Find answers to common questions about the Virtual Academy, a fully remote learning option.
FAQs
The Virtual Academy is a CPS program that educates students from across the city in all grade levels, K-12. The Virtual Academy serves students with medical conditions both physical and mental health who would benefit from a virtual setting
Students who have a medical condition would benefit from the virtual learning environment. The Virtual Academy does not provide a therapeutic setting and students requiring this setting per IEP are ineligible.
Upon parent request, siblings of accepted students may be enrolled if capacity is available.
No.
Parents/Guardians may apply at any point. They must submit the required medical referral form found at cps.edu/VirtualAcademy 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 be available to qualifying Virtual Academy students as long as the program is in existence.
CPS does not currently provide nutrition support to students who are virtual.
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.
All English Language Arts teachers and many other teachers are ESL endorsed.
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 a number of virtual after school clubs and tutoring options.
All Virtual Academy students are eligible to participate in their clubs and sports at their brick and mortar schools IF they meet all eligibility requirements set by their home schools in regards to fees, grades and attendance.
