BCS Virtual Academy of Learning Application 2025-2026

Application for BCS Virtual Academy of Learning

The application for the BCS Virtual Academy of Learning is supplemental and must be completed for those interested in attending.

Birmingham City Schools Virtual Academy of Learning (BCS VAL) is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. The school is open to all students in grades 3-12. Students zoned for Birmingham City Schools will have priority. Students in grades 9-12 must be on track to graduate with their cohort and have passed all coursework.

Please note that the number of spaces in the Virtual School is limited.

All applicants are REQUIRED to UPLOAD the following documents:

Parent/Guardian Valid ID
A copy of the student's most recent transcript (high school students) or report card (grades 3-9)
An updated copy of the student's IEP or 504 Plan
Birth Certificate

***If your student is selected, the above forms will also need to be uploaded for registration.***

Please do not withdraw your student from their zoned school until the applicant has received an acceptance letter from BCS Virtual Academy of Learning.

The Birmingham City Schools Virtual Academy of Learning utilizes a flexible learning model where students can take all the coursework that is required using our online platform. Students accepted into the program will be provided with a BCS owned electronic device along with instructions on how to navigate in an online learning environment. High School students will have the ability to choose from a variety of elective classes, including foreign languages.

Students will be required to take standardized tests in person at a designated BCS building.

Students must meet the minimum academic requirements to become a virtual student.

Applicants for the school should be organized, self-motivated, able to manage their time well, and comfortable using technology. Students will use their BCS student email accounts for communication. Students are required to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week in their virtual setting. Grades are scaled based on course completion and performance.

Students in Grades 3-5 are required to have a full-time learning coach (an adult in the household) to support them every day. This is a full-time virtual learning option and is different from the remote instruction that took place in all Birmingham City Schools during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19.

All students will be required to communicate via their BCS email.

Genderrequired

Staterequired

County

Current Grade Levelrequired

BCS Zoned Schoolrequired

Please note that the virtual program does not meet the requirements for an IB Program. Therefore, if your child is currently participating in the IB Program at Ramsay High School they will be unable to complete the IB Diploma program in this virtual setting.

BCS Previously Attended Schoolrequired

Is the student currently in the process for Problem Solving Team (PST) support?required

Does your student currently receive Special Education services?required

Does your student receive services and/or accommodations as outlined in a 504 plan?required

Does the student receive services as outlined in an EL Plan?required

Has the student been expelled from his/her school?required

Custodial Parent/Guardian Information

Genderrequired

Male
Female

Relationship to Studentrequired

Resides at same address as studentrequired

Yes
No

Custodial Parent/Guardian Phone Number

Phone 1 Typerequired

Preferred phone number?

Yes
No

BCS Virtual Academy of Learning Interest

Student Question #1: Why are you interested in participating in a virtual academy?required

Characters Remaining:

Student Question #2: Virtual Learning, as opposed to traditional classroom learning, requires self-organization, self discipline, and self-motivation. Describe your plan for becoming a successful distance learner (items to address may include: daily schedule, academic assistance, study habits, previous distance learning experience, etc.).required

Characters Remaining:

Parent Agreement

Please read the Code of Conduct.

All custodial parents are required to complete this section of the application.

I understand that all students in Grades 3-5 must have a full-time learning coach to support their learning. The learning coach can be a parent or another caring adult who can assist with daily school tasks and using technology.required

I understand that it is my responsibility to supervise my student. We are expected to follow the guidance and support of a teacher, however, the program requires a level of independence for success.required

I understand that student progress is an expected part of the BCS Virtual Academy of Learning. Students are expected to complete work in a timely manner. Academic progress will be reviewed every nine weeks. If it is determined that students are not making satisfactory academic progress, BCS reserves the right to request that the student return to a traditional school setting. Students are required to remain in BCS VAL on a Semester basis.required

Does the student have an underlying health condition that will not allow them to attend school in the traditional format?required

Uploads

Required Documentation:

Please upload pictures or digital scans of the following documents. If you are not able to upload the required documents you will be contacted by the school regarding a process for submitting the information in a contact-free method.

Parent/Guardian IDrequired

IEP Uploadrequired

504 Plan Uploadrequired

Most Recent Transcript/Report Cardrequired

Birth Certificaterequired

Electronic Signature

The electronic signature below and its related fields are treated by the organization as a physical handwritten signature on a paper form.

I verify that all the information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

I agreerequired