Students currently in Grades 8-11 can apply to attend the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Virtual Academy program for the 2026-2027 school year. The application window opens on Monday, Dec. 8, and closes at 11:59 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30. Late applications will not be accepted.

The program is virtual for students in Grades 9-12 and managed by staff at the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center. Students must apply to be considered, and enrollment is not guaranteed. The application (opens Dec. 8) is linked below.

Application link. The application also has a Spanish option. 

Program overview

Virtual Academy is geared toward students who are independent, motivated learners who want to continue their education in a virtual environment. Students in the program may include but are not limited to seniors needing four or fewer credits to graduate, students with school anxiety, students who require a flexible schedule to meet individual needs or students who prefer a nontraditional school setting. Virtual Academy students receive their report cards and diplomas through their home school, as they are concurrently enrolled. 

Program format

Students will complete assigned work through the APEX/Edmentum Learning digital platforms, as well as One Note. Students are expected to work independently for up to five hours per day, four days a week (Monday through Thursday). Live Zoom instruction will be provided for 45-minute class periods. Tutoring support will be available for students during select periods during the school day. Students are expected to be available for school from 7:51 a.m. to 3:24 p.m. Students should not have any other commitments during school hours. 

Courses

Students in Virtual Academy will be enrolled in a minimum of two credits per quarter with the potential to earn up to eight credits per school year. This format allows for students to complete a year’s worth of work in one quarter. Yearlong classes include Algebra I and Advancement Placement (AP) courses, which will meet each during all four quarters of the school year. Any student enrolled in Algebra I will be scheduled twice per day per quarter for the entire school year.

Virtual Academy offers grade-level courses, honors and select AP classes. Students will be offered two graduation paths through two different completer programs: World Language and/or Business Management and Finance. Eligible high school juniors and seniors in Virtual Academy may participate in dual enrollment through the College of Southern Maryland (CSM).

Courses in Project Lead the Way and/or Career Technical Education (CTE) completer programs are not available in Virtual Academy (except for Business Management and Finance). 

Students with an IEP/504/EL plan on file with CCPS

Applying students who have either an IEP, 504 or EL plan on file with CCPS will be conditionally accepted pending the outcome of a school-based IEP/504 meeting. The school team will meet before the end of the current school year to determine if services can be provided through the Virtual Academy program.

There may be circumstances when the meeting may take place over the summer and/or the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. Parents can contact their child’s IEP facilitator or the school’s 504 coordinator with questions about scheduling the meeting. 

Extracurricular activities for Virtual Academy students

Virtual Academy students can participate in sports or extracurricular activities (clubs, marching band, drama, etc.) at their home school, pending they meet CCPS eligibility requirements. Students may also attend dances, programs and extracurricular activities after the school day. 

More information

To learn more about the Virtual Academy program, visit the CCPS website at https://www.ccboe.com/academics/virtual-academy. Questions can be directed to Tiffany VanDyke or Karen Attick at 301-932-6612.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 39 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

 
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).