virtual academy 2022-2023

[Anonymous]

Does any one know how is virtual academy at MCPS? How rigorous are the courses for middle/high school? Is it too late to apply? Does any one know what the experience was like in 2021-2022 school year?

[Anonymous]

We’ve had a good experience this year. The upper school teachers are fantastic. They are taking applications. Not to late to apply. The classes are equally rigorous and equal to in person.

[Anonymous]

It's the same curriculum as in person. So equally rigorous, depending on course choices.

[Anonymous]

The dean of the upper school is fantastic. He worked so hard to create this school from scratch, and did his best to hire the best teachers. Now I have to say my junior has one dud math teacher. But the rest of his AP or advanced courses teachers are solid, and his AP English Comp teacher is particularly excellent. My tween is in middle school and all her teachers are good.

[Anonymous]

Just keep in mind your long-term plans and risks as you consider the VA path. MCPS hasn’t identified alternative funding for VA going beyond the 2023-2024 school year (when the ESSER funds expire).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just keep in mind your long-term plans and risks as you consider the VA path. MCPS hasn’t identified alternative funding for VA going beyond the 2023-2024 school year (when the ESSER funds expire).

They’ve been very clear that they want to keep the program going. And they should- it is pretty fantastic. More attention than what they were getting in the classroom and more motivated kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just keep in mind your long-term plans and risks as you consider the VA path. MCPS hasn’t identified alternative funding for VA going beyond the 2023-2024 school year (when the ESSER funds expire).

They’ve been very clear that they want to keep the program going. And they should- it is pretty fantastic. More attention than what they were getting in the classroom and more motivated kids.

It seems like such a good idea for lots of kids, pandemic or no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just keep in mind your long-term plans and risks as you consider the VA path. MCPS hasn’t identified alternative funding for VA going beyond the 2023-2024 school year (when the ESSER funds expire).

They’ve been very clear that they want to keep the program going. And they should- it is pretty fantastic. More attention than what they were getting in the classroom and more motivated kids.

This, they are changing the funding path. It would be nice if people wouldn't post who aren't following.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The dean of the upper school is fantastic. He worked so hard to create this school from scratch, and did his best to hire the best teachers. Now I have to say my junior has one dud math teacher. But the rest of his AP or advanced courses teachers are solid, and his AP English Comp teacher is particularly excellent. My tween is in middle school and all her teachers are good.

Both Deans and administrative staff are working incredibly hard and its impressive what the staff has been able to pull together so quickly and they are very receptive to complaints/concerns and have been addressing as many of them as they can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's the same curriculum as in person. So equally rigorous, depending on course choices.

Yes, it's the same as. in person just virtual.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The dean of the upper school is fantastic. He worked so hard to create this school from scratch, and did his best to hire the best teachers. Now I have to say my junior has one dud math teacher. But the rest of his AP or advanced courses teachers are solid, and his AP English Comp teacher is particularly excellent. My tween is in middle school and all her teachers are good.

Both Deans and administrative staff are working incredibly hard and its impressive what the staff has been able to pull together so quickly and they are very receptive to complaints/concerns and have been addressing as many of them as they can.

+1. And it only stands to get even better. This is going to be a pretty coveted program within a couple years.

[Anonymous]

How do kids in the VA get their social needs met? Are there any in person meet ups coordinated?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do kids in the VA get their social needs met? Are there any in person meet ups coordinated?

That is one of the big issues. They formed a parent group this year and held two socials and hope to hold more next year. Everyone is trying but since everything is so new it’s taking time. Some of the grades have had parents pull together things too. In theory you can participate in home school activities but some schools are inclusive and some are not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The dean of the upper school is fantastic. He worked so hard to create this school from scratch, and did his best to hire the best teachers. Now I have to say my junior has one dud math teacher. But the rest of his AP or advanced courses teachers are solid, and his AP English Comp teacher is particularly excellent. My tween is in middle school and all her teachers are good.

Just to confirm. Are you talking about virtual academy or in person learning at school building? This is with reference to the "upper school"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How do kids in the VA get their social needs met? Are there any in person meet ups coordinated?

That is one of the big issues. They formed a parent group this year and held two socials and hope to hold more next year. Everyone is trying but since everything is so new it’s taking time. Some of the grades have had parents pull together things too. In theory you can participate in home school activities but some schools are inclusive and some are not.

That sounds incredibly awkward.