Optional Programs

School-Based Credit Recovery or acceleration programs:

Grades 9-12 Students access high school courses flexibly scheduled at their home school. Courses are self-paced and blended to include independent online work, peer-to-peer group work and teacher-directed instruction.

Virtual credit recovery/attainment: Grades 9-12

Students access KCPS curriculum flexibility through an online platform with a virtual instructor. Students work independently with the support of a school-based coach.

Winter intersession: Grades 9-12

High school students can attend a winter intersession over the winter break to earn a maximum of two credits for recovery or attainment. Courses are self-paced and blended to include independent online work, peer-to-peer group work, and teacher-directed instruction.

Academic Internships: Grades 11-12

Academic courses off-campus that allow students to apply knowledge and skills directly into the field of study. Students receive high school credit for their studies.

Career Exploration Programs: Grades 11-12

Career Explorations programs off-campus related to courses students are currently enrolled in through their traditional high school. Students receive high school credit.

Grades K-12

Students access KCPS approved K-12 school courses through vendor provided platforms with vendor provided instructors. Students work independently with the support of a vendor-provided teacher. Because taking online courses is different from taking courses in a traditional face-to-face classroom, it’s good for students to know what courses will entail and what kind of support they’ll need to be successful. Research shows that students who are well prepared and well supported for this new experience do better in their classes.

Why consider an online course?
Virtual School can meet specific challenges and student need, including providing:

• Alternatives for scheduling conflicts
• Electives and enrichment options
• Flexibility for homebound and at-risk students
• Credit recovery programs
• 24/7 access to curriculum (anywhere, anytime)

What courses are available with Virtual School? Virtual School offers more than 50 different courses that are aligned with the KCPS curriculum.

How will students enroll in Virtual School? Virtual School enrollment will follow the same process as traditional course enrollment. Students should start by scheduling a meeting with their counselor to discuss online options.

Each semester, Virtual School secondary students enroll in seven credit hours to meet the requirements for graduation. Online courses are part of this course load to fulfill the needed credits for graduation.

How do I know if Virtual School is right for me? Online learning can be a great option for some students, but this style of learning differs from the traditional classroom experience.

Your school counselor and Extended Learning advisor can help determine if this course of learning is right for you.

Virtual School is offered to students of KCPS with approval of the student's school counselor and the Extended Learning advisor. If you are a KCPS student and have questions about Virtual School, please make an appointment with your school counselor. If your student is not currently a KCPS student, please contact the Office of Extended Learning at 816-418-7780.

Additional KCPS Virtual Enrollment Information

• Students and guardian(s) will be required to meet with the Extended Learning Opportunities coordinator to determent future placement.
• Students and guardian(s) must also attend a placement and orientation meeting prior to beginning Virtual School.
• If a student has an IEP or 504 plan, the IEP or 504 plan team will meet to decide if Virtual School is appropriate for the student.
• The enrollment cutoff dates are at the semester midterm date. Students may enroll in a course through midterm of the 1st and 3rd quarter or at anytime with a transfer.
• Students will be placed on probation for lack of progress after a 10-day period and will be removed from the course after 20 days as it may impact their ability to graduate on time.

The Missouri Course Access and Virtual School Program (MOCAP) has developed a catalog of virtual online courses for students. Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, students will be able to take an entire course from any Internet-connected computer, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MOCAP's mission is to offer Missouri students equal access to a wide range of high quality courses, flexibility in scheduling, and interactive online learning. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the State Board of Education oversee administration and quality assurance activities such as related content and delivery of courses. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that provide virtual education outside of MOCAP are responsible for ensuring alignment and other statutory requirements are met.

For more information, please visit https://mocap.mo.gov

Senate Bill 319: Grades 3-5
Before or after-school tutoring for students needing assistance in reading providing direct teacher instruction in a small group setting in accordance with SB319.

Flexible Learning Programs: Grades 9-12
Students access high school courses in conjunction with working part-time. Students must maintain employment and meet requirements of SB291.