Vestavia Hills City Schools

Enrollment

Students in grades 9–12 interested in pursuing the Vestavia Hills City Schools Virtual Education Option must follow all enrollment and registration procedures, including those for residency, required for the traditional day program.

Registration information and forms can be found on the district website.

There is a limited enrollment window for online classes. Students cannot pick up these classes in the middle of a term. Students must be enrolled in these classes within two weeks of the beginning of any semester term.

 

Application

Applications for the Vestavia Hills City Schools Virtual Education Option will be reviewed for eligibility by the Problem Solving Team (PST). When applicable, Virtual Education Option class fees will be required.

 

Virtual Platform

Vestavia Hills City Schools will use the ACCESS Virtual Learning platform from the Alabama State Department of Education.

These courses are not taught by Vestavia Hills City Schools teachers. The home school serves as the facilitator for enrolling students and administering tests.

Students are responsible for their own pacing and coursework. Questions about classes should be directed to the teacher of the specific class.

 

Transportation

Any necessary student transportation must be provided by parents/guardians or by the licensed virtual option student who has submitted proper documentation in accordance with Vestavia Hills City Schools transportation procedures.

 

Testing

Students will adhere to ACCESS Virtual Learning testing protocols, as well as those established by Vestavia Hills City Schools.

The test administrator will be a certified educator, and all tests and assessments will be administered at Vestavia Hills High School/Freshman Campus. Students are expected to check in at the front office on testing dates.

 

Grading

Vestavia Hills City Schools will follow grading policies set forth by ACCESS.

If a student fails a Virtual Option course, the student can retake the course through summer school or credit recovery.

If a student fails a class and retakes it in summer school, then upon successful completion, the student’s GPA for the academic year will be recalculated.

If the recalculated GPA is at least a 2.0, the student remains on track for graduation and may continue enrollment in the Virtual Option, provided all other requirements are met.

A student earns no credit for incomplete coursework and must make up any missing credits.

Note: Virtual education is not suitable for all students. Students should be self-starters, highly motivated, and organized. Those who struggle with attendance, organization, or self-directed learning may find the online platform challenging.

Students must maintain a passing grade. If performance falls below the required level, the student will be placed on probation, and a contract will be developed to specify when the student must come to school for assistance or meet regularly with a counselor.

 

Extracurricular Participation

Students enrolled in the Vestavia Hills City Schools Virtual Option are eligible to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities, including athletics.

Students must meet the same eligibility requirements as those in the traditional day program, including all Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) requirements.

Residency for extracurricular purposes will follow applicable state law and AHSAA guidelines.

Students participating in extracurricular activities must take any required corresponding courses on campus during the traditional school day.

 

Academic Integrity

The Academic Integrity Agreement for the Vestavia Hills City Schools Virtual Option incorporates both the ACCESS Virtual Learning policy and additional local requirements.

ACCESS Virtual Learning students must sign a commitment form attesting to academic integrity regarding the following:

• All work must be completed by the student alone.
   
• Collaboration among students must be pre-approved by the teacher.
   
• Cheating in any form is prohibited.
   
• Students may not allow others to copy their work.
   
• Internet content must not be misused or misrepresented.
   
• Translators are prohibited in all Foreign Language ACCESS classes.
   

ACCESS Virtual Learning teachers use multiple technologies to verify the authenticity of student work. If an instructor confirms cheating, the student will face consequences as determined by ACCESS Virtual Learning staff, the distance learning teacher, and local school administrators, and may be removed from the course with a failing grade.