post-secondary success. These additional requirements ensure a well-rounded educational experience and a smooth transition beyond high school.

A student's social and emotional well-being is fundamental to their academic success and overall development. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive hybrid environment where students feel connected, valued, and equipped to manage their emotions and build healthy relationships.

Here's how we address the social and emotional needs of our students:

Dedicated Support Staff: Our school has counselors and support staff who are readily available to students for individual check-ins, guidance, and support. They provide a safe space for students to discuss challenges, develop coping strategies, and navigate personal or academic concerns.

Integrated Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): We integrate SEL into our weekly advisory lessons. Through various activities and lessons, students learn essential skills such as Self-awareness, social awareness, relationships, and responsible decision-making.

Building Virtual and In-person Opportunities:

• Virtual and hybrid club options
• Regular check-ins within smaller groups or advisory periods foster a sense of belonging.
• We also organize required in-person events throughout the school year to bring our virtual community together for social interaction, shared experiences, and school spirit.
• Additionally, many teachers host in-person class activities that offer further opportunities for students to connect face-to-face with their classmates and instructors.
• For students in our Early College Program, there are scheduled in-person days at the Virtual Academy Campus where they will meet with their college instructor for their college courses.
• For our high school seniors, required in-person Senior Meetings with their peers are facilitated by their High School Counselors. These meetings are a key part of not only ensuring they receive personalized academic and post-secondary planning support but also provide valuable opportunities for students to interact and connect with their graduating class.

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS): We utilize an MTSS framework to identify and address social and emotional needs at various levels. From universal support for all students to targeted interventions and intensive support for those requiring more specialized assistance, we aim to provide the right help at the right time. This includes Student Study Team (SST) meetings for goal-setting and problem-solving.

Referrals to External Resources: When a student's needs require more intensive or specialized support beyond what our school can provide, our counselors can facilitate referrals to appropriate mental health professionals or community-based organizations.

Parental Partnership: We recognize the crucial role parents play in a child's social and emotional development. We partner with families by providing resources, communication channels, and opportunities to collaborate on strategies that support their child's well-being at home and in school.

Our goal is to ensure that every student at the Virtual Academy feels emotionally safe, supported, and connected, empowering them to thrive both academically and personally.

We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive online learning environment for all students. Bullying and harassment, including cyberbullying, are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

We take all reports of bullying and harassment seriously and address them promptly and thoroughly.

What is Bullying and Harassment?

Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. It's characterized by three main components:

1. Aggressive Behavior: It's a hostile act, not an accident.
2. Repetition: It happens more than once or has the potential to happen more than once. It's a pattern, not a single conflict.
3. Imbalance of Power: The bully has some form of power over the victim. This can be physical strength, social status, popularity, access to embarrassing information, or even just perceived dominance. The victim finds it difficult to defend themselves.

This includes cyberbullying, which uses electronic communication (such as social media, email, or online chats) to bully a person. Harassment also includes unwelcome conduct based on protected characteristics (e.g., race, religion, gender, disability).

How to Report an Incident

If you or your child experiences or witnesses bullying or harassment, please report it immediately. Prompt reporting allows us to investigate and intervene quickly by contacting our front office, reaching out to a counselor, or notifying a teacher or staff member.

For further information, visit the district’s webpage: Bullying Intervention

To start the enrollment process for Virtual Academy, please follow these steps:

1. Initial Enrollment Form: Begin by completing the Interest form accessible on our Enrollment page. 
2. Program Fit Assessment: After submitting the form, a Virtual Academy staff member will contact you to provide additional information, and together we will discuss whether the Independent Study hybrid program is the right fit for your child.
3. Scholars may be asked to come to the campus to assess academic levels. This is to ensure that we can provide the additional academic support that your child may need in the Independent Study environment. 
4. Required In-Person Orientation: Once you have completed steps 1, 2, and 3, you will be invited to a mandatory in-person orientation. During this session, you will review the program details and sign the learning agreement. If your student requires a device, a San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) device will be provided.

Transfers: Virtual Academy staff will work directly with your child's current school of residence to facilitate the transfer process. Your child must continue to attend their current in-person school until their transfer to Virtual Academy is fully complete.

Special Considerations for Students with an IEP: If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a Formal Annual Program Evaluation (FAPE) meeting is required prior to the Virtual Academy orientation. This meeting will be organized and hosted by your child's current attending school, and a Virtual Academy representative will participate. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the appropriateness of Virtual Academy in meeting your child's specific educational needs. At this IEP meeting, you will also review and agree to the Learning Agreement.

Transfer Policy: Please note that transfers to Virtual Academy are generally only permitted at the start of trimesters and are subject to space availability once the school year begins. After the third trimester commences, transfers will no longer be approved for the current school year. Additionally, students must maintain good attendance while enrolled at Virtual Academy to remain in the program

Virtual Academy is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students, including those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Our process ensures that Virtual Academy is the most appropriate placement to meet your child's unique needs.

Here is the enrollment process for students with an existing IEP:

1. Join the Waiting List: Please begin by adding your child's information to our Virtual Academy Waiting List. This is the initial step for all prospective students.

2. Space Availability Notification: You will be notified via email as soon as a space becomes available for your child.

3. Contact Your Child's IEP Case Carrier: Upon notification of an open space, it is crucial to immediately contact your child's current IEP Case Carrier. This may be a Special Education (SPED) teacher specializing in areas such as Resource Specialist Program (RSP), Mild/Moderate, or Moderate/Severe support.

4. IEP Addendum Meeting: Your IEP Case Carrier will then schedule an IEP addendum meeting. The primary purpose of this meeting is to thoroughly discuss and determine the appropriateness of Virtual Academy as a placement to effectively meet your child's specific educational goals and accommodations outlined in their IEP. Representatives from Virtual Academy's special education team will also participate to ensure a comprehensive review.

5. Review Learning Agreement: During this IEP meeting, you will also have the opportunity to review and formally agree to our Learning Agreement, which outlines the expectations and responsibilities for online learning at Virtual Academy.

6. Final Enrollment Meeting: Once the IEP addendum is complete and all necessary agreements are in place, you and your child will meet with a Virtual Academy counselor to finalize the enrollment process and ensure a smooth transition into our program.

We are dedicated to collaborating with families and the district's special education team to ensure that every student with an IEP receives the support and resources necessary to thrive academically in our virtual learning environment.

All students and parents are required to sign the Virtual Academy Learning Agreement.  This document outlines the roles and responsibilities for Virtual Academy students, parents, teachers, and staff.

This is the current 25/26 Learning Agreement. Please note that this agreement will be completed during the enrollment process.

Information coming soon

Virtual Academy is a tuition-free public school, proudly serving students as an integral part of the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD).

Learning Models by Grade Level:

TK-5th Grade: For our youngest learners, the day places a strong emphasis on live, interactive learning. Students will spend a significant portion of their school day engaged in real-time, synchronous sessions with their teacher and classmates, fostering direct connection and dynamic instruction.

6th-8th Grade: Our middle school students experience a blended learning approach, combining live teaching sessions with engaging program-based learning modules. Students will have required check-ins and regular live interaction with their teachers to support their progress and address questions.

9th-12th Grade: High school learning is primarily program-based, allowing students to navigate the curriculum through structured online modules. Students will participate in teacher-led support classes to meet specific academic needs in ELA and Math. Weekly check-ins with teachers are required to monitor progress, provide guidance, and offer support.

Synchronous & Asynchronous Work:

Students are required to participate in synchronous (live) meetings and complete assignments as part of their learning agreement.

Students can work on asynchronous (independent) assignments outside of the core "school day" hours, but they must adhere to all teachers' due dates.

Students who meet specific criteria may need to attend extra afternoon support sessions with their teacher or at the school site.

Important Note on Availability:

Students must be available during school hours to attend live classes, small groups, required events, testing, and other scheduled activities. Please refer to the Bell Schedule.

Yes, absolutely! Virtual Academy students who successfully complete the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) graduation requirements earn a fully recognized and traditional high school diploma.

This diploma will bear the marks of both the San Bernardino City Unified School District and Virtual Academy, signifying that you have met all state and district standards for graduation. This ensures your diploma holds the same validity and recognition as one from a traditional comprehensive high school within the district, which is crucial for college admissions, military enlistment, and career opportunities.

Furthermore, we believe in celebrating our graduates' significant achievements. Students who complete all graduation requirements and are in good standing are not only eligible but highly encouraged to participate in our traditional, full-scale graduation commencement ceremony. This event is designed to be an intimate and meaningful celebration, providing an opportunity for our students, families, and staff to honor their hard work and success together.

Yes, we are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS).

What does WASC accreditation mean for our students and families?

• Quality Assurance: It provides external validation that Virtual Academy offers a high-quality educational experience comparable to traditional schools.

• Credit Transferability: Credits earned at a WASC-accredited institution are widely recognized and accepted by colleges, universities, and other educational institutions across the nation. This is crucial for students planning to pursue higher education.

• Reputation and Trust: It builds confidence in our institution's commitment to educational excellence and accountability.

Virtual Academy upholds a strong commitment to academic integrity, which is fundamental to a fair and meaningful learning experience for all students. Academic integrity means engaging honestly in all educational activities and acknowledging the source of all ideas and work that are not your own.

Our policies on academic integrity strictly prohibit cheating, plagiarism, and the misuse of Artificial Intelligence.

How We Uphold Academic Integrity in a Virtual Environment:

We utilize various measures and tools to ensure a fair and honest learning environment:

• Plagiarism & AI Content Checks: All assignments will be checked for plagiarism, and sophisticated tools may be used to identify content generated by Artificial Intelligence, ensuring originality.
• GoGuardian Monitoring: Our staff uses GoGuardian to monitor student activity on school-issued devices and within school-managed accounts during instructional time and assessments. This tool helps ensure students are focused on their academic tasks and are not engaging in unauthorized activities.
• Proctored Assessments: For specific high-stakes exams and assignments, proctored assessments are required. This means tests are administered under supervision (either virtually via webcam or in-person at the Virtual Academy campus) to verify student identity and ensure adherence to testing rules.

Consequences of Academic Dishonesty:

Any instances of cheating or plagiarism will be taken seriously and will result in consequences in accordance with the San Bernardino City Unified School District's student code of conduct and academic policies. These may include, but are not limited to, receiving a failing grade on the assignment or assessment, notification to parents, disciplinary action, a notation on the student's academic record, and/or removal from the Independent Study program. We believe that fostering a culture of honesty and integrity is essential for true learning and preparing students for future success.

When a child attends virtual school, it is important for parents to be even more involved in their child's education than they might be in a traditional brick-and-mortar school setting. Since parents are often the primary facilitators of their child's learning in a virtual school environment, they play a critical role in helping their child stay on track and succeed academically.

To ensure a successful virtual school day, parents can start by establishing a regular routine, helping their child stay organized and focused, and providing a quiet and distraction-free workspace. Staying in regular communication with your child's teachers is also essential. Attending virtual parent-teacher conferences and checking in regularly to discuss your child's progress are important ways to stay informed and involved.

Furthermore, supporting your child's social and emotional development is key. Encouraging them to stay connected with their peers through virtual and in-person extracurricular activities can help maintain their social skills. As a parent, providing emotional support and encouragement as needed can also help your child feel confident and motivated.

Please note that parents and families are responsible for providing their child with transportation for any in-person activities. We appreciate your partnership in your child's virtual education journey.

We strongly encourage open and regular communication between our parents, teachers, and staff to ensure student success. We offer several convenient ways to reach out:

• Direct Email: The most common way to connect is by directly emailing your child's teacher or the relevant staff member. You can typically find their email addresses in our staff directory.
• ParentSquare: We utilize ParentSquare as our primary communication platform. You can send private messages to teachers as well as receive important school updates and view class communications all in one place.
• Request a Call Back: If you prefer to speak directly by phone, you can request a call back by notifying our front office. Our office staff will relay your message, and the teacher or staff member will return your call as soon as their schedule permits.

We are committed to being accessible and responsive to your questions and concerns. Please choose the method that works best for you!

Yes! We highly encourage parent involvement and offer several ways to participate in our school community:

• Mr. WHoo PTO
• School Site Council (SSC)
• English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
• African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC)

Additionally, we host Parent Academy sessions throughout the year to provide valuable resources and support.

Virtual Academy prepares scholars for post-secondary enrollment at a four-year college or university. Students will take A-G coursework as they work to meet the required 220 credits to graduate. For more information on A-G Requirements, click here.

We are dedicated to preparing our students for successful futures, whether they choose to pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or both. Our approach integrates rigorous academics with specialized programs and practical experiences to ensure students are well-equipped for their next steps.

Here’s what makes our Virtual Academy a strong foundation for college and careers:

• Early College Program: Through our Early College Program, eligible high school students can take actual college courses while still enrolled in the Virtual Academy. This invaluable opportunity allows students to earn college credits, gain familiarity with college-level coursework, and get a head start on their higher education journey, often at no cost to families.
• Adobe Design Career Pathway: We offer an Adobe Design Career Pathway that provides students with specialized skills in creative software. As part of this CTE pathway, students have the valuable opportunity to take Adobe Professional exams to become certified in using their software. These industry-recognized certifications equip students with practical design and media production skills that are highly sought after in various modern careers.
• Comprehensive High School Guidance & Preparation:
  • Senior Portfolio
  • "Bites of Reality" Program
  • Mock Interviews
  • College Field Trips
  • College and Career Counseling

By combining foundational academic excellence with career-focused pathways and practical skill development, the Virtual Academy ensures students are confidently prepared for the challenges and opportunities of college and their chosen careers.

At registration and orientation, students will either use their existing district-provided Chromebook or receive a device from our school site. Students will also be able to get Kajeet WiFi hotspot devices if needed.

Virtual Academy is an Independent Study program and different from 'in person schools'. A strong partnership with families helps ensure a student's academic success. When a student is missing assignments and/or not attending virtual classes, the Tiered Reengagement process is activated. This means that the school provides every opportunity for your child to get back on track. These include: technology support, device exchange, hotspot, afternoon academic extra support, extra time to complete assignments and district and community resources. If a student continues to struggle or is unreachable, he/she will be placed back into the 'in person' school. Virtual Academy Reengagement Continuum

1. Inform Virtual Academy staff of your request to return to in-person school. 
2. They will communicate with Enrollment and Placement Services.
3. Enrollment and Placement Services will communicate with the in-person learning school.

Please contact your child's teacher(s) directly to make arrangements to make up missed assignments. Remember that part of the Independent Study Model is that student attendance is directly tied to the work submitted. Students who fail to complete assignments cannot remain at the Virtual Academy.

Please visit our Parent Engagement page to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Tips on Working through Technology Issues:

1. Troubleshoot the problem: The first step is to identify and try to resolve the issue. Check if the internet connection is stable, the computer is running smoothly, and all necessary software and applications are updated. Restarting the device or router might also help resolve the issue. Extra, non-school-promoted extensions can slow the speed of the device. 
2. Contact support: The district's IT department may have the resources and expertise to address technical issues during virtual learning. Provide specific details of the problem to the tech support team, such as error messages or the steps leading up to the problem. If the issue persists, reach out to the district tech team at:
3. 1-866-223-8685
4. Sunday-Saturday 
5. 8:00 am-10:00 pm
6. Have a backup plan: We encourage your child to have a backup device or internet connection for technical issues. Having a backup plan for completing assignments is also helpful, such as printing out materials or having a physical textbook on hand.
7. Encourage open communication: Make sure your child feels comfortable communicating with their teacher and tech support team about any issues they may encounter during virtual learning. Please encourage them to ask questions and seek help when needed.

We are also growing our Family Support Page and our Family Youtube Playlist. Please visit them to see if any of your questions are answered.