• About the Northampton Virtual Academy

     

    The Northampton Virtual Academy was established at the beginning of the 2020-2021 academic year to give parents and guardians a new option for their students to receive instruction from their home setting.  The academy's purpose is to address the following:

    ■ Provide an alternative approach to learning for families that may not wish for their children to return to the physical classroom setting because of the potential threat of COVID-19;

    ■ Offer private school, home school and charter school families the flexibility for learning options and experiences through the curricular choices within the school district;

    ■ Provide learning opportunities for students who are medically fragile and could benefit from alternative options.

     

    Questions and Answers

     

    ■ What is the Northampton Virtual Academy?
    Provided to the community by Northampton County Schools, the Academy is a virtual school that offers 100% online instruction for students.  Students in grades Kindergarten through 12th are provided daily flexibility to complete coursework.  North Carolina-certified teachers with the Virtual Academy support students as they make progress through their classes.  

    ■ Who is eligible to attend?
    Any student who will be in grades K-12 for the 2021-2022 academic year may apply to attend. All students who apply will be screened in order to determine acceptance. Students should demonstrate the ability to be successful in a virtual learning environment.  Students will be enrolled in the Northampton Virtual Academy and will be eligible to be a part of any school athletic team, band, clubs, or any school-sponsored activity at the school in their attendance zone.

    ■ What are the benefits of the Northampton Virtual Academy?
    A virtual school offers several benefits. The most significant one is the flexibility online learning provides for students, whereas a traditional school has a more formal structure and schedule. For parents who do not want to send their children to school due to the potential threat of COVID-19, virtual school is another significant benefit.  For students who may be pursuing other interests in areas such as athletics, equestrian and similar competitions, or the fine arts, the flexible schedule alleviates conflicts between school and other commitments. Virtual learning also offers a personalized learning program that is tailored to a student’s needs.

    ■ What classes will be offered?
    The classes are aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. The Northampton Virtual Academy offers the core content areas: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.  In addition, elective classes are offered at the middle and high school levels.  High school students will be able to complete the full course of study necessary for receiving a high school diploma by 2022 and beyond.  High school students may also take one or two scheduled courses (but no more than two) that are offered by Northampton County High School that are not available in the Northampton Virtual Academy.

    ■ Is all instruction offered online?
    Yes. All instruction is online. Students do not have to go to a school or other location to complete their classes.  Teachers are available for virtual and face-to-face tutoring and/or small group sessions. 

    ■ How many courses can my child take?
    Depending on the type of enrollment desired and grade level, students may take anywhere from two (2) to eight (8) courses. 

    ■ How much does it cost?
    There is no cost to attend the Academy.

    ■ Who are the teachers?
    All teachers are North Carolina certified and are provided through the EdOptions Academy™ platform.  In addition, Northampton County Schools' teachers will provide additional support to students.

    ■ How are the virtual classes structured?
    Classes are offered online through the EdOptions Academy™ platform, which allows for engaging and interactive instruction. While students have the daily flexibility to work any time and anywhere, the classes follow a calendar with firm start and end dates.  Students are provided pacing guides and calendars to assist as they work through their courses.  At the elementary level, the platform used is through Calvert Learning.

    ■ What technology will a student need at home?
    Students need access to a computer and a reliable Internet connection. For students who do not have a computer and/or Internet access, a computer and hotspot device will be provided. While not required, students may find it helpful to have a computer microphone and/or headphones.  If technology is needed, the Academy will provide it for the students in conjunction with the district's Technology Department.

    ■ Can homeschool students apply?
    Yes. The Academy is ideal for students in a homeschool setting because they receive additional academic support while maintaining a flexible schedule and personalized learning.

    ■ What academic support is in place for students?
    The student’s teacher is the first point of contact to provide instruction, guidance, and help. Further, students will have access to school district instructional staff who can provide additional support.

    ■ What other services are available to both students and parents in the Academy?
    All services, including Exceptional Children and ESL, will be available to students enrolled in the academy along with their parents.  

    ■ Is there a lottery to select students? Do students need to apply?
    There is no lottery, but space is limited. Students who wish to attend must apply and will be screened to determine if the Academy is right for them.

    ■ If I have questions about the Northampton Virtual Academy or how to enroll my child, whom should I contact?
    Please e-mail us at: robinsontmb@northampton.k12.nc.us.