UCS Virtual Academy

Please reach out to Dr. Heather Blum, Director of Student Services if you are interested in enrolling your child in the virtual academy for the 25-26 school year. Enrollment during the spring of 2025 will provide the district the ability to build schedules that meet student requests, establish the appropriate staffing levels, select teachers to meet schedule needs, and provide the appropriate professional development to support the program.

The application requires you to make a yearlong commitment to the Virtual Academy. The schedule both at the home school and in the Virtual Academy are built based on this commitment. Participation for the entire 2025-26 school year will ensure stability for elementary students and greater assurance of course availability at the secondary level to meet your child’s interests and academic goals. Students that are struggling in the Virtual Academy should reach out to the Virtual Academy Administrator to develop a success plan and future steps.

Class sizes in the virtual are aligned with the class size contractual expectations, similar to in-person instruction.

The schedule both at the home school and in the Virtual Academy are based on commitments made during the scheduling process this spring. In order to enroll in the virtual academy, you must apply during the application window. Participation in the home school or Virtual Academy for the entire 2025-26 school year will ensure stability for elementary students and greater assurance of course availability at the secondary level to meet your child’s interests and academic goals.

The virtual academy is a districtwide program. Therefore, students will be in classes with other students from across the district. Additionally, your child may have a teacher from another building.

A virtual academy student remains part of his/her home building, therefore is always able to ask questions and receive support from his/her home school counselor.

CSI/MST classes will be in person, but a student may apply to the virtual academy for the remaining three classes. Students will need to provide his/her own transportation to CSI/MST and home.

Individual Education Plan Process

The IEP process is an individual process, and no two IEP’s or students are the same. The virtual academy is considered a change in placement for students and discussions regarding changes in each child’s IEP take place as part of the IEP team process. Decisions if the virtual academy is appropriate, if accommodations and supports are needed for the child, are determined after the IEP process after a parent/guardian submits an application to the virtual academy.

What supports are available for students with an IEP or 504 or are English Learners in the virtual academy?

The IEP/and or 504 process is an individual process, and no two are the same. The virtual academy is considered a change in placement for students and discussions regarding changes in each child’s IEP or 504 take place as part of the IEP or 504 team process. Decisions if the virtual academy is appropriate, if accommodations and supports are needed for the child, are determined after the IEP or 504 process after a parent/guardian applies to the virtual academy. Student’s identified as English Learner, based on the home language survey, are able to meet with EL staff to discuss appropriate supports and placement within the virtual academy or home building.