IEPs and accommodations will be followed. There will be no centralized classrooms assigned to the Virtual Academy.

The Cabarrus County Schools Virtual Academy is a virtual school environment that offers online learning for students. Students participate in blended coursework, mixing online courses with face-to-face sessions guided by certified K-12 teachers. The goal of the Academy is to provide flexibility, personalized learning, and enrichment for students.

In the 2022-2023 School year, students will have a required in-person for students in grades K-8 and an optional flex day for students in grades 9-12. 
Mondays: Kindergarten through Second Grade
Tuesdays: Third through Fifth Grade
Wednesdays: Middle School
Thursdays: High School Optional Flex Day 

Any student who will be in kindergarten through the 12th grade and resides in Cabarrus County may apply to attend. All students who apply will be screened in order to determine acceptance. Students should demonstrate the desire for a home learning environment, exceptional motivation to be successful in virtual learning, or a need for a flexible schedule.

Students who have "pursuits" that are outside of school activities requiring 20 or more hours per week and students with specific individual health needs are strong candidates for the Virtual Academy.

Yes, the Virtual Academy offers courses for homeschool students and is an ideal option for home school students because of the flexible schedule and learning environment. Home school students may choose from full-time or dual enrollment.

Students will be screened prior to placement. Spots in the Academy are limited. If there are more eligible applicants then spaces available, a randomized lottery will be conducted to determine placement.

Students are screened according to the following criteria and may be asked to interview:

  - Need for a flexible learning environment

  - Motivation to be successful in a virtual environment

  - Commitment to a non-traditional environment

All students applying for the Virtual Academy must have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection. Students should also have access to a computer microphone, speakers and/or headphones.

Depending on the type of enrollment, students may take between two and eight classes.

Instruction at the Virtual Academy aligns to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Certified Cabarrus County Schools teachers are the instructors supporting students in the core areas: mathematics, English language arts, social studies and science. Other "elective" options, such as world languages and technology, are also offered.

Students enrolled in the Virtual Academy will be required to participate in state-mandated standardized testing in all applicable grade levels and content areas. All State testing is required to be taken in-person as theer is no virtual option for this. 

Virtual Academy students will receive AIG services in grades 3-5 similar to a traditional school. For middle school students, we will offer AMPS courses and ALPS students will be served through differentiation in their language arts classroom.

The Virtual Academy is a separate school, and enrollment in that separate school is required. Students cannot be enrolled in another local school and enroll in the Virtual Academy. Please speak to Mr. Simeone if you are a student currently enrolled in a homeschool who may be interested in dual enrollment.

Families will sign a one-year commitment to the Virtual Academy Program and will be allowed to return to their home school at the end of the academic year.

Enrollment in the Virtual Academy releases a student's seat in other Program Choice programs (STEM, IB, Spanish immersion, etc..). Students will have to reapply for their Program during the designated Program Choice window.

Other Program Choice options (Spanish immersion, STEM, IB, etc...) are not available within the Virtual Academy.

The Virtual Academy will operate on the Cabarrus County Schools calendar for course completion, semester start/end dates, and grading/reporting.

If you have specific questions about the CCS Virtual Academy, please contact Principal, Ashley Short at ashley.short@cabarrus.k12.nc.us.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact Crystal Hall at crystal.hall@cabarrus.k12.nc.us