Virtual School Program

What is it?

The South Carolina Virtual School Program (SCVSP) offers traditional core courses in an online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week environment. This program allows for flexibility regarding when and where students learn.

What is different?

The South Carolina Virtual School Program requires a student application.  Currently, funding is provided by the General Assembly free of charge to South Carolina residents under the age of 21 who are enrolled in a public, private, or home school. Seating is, however, limited. Students primarily receive instruction from teachers online. State assessments, however, are taken in a supervised environment. All instruction and assessments can be accessed by students via the computer at school or at home. All courses offered in the Virtual School are aligned to the South Carolina academic standards.

What are the possible benefits?

• Increased academic achievement
• Increased opportunities for parent participation
• Multiple opportunities for course credit (initial graduation credit, Advanced Placement credit, or the ability to retrieve credits via the credit recovery process)
• Flexible course scheduling
• Maximum of three online credits earned per school year and a total of 12 throughout high school
• Course participation from home or area location other than school
• Expanded access to instructors
  

When did it become state or national law?

Virtual schools were authorized by the South Carolina General Assembly in 2007.

Where can I access additional information?

South Carolina Department of Education
SCDE Virtual School Information
Virtual School Frequently Asked Questions

Search for Choice Programs in South Carolina

Who can answer my questions about this Public School Choice structure?

Dee Appleby, Director, Office of E-learning
South Carolina Department of Education
803-734-5901
dappleby@ed.sc.gov