FAQs
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The Virtual Academy is a CPS program that educates students across all grade levels (K–12) throughout the city. It serves CPS students with physical or mental health conditions who would benefit from a full school day in a virtual setting.
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CPS students who have a medical condition may benefit from a full day of learning in a virtual environment. However, the Virtual Academy does not provide a therapeutic setting, and students requiring such a setting per their IEP are ineligible. Placement for students requiring a cluster program must also be approved by the CPS Office of Students with Disabilities. Upon parent request, siblings of accepted students may be enrolled if capacity is available.
Upon parent request, siblings of accepted students may be enrolled if capacity is available.
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No.
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Parents/Guardians may apply at any point. They must submit the required medical referral form found at cps.edu/VirtualAcademy Questions should be sent to VirtualAcademy@cps.edu
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Students receive their diplomas from their brick-and-mortar school.
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Applications can be submitted however it is encouraged that students apply for the start of the school year. High School students will be accepted at the beginning of each Quarter. If capacity is reached, students will be placed on a waitlist until space becomes available.
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Our KIDS assistance hotline (773-553-KIDS) contact information will be provided in communications to connect families with options for assistance with access to healthcare.
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There is no cost to apply and there is no tuition.
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No, The Virtual Academy is the only approved CPS option.
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Students placed in general education, inclusion, or self-contained settings retain their seat at their most recent physical ("brick & mortar") school. Students in a cluster setting may be placed at a different CPS Cluster program based upon the availability of seats when they are ready to return to in-person learning.
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Students who have documented medical need and are approved to enroll in the Virtual Academy will retain any GoCPS seat in a district-run school when they transition back into in-person learning. Students who unenroll from the Virtual Academy to leave the district will lose their seat.
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A CPS Chromebook will be issued by the student's home school, and its use, with the camera on, is required for participation.
The student must return the device to the school that issued them the device when they return to in-person schooling. -
Parents/Guardians must ensure consistent and daily access to the internet for their student to participate in the program.
Chicago Connected will be available to qualifying Virtual Academy students as long as the program is in existence.
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CPS does not currently provide nutrition support to students who are virtual.
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All Special Education services will continue to be available to students through the Virtual Academy. Related services will remain consistent with the student’s IEP.
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All English Language Arts teachers and many other teachers are ESL endorsed.
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Yes, all Virtual Academy students are required to take all CPS and state assessments. This is a best practice and is necessary according to the state code. Students must take these assessments at their brick-and-mortar school.
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Students must engaged (camera on from their CPS issued device) in all classes daily from 8:30-3:30pm.
Students must maintain consistent attendance and not be chronically truant. We understand that families have doctors appointments or a student maybe be absent due to illness. On those occasions, parent/guardian must communicate those absences promptly to the attendance office.
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The Virtual Academy offers a limited number of after school clubs and tutoring.
All Virtual Academy students are eligible to participate in their clubs and sports at their brick and mortar schools IF they meet all eligibility requirements set by their home schools in regards to fees, grades and attendance.
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The Virtual Academy is a full school day of virtual learning for medically fragile students. Students must be able to sustain a full day of virtual learning.
The Home and Hospital Instruction Program (HHIP) provides continuous instruction by a certified teacher to any student whose academic programs are interrupted due to a documented medical or psychiatric condition. The program is focused on keeping students engaged in learning and facilitating a seamless reintegration back to school. This program is offered by every CPS school to qualifying students. If you believe your child qualifies and needs a reduced learning day (1 to 2 hours per day), you should inquire at your current school.
