Pickens County School District (PCSD) Virtual Academy is a districtwide, full-time virtual learning option for students in grades 6–12. The Virtual Academy is designed to provide students with a flexible, high-quality educational experience through a digital platform while maintaining strong academic expectations, accountability, and support.

The mission of the PCSD Virtual Academy is to expand access to learning opportunities that meet diverse student needs while ensuring alignment with district standards, graduation requirements, and student success outcomes. Successful virtual learners are motivated, organized, and able to manage their time effectively with support from families and PCSD staff.

Enrollment in the PCSD Virtual Academy requires acceptance through an application and review process. Families should carefully review all expectations outlined in this document prior to applying.

The PCSD Virtual Academy provides a fully online learning environment for students seeking a personalized and engaging educational experience. Our program is designed to meet the diverse needs of students, allowing them to learn at their own pace while receiving support from highly qualified teachers. We offer a comprehensive curriculum aligned with state standards, ensuring that students are well-prepared for college and career opportunities.

Key Features:

• Flexible Scheduling

• Personalized Learning

• Experienced Teachers

• Comprehensive Curriculum

• Supportive Environment

Click to view the Edgenuity Student Experience here.

Virtual learning is not optimal for every student. Acceptance into the PCSD Virtual Academy will be based on a review of the following criteria:

• Prior academic performance, including course completion, grades, and credits earned

• High school students must be on track to graduate with their four-year cohort

• Satisfactory attendance and discipline records from the previous school year

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a virtual learning environment

• Reliable internet access (required for participation)

A district-issued device will be provided, as needed. Students will pick up devices at Pickens High School at a designated time, which will be communicated by PCSD.

Enrollment in the PCSD Virtual Academy is application-based. Applications are due prior to the first day of each semester. Students must complete an application for each semester. Acceptance into the program is not guaranteed. Applications will be reviewed to determine whether the virtual setting is an appropriate fit for the student.

Students accepted into the PCSD Virtual Academy are expected to commit to the program for the entire semester.

To remain in good standing, students must maintain a minimum average of 70% (Actual Grade) in each course at each 9-week grading period.

• High school students who fall below a 70% Actual Grade at the 9-week checkpoint will complete the semester in a virtual setting back at the high school campus.

• Students who remain in good academic standing may continue in the Virtual Academy for the remainder of the semester.

Families should be confident in their decision to enroll, as mid-semester transitions are limited.

PCSD Virtual Academy utilizes Edgenuity, a standards-aligned, video-based curriculum for high school students.

Key expectations include:

• Courses are fully self-paced with required structured weekly checkpoints. Students are expected to average at least 20 hours of active learning per school week.

• Coursework is accessible 24/7; however, students are not expected to work on weekends or school holidays.

• Students may be required to meet virtually with Virtual Advisor weekly.

Edgenuity provides daily reporting on: student progress, time spent in coursework, and mastery of content.

The actual grade, which reflects progress aligned to pacing expectations, will be the official grade entered into the student information system.

Parents and students will receive weekly progress updates via Edgenuity to the email address provided by the parent/guardian.

Successful virtual learning requires a strong partnership between the school and home. Parents/guardians are expected to:

• Ensure students have a designated, distraction-free workspace

• Help students establish and maintain a daily schedule

• Regularly monitor student progress and communication

• Support consistent engagement in all assigned courses

PCSD will provide guidance and resources to support families throughout the semester.

Students enrolled in the PCSD Virtual Academy may participate in after-school athletics and extracurricular activities in accordance with Georgia High School Association (GHSA) rules and PCSD guidelines.

GIFTED: Students eligible for gifted services will receive supplemented instruction aligned with the Edgenuity curriculum.

ESOL: Students eligible for language services will receive support through self-paced online language programs. An ESOL teacher will monitor progress and collaborate with the virtual advisor, students, and parents.

IEP/504: Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 should carefully consider the independent nature of virtual instruction when determining if the Edgenuity platform is an appropriate fit for the student. PCSD will work with students who have active IEPs or 504s to provide appropriate supports through a digital service plan.

For more information, or if you have questions, please reach out to Matt Combs at mattcombs@pickenscountyschools.org.