Pelham Virtual Academy FAQS

1. What is the Pelham Virtual Academy? The Pelham Virtual Academy (PVA) is a virtual school option for Pelham students who are highly motivated academically and who have exhibited classroom success.

2. Who can attend the PVA? Pelham Park Middle School 7th and 8th graders and Pelham High School 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders may attend. Students must be on track to graduate with their cohort, be in good standing with their attendance, and have minimal disciplinary infractions.

3. How many spots are available? Twenty-five total spots are available with plans to add additional spots as more staffing becomes available.

4. Will students have to attend a physical school location? Students will attend an orientation program at the facility at the start of the semester. Office hours will be available during the week in the event that a student needs a workspace for printing or has a question regarding the logistics of the virtual program. Content specific support may also be available on a limited basis. Students may need to be present at the facility when taking an exam based on the requirements of the content provider.

5. Is transportation provided to the center? No, transportation is not provided. Students are responsible for transportation to and from the Pelham Virtual Academy.

6. Will students have to maintain a certain grade to participate? Yes. Students in Grades 7 and 8 must maintain a grade of 70 in each class. Students in Grades 9-12 must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.

7. What happens if my student is accepted and later doesn't meet the grade requirements? Students not meeting the grade requirements will return to PPMS or PHS at the next semester enrollment period.

8. How will my student's progress be communicated? Each student participating in the PVA will have a Success Team consisting of Home to School Coordinator, content facilitators, and local school administration and counselor. The Home to School Coordinator will share weekly progress via email to the student and family and monthly progress to the Success Team.

9. What curriculum will be used? ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide) or comparable programs will be used. If an elective course is not offered through ACCESS or a comparable program, it may not be available to your student. In this case, your student will be given alternate options for their elective courses.

10. What "rules" apply to my virtual student? Students will have to follow the Pelham City Schools Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy. Any additional policies or procedures instituted by the Pelham City Schools Board of Education will also apply.

11. Will my virtual student be able to participate in extracurricular activities? Yes, students, sponsors, and coaches will develop a support plan in collaboration with the School to Home Coordinator.

12. What happens if my student wants to return to PPMS or PHS? Students that are accepted to PVA must commit to one full semester and will only be able to return to the traditional school setting once that semester is completed.

Questions? Contact Mike Vickery, PVA Coordinator.