Virtual Academy

The Virtual School is designed for students who thrive in a flexible, technology-rich learning environment and are committed to taking ownership of their education. Our program serves students in grades 3–12 who reside within Goose Creek CISD boundaries and are seeking a personalized approach to learning.

Students who are most successful in the Virtual School are typically:

• Independent and self-motivated learners
• Able to manage time and complete assignments with limited supervision
• Willing to communicate regularly with teachers and ask for help when needed
• Comfortable participating in live online instruction through Webex
• Respectful, responsible, and engaged in a positive online learning community
• Able to maintain academic progress and attendance expectations

Applicants should also have:

• Reliable internet access
• A dedicated learning space at home
• Support from a parent, guardian, or learning coach
• The ability to attend required in-person events such as state testing, meetings, tutorials, or intervention sessions when necessary

The Virtual School may be a strong fit for students who:

• Prefer a flexible learning environment
• Need an alternative to the traditional school setting
• Are balancing extracurricular, work, medical, or family responsibilities
• Excel in self-paced learning environments
• Are seeking a smaller, more personalized educational experience

Please note:

• Acceptance is not guaranteed upon submission of an application.
• Previous academic performance, attendance, engagement, and behavior may be considered during the review process.
• Students must maintain satisfactory progress and participation to remain enrolled in the program.

The Goose Creek Virtual School is not an “easier” option—it is a different approach to learning that requires commitment, communication, and accountability. Students who stay engaged, attend required sessions, and remain connected with their teachers are the students who thrive in our program.

• Be prepared to engage in the lessons
• Mic on mute and unmute when speaking with teacher or class
• Camera on during direct instruction
• Be fully dressed and in quiet, public space in your home
• Seek help when needed
• Communicate with your teacher
• Check your classes often in SeeSaw/ Google Classroom
• Academic integrity is expected just as it is in a face to face classroom.

Attendance

• Students may not accumulate more than 10 unexcused absences throughout the year while attending the Virtual School.
• Daily attendance of 6-8 hours of coursework through Edgenuity activities and/or WebEx meetings

Will the Goose Creek  fit your lifestyle and academic needs? Here are some questions to consider when deciding if this academy is right for you. 

Why attend the Virtual School?

We have found many students that have succeeded and flourished in this educational setting. Were you one of those students able to succeed and launch your academic success through virtual learning? We are sure you already know that it does require more time and commitment than the traditional classroom. 

The Goose Creek Virtual School (GCVS) will look and feel different than the virtual learning you experienced during the 2020-2021 school year.  Along with a few other changes, you will have more flexibility in organizing your study/assignment schedule but you will still be required to attend synchronous sessions daily with your instructor(s). 

Don’t consider the Virtual School because you think the work will be easier than in a traditional class.

Are you able to schedule time to work on assignments and follow through to meet deadlines?

Good time-management skills are essential for successful online learning. Students must be disciplined and structure their own schedules.  It’s very easy to become distracted by personal or work commitments when you are not in the traditional school setting.

Are you comfortable with computers?

You don’t have to be a computer genius to succeed in an online course.  You should possess basic computer skills: finding, opening, saving, printing, and managing files using Google Drive, Microsoft Office applications; and be able to use WebEx for video conferencing. Additionally, you must be able to manage emails, send file attachments, and search the web.  

If you are easily frustrated or intimidated by computers, this may not be the best academic setting for you. 

Are you willing to ask for clarification or help?

If you experience difficulty on any level ( either with technology or the course) you must communicate this with your instructor immediately.  Many of the non-verbal cues instructors use in determining whether students are having problems ( confusion, boredom, frustration) are not visible in the online environment. The instructor may never know there is an issue if you do not reach out.