May 6 Q&A session planned for Henrico Virtual Academy

Henrico County Public Schools officials will host a virtual question-and-answer session about the new Henrico Virtual Academy May 6 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for families and employees. Links to the event are being sent directly to stakeholders.

The school system recently hired Elko Middle School Assistant Principal Garry Marshall to serve as principal of the new virtual academy, which will offer a mix of synchronous classes — learning online in a group with a teacher — and asynchronous, or independent, learning for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

The school is aimed at students who have benefited from the flexibility, individualized environment and focus of virtual learning. Any student who lives in Henrico County may apply.

Families are asked to use the questions in HCPS’ Online Learning Reflection Tool at http://www.henricoschools.us/HenricoVirtualAcademy before applying, to assess the program’s suitability for their child.

The academy’s application will be available May 7 and will close May 21. Students who enroll will commit to attend for one year. Families and students will have an annual opportunity to decide if they would like to continue in the virtual academy the following year or transfer back to the in-person school they would normally attend.

School officials have indicated that there will not be an application process per se, meaning that all students who choose the virtual program are expected to be able to participate in it. Official acceptance letters will be sent by June 4.

The academy’s faculty will be composed of licensed HCPS teachers who have excelled in the virtual environment, school officials said. The student body will be involved in establishing traditions, selecting school colors and choosing a mascot, while remaining in a fully virtual learning environment.

Elementary students will have access to the same courses as in-person students. At the middle and high school levels, students will have options like their peers in a traditional setting. Course options will include accelerated courses, select honors courses, and high school Advanced Placement courses. Students will be able to select from a variety of elective courses, including courses in world languages, career and technical education, and fine arts.

Students participating in middle school athletics or Virginia High School League activities or athletics will take part in person through their neighborhood’s “zoned” school. Other activities and clubs will be available to students online through the Henrico Virtual Academy. Time will be built into the schedule to enable students to participate in online clubs geared to specific interests as a way to foster social interactions and connections.

Students who are accepted to and choose to enroll in high school specialty centers, the Gifted Young Scholars Academy at L. Douglas Wilder Middle School or an International Baccalaureate program will attend those centers in person.

Academy students will have access to the same student support and wellness services as those attending school in person, including comprehensive school counseling services, school psychological services, school social work services, behavior support and extended learning opportunities.

For details, visit the Henrico Virtual Academy webpage at http://www.henricoschools.us/HenricoVirtualAcademy.