Suffolk Public Schools Creating Achievers: From Classroom to Community

For the 2023-2024 school year, Suffolk Public Schools will offer SPS Online: a fully online, virtual learning program for students in grades K-12 who prefer to learn in the virtual environment. Students utilizing this option will be taught through Virtual Virginia by qualified teachers, attend on the Virtual Virginia schedule, be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, and still be associated with their zoned school.

In order for a student to participate in the online program, your completion of this application is required to acknowledge your agreement to the academic and technology/device requirements and student attendance and participation expectations. 

2023-2024 SPS Online Virtual Learning Program Application

For consideration, students enrolled in SPS Online must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Student works independently. Students are expected to attend all live sessions in their entirety and interact as directed in any asynchronous classes and with all assignments.  To the extent possible, based on the ability of Virtual Virginia to accommodate, students will be assigned to live sessions.  Exceptions will be made only to allow for special conditions and other course requirements.

• Student must have successfully passed all core content courses during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters

• Student has no more than three unexcused absences during each of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarters

• The student must have access to a strong and reliable high-speed internet connection. This does not include hotspots or Kajeet devices.

• The student must use a Suffolk Public Schools issued device while in the program.

• The student must possess basic computer skills and be comfortable using the internet for independent learning activities, Google Suite applications, and the Canvas learning management system.

• The student must be able to work independently or have someone at home who can help support (if needed) with school work during school hours.

• Families must commit to the SPS Virtual Learning Program for the 2023-2024 school year. Students will not, barring administrative removal,  transition back to in-person learning for the duration of the school year. Administrative removals may occur as a result of poor performance, poor attendance, or violation of the standards established by Virtual Virginia and/or Suffolk Public Schools.

• Students must follow all attendance regulations defined in the SPS Attendance Policy. Attendance violations may result in removal from the program.

• Students must attend the zoned home school building for all standardized state and federal testing (e.g., SOL, Gifted, AP, etc.). Transportation will be provided for all required testing on the designated testing days.

• Students must follow the SPS Code of Conduct.

• Families need to be aware that certain electives are not available in the SPS Online Virtual Learning Program.  The SPS Auxiliary Programs Counselor will work with students and parents to enroll students in the required courses to move them toward promotion and graduation.  Student/family preferences will be considered in meeting these requirements.

• Families must be aware that International Baccalaureate (IB), Project Lead the Way (PLTW), College and Career Academy at Pruden (CCAP), Center for Performing and Production Arts (CPPA), ROTC, and most Advanced Placement (AP) courses will not be offered through the online program. Students must attend in-person instruction for these offerings. It is possible for students to participate virtually and attend the Governor's School for the Arts (GSA).

• The Home Access Center (HAC) will be used to monitor grades and progress at designated times throughout the school year. Student progress will also be monitored through the virtual platforms.

• The SPS Online program is only for students enrolled in Suffolk Public Schools. If warranted, Suffolk Public Schools will require proof of residency to confirm student status.