Virtual Learning Program (VLP)

Students who are not able to return to in-person instruction due to their own medical condition or due to the medical condition of an individual who resides in the household full-time are eligible to apply for an exemption from returning to instruction in person.

Medical Exemption Guidelines & Application

Documentation of extenuating circumstances may include evidence of ongoing treatment by a health care provider of issues related to the health of a student, or a member of the student’s immediate household, that may be significantly impacted by potential exposure to COVID-19, and which could be mitigated by the student’s participation in virtual learning.
Eligible students will enroll in K-12 Virtual VA courses unless applying and qualifying for Homebound Instruction.

Visit the Medical Exemption for Return to In-Person Instruction webpage to complete the application and for additional information.

Virtual Virginia

Academic Calendar
For Parents & Families – Virtual Virginia Parents and families play an essential role in their children’s success as students of VVA courses. Virtual Virginia offers a variety of resources to assist parents and families in facilitating and monitoring their children’s performance in VVA courses.
Account Help & Tech Support – Virtual Virginia The VVA HelpDesk team is available to help with Virtual Virginia-related account and technology issues. Hours of operation Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (M–F) Summer Session: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (M–F) Contact support@virtualva.org 866-650-0027 (toll-free)
Student & Family Handbooks – Virtual Virginia The Student and Parent/Family Handbook provides quick access to answers for many of the questions students and their parents/guardians may have about Virtual Virginia policies, procedures, and specific programs and courses.

VIRTUAL VIRGINIA FAQ

1. What materials are required for Virtual Virginia courses and where can that information be found?
  On the course descriptions within the Virtual Virginia website, you will be able to see if any textbooks or materials are needed for the courses that your students are enrolled in. However, since teachers provide instruction using Canvas, there are very few textbooks needed for instruction. If there are materials and textbooks needed, you can follow your traditional method of ordering these for your in-school classrooms. Please note that APS will purchase instructional materials required for student participation in the Virtual VA Courses.
2. Are there synchronous parent orientations prior to the start of the school year?
  Yes, orientations are offered through live Zoom meetings. The orientation meetings are also recorded in case parents need to view at a later date. We do not have the dates for the parent orientations for fall courses yet. Parents will receive email communication announcing the dates/times. The recording links will also be shared after the sessions.
3. Are the Summer Prep Courses offered at earlier times?
  The sessions are only meeting at the specified times, but they will be recorded so parents and students can also view them at a later date.
4. Can Virtual Virginia General Education Teachers virtually attend IEP meetings at the student’s home school district?
  As long as teachers are not with students in synchronous sessions, then we expect our teachers to attend any IEP/504/ELL meetings.

APS CONTACTS:

Danielle T. Harrell, Ed.S
VLP Principal
danielle.harrell@apsva.us
703-228-2470

Single Barrera-Botoeo
single.barreraboteo@apsva.us
703-228-2468

Information about the VLP Program History and Transition Process

Virtual Learning Program Overview

Arlington Public Schools developed the Virtual Learning Program in response to the pandemic to provide students with an alternative to in-person instruction. This separate K-12 program for the 2021-22 school year serves students who, due to health and safety concerns and a variety of reasons, choose to learn remotely.

VLP Plans for the 2022-23 School Year

At the December 3 School Board Meeting, the Superintendent recommended VLP be paused to allow the opportunity for comprehensive virtual option program planning and implementation. The pause will allow staff to engage in program development, planning, and establishment of a Task Force/Committee led by the current VLP principal to propose the framework for a future VLP offering. The School Board voted on the Superintendent’s proposed recommendations at the February 17 School Board meeting to move forward with pausing the program.

Options to Support VLP Students

Students who are not able to return to in-person instruction due to their own medical condition or due to the medical condition of an individual who resides in the household full-time will be able to apply for an exemption from returning to instruction in person.
Documentation of extenuating circumstances may include evidence of ongoing treatment by a health care provider of issues related to the health of a student, or a member of the student’s immediate household, that may be significantly impacted by potential exposure to COVID-19 and which could be mitigated by the student’s participation in virtual learning.
Eligible students will enroll in K-12 Virtual VA courses unless applying and qualifying for Homebound Instruction.
Virtual VA provides core instructional courses. Elementary Art, Music and PE would be supplemented by specifically hired APS staff.

VLP Staff Transition

APS contracted eligible staff will be assigned to vacancies in brick and mortar/home schools through the internal transfer process. These staff will have priority for any staffing vacancies in schools.

VLP Community Meetings & Presentations

School Board Meeting Presentation
At the School Board Meeting on February 17, 2022, staff presented the changes to VLP, which includes pausing VLP for the 2022-23 school year.
View the Meeting Recording | View the Meeting Presentation

VLP Family Information Town Hall and Q&A Session – Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Panelists included Superintendent Dr. Francisco Durán, Chief of School Support Kimberley Graves, Chief Academic Officer Bridget Loft, and VLP Principal Danielle Harrell. They discussed the proposed changes to the Virtual Learning Program for the 2022-23 school year and answered questions.
View the Meeting Recording | View the Meeting Presentation

For additional information or questions, please contact the Virtual Learning Program at 703-228-8000 or vlp@apsva.us.