What is Newton County Self-Paced Virtual School (VIP)?
Newton County School System (NCSS) self-paced virtual learning program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to engage in a virtual learning environment that does not require a physical presence in a traditional school setting.
How do I apply for the Self-Paced Virtual Learning Program (VIP)?
The application can be found on the NCSS Webpage (https://vip.newtoncountyschools.org/registration).
What is the application timeline?
- The Fall Semester application window is in the Spring of each year.
- The Spring Semester application window is in the Fall of each year.
- Students and parents will be notified of acceptance after the application window closes.
- Newly enrolling students have the option at the time of registration to apply for VIP. New students must meet the same entrance requirements. Acceptance may be limited based on VIP enrollment numbers.
What commitment is required for students to participate in VIP?
VIP requires families to commit to virtual learning for a full year unless dismissed from the program due to failure to meet academic or in-person attendance requirements.
Students are expected to attend and participate in their online education courses as fully as they would attend and participate in a face-to-face classroom course. For the best and most successful experience, students should plan on logging and submitting work daily.
All courses contain a 'Course Schedule' that lists all assignments and due dates.
Students may work ahead in the course but should not get behind.
Will an orientation be held for parents and students?
Yes. A mandatory parent orientation/on-boarding will be held at the beginning of each semester. The parent will be required to attend. The date and time will be communicated to parents via email.
Will my student have to participate in taking the Standardized Assessments?
Yes. All VIP Students will be scheduled a time to go to their home school prior to the deadline in order to
take all standardized assessments. These assessments must be taken at the home school and
will require the student to attend for multiple dates for approximately 2-3 hours each day.
The NCS testing calendar is available here: https://www.newtoncountyschools.org/Calendars
What is the School Calendar NCSS Self-Paced VIP?
Virtual-Learning mirrors the yearly approved school calendar published by NCS.
The NCS school calendar is available here: https://www.newtoncountyschools.org/Calendars
What does instruction in your courses look like?
Secondary students (Grades 6-12) will use Edgenuity and Elementary students will use Edgenuity (Grades 3-5) to access their courses daily in conjunction with other educational technology programs.
The curriculum has been designed to be *asynchronous and flexible in nature while providing
the structural organization of a traditional classroom. In our virtual format, time and location
constraints are lifted for students; however, coursework deadlines are clearly communicated and
must be upheld for students to achieve maximum academic success. If students are
completing assignments by the well-defined due date in their courses, their work can be completed
any time, from anywhere!
*asynchronous - Course format that does NOT require students to access meetings, lessons,
course content, etc., at a defined time.
Does NCSS Self-Paced Virtual School offer advanced courses for Middle School Students?
See list of courses offered
Can my student take AP courses via Virtual Learning?
Yes. Advanced Placement courses are offered and completed in Edgenuity.
Will my student be able to participate in athletics and activities?
Yes. Students can participate in all afterschool activities. VIP is a supplemental program for students, even though a student may be
enrolled as a full-time virtual student, he/she still has full access to their home school facilities,
activities, and extracurriculars. *To participate, students must meet all requirements set by
each respective program.
Will technology be provided for students?
Yes. All VIP students will be issued Chromebooks
from NCS by their zoned school of enrollment. Parents/Guardians can contact the zoned school to arrange a time to pick up the assigned device.
All students are required to have reliable internet access to complete their coursework.
Is Virtual Learning the same as homeschooling?
No. Students enrolled in Virtual Learning do their learning at home, nevertheless they are enrolled and
considered to be active students of Newton County School System. The curriculum used is approved by
the school system and the State of Georgia for elementary and middle schools, and for earning high
school credits that lead to a high school diploma.
What kind of diploma will my child receive after completing VIP?
Students who complete all the requirements for graduation will receive a high school diploma from their zoned school of record.
Are there requirements for a student computer?
No. NCS provides the required technology.
When will Milestones and other tests be administered?
The NCS testing calendar is available here: https://www.newtoncountyschools.org/Calendars
What is the school calendar?
The NCS schhol calendar is available here: https://www.newtoncountyschools.org/Calendars