Find answers to common questions about the Virtual Academy, a fully remote learning option.
FAQs
Founded in 2021, The Virtual Academy educates students from across the city in all grade levels. The Virtual Academy has a limited number of seats to serve students with medical conditions who would benefit from the virtual setting.
Students who have a medical condition and would benefit from the virtual learning environment. Upon parent request, siblings of accepted students may be enrolled if capacity is available.
No.
Parents/Guardians may apply through July 1, 2022 for SY23. Parents should start the process by completing the Enrollment Interest Form. Questions should be sent to VirtualAcademy@cps.edu.
Students receive their diplomas from their brick-and-mortar school.
Applications can be submitted however it is encouraged that students apply for the start of the school year. High School students will be accepted at the beginning of each Quarter. If capacity is reached, students will be placed on a waitlist until space becomes available.
Our KIDS assistance hotline (773-553-KIDS) contact information will be provided in communications to connect families with options for assistance with access to healthcare.
There is no cost to apply and there is no tuition.
No, The Virtual Academy is the only approved CPS option.
As long as they are enrolled at the Virtual Academy, students retain their seat at their most recent brick & mortar school.
Students who have documented medical need and are approved to enroll in the Virtual Academy will retain any GoCPS seat in a district-run school when they transition back into in-person learning. Students who unenroll from the Virtual Academy to leave the district will lose their seat.
Students are issued a CPS Chromebook which is required for participation in the program. Students must return the device when they return to in-person schooling.
Chicago Connected will continue to be a resource for students next year.
Yes, our nutrition services Team will continue to serve students in remote programming. The district will communicate how students enrolled in the Virtual Academy can receive meals before the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.
All Special Education services will continue to be available to students through the Virtual Academy. Related services will remain consistent with the student’s IEP.
Students who qualify for bilingual services will continue to receive those services while enrolled in the Virtual Academy.
Yes, all Virtual Academy students are required to take all CPS and state assessments. This is a best practice and is necessary according to the state code. Students must take these assessments at their brick-and-mortar school.
The Virtual Academy offers clubs reflective of student interest.
