VirtualSC Earns Secondary Accreditation for Online Program Excellence

VirtualSC is proud to announce it has received full accreditation from the AccredVEd Program Review Team, meeting all 14 National Standards for Quality Online Programs (NSQOP). This six-year accreditation, effective June 13, 2025, complements our primary accreditation from the South Carolina Department of Education, reinforcing our commitment to high-quality virtual learning.

Key Strengths Recognized

• Strong leadership and governance
• Strategic planning aligned with state goals
• Rigorous curriculum taught by certified educators
• Free statewide access to courses
• Comprehensive support for students and staff

This recognition highlights VirtualSC’s role as a leader in online education across South Carolina.

 

3 Tips for Success in Fast Track Courses

A publication of the VirtualSC Student Advisory Board

1. Set aside a specific time each day to focus on your VirtualSC coursework. 

Since the class is available around the clock, choose a time that fits well with your daily routine. Establishing a consistent schedule frees up mental energy by removing the uncertainty of when to complete your work. Ask yourself, “When will I get this done?” Once you’ve answered that question, you’re already moving toward success. Having a set time also helps you stay focused and prioritize your class. When your mindset includes clear commitments like, “I need to work on my Family Life VirtualSC course tonight from 7 to 8, but I can meet up afterward,” you hold yourself accountable and make sure everything gets done.

2. Use the pacing guide provided in your course to keep up with due dates and make progress ahead of schedule whenever possible.

Staying on track or working ahead helps reduce stress and keeps you from falling behind. Getting ahead can also give you flexibility in case you go on vacation, feel unwell, or run into any technology issues.

3. Pay close attention to rubrics and grading feedback.

Before you begin an assignment, review the rubric so you understand what is expected. Once your coursework has been graded, use your teacher’s feedback to reflect on what you’ve learned. Apply any suggestions to retakes and future assignments to keep improving. Your teachers are here to support you, so don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about the material, instructions, or feedback.

Set Yourself Up for Success: 5 Tips for AP Courses with VirtualSC

A publication of the VirtualSC Student Advisory Board

1. Communicate with Your Teacher

Advanced placement classes are tough, so staying in touch with your teacher is key. Know how to reach them, ask questions early, and don’t be afraid to join optional virtual meetings or ask for one-on-one help. Good communication can seriously boost your success!

2. Set Aside Time Daily

AP classes move fast and don’t usually have catch-up days. Plan for at least an hour or more a day to stay on track. These are college-level courses, so it’s up to you to manage your time and keep up with the workload.

3. Take Charge of Your Learning

Online AP classes feel a lot like college. Your teacher is there to help, but staying on top of the material is up to you. Utilize external resources, such as textbooks, videos, websites, or worksheets, to clarify the content. Find what works best and use it to stay confident and prepared.

4. Keep Studying After Your Final

Your VirtualSC course might end before AP exams. You might have weeks without assignments, but the big AP test is still coming. It’s okay to take a short break, but don’t stop reviewing your notes just yet. Only after you finish your AP exam should you completely stop studying.

5. You’ve Got This for Eight Months

Taking an AP class online isn’t traditional, but you can handle it. Eight months might feel long, but even on tough days, remember that this experience will make you a stronger student. Keep going. You’ve got this!

Welcome to VirtualSC: 4 Things to Know Before You Begin

A publication of the VirtualSC Student Advisory Board

At VirtualSC, we create a supportive virtual learning environment that allows students to grow, thrive, and prepare for life beyond high school. While learning online offers flexibility and independence, it also requires good habits and time management. To help you start strong, here are four of the most common mistakes new VirtualSC students make and how to avoid them

1. Procrastinating on Assignments

It’s tempting to put off work when you don’t have a teacher standing in front of you every day. But waiting until the last minute can quickly lead to stress, missed deadlines, and lower-quality work.

How to avoid it: Set a weekly schedule that fits your routine and workload. Break larger assignments into smaller tasks and set mini-deadlines to keep yourself accountable. Planning ahead gives you time to ask for help if you need it and helps you avoid late-night cramming sessions.

2. Ignoring Teacher Emails and Feedback 

Virtual learning doesn’t mean learning alone. Your teachers are there to support you, answer your questions, and guide your progress. Ignoring their emails or feedback can lead to confusion, missed opportunities, and repeated mistakes.

How to avoid it: Check your messages regularly, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re confused about a lesson or grade. Read through your teacher’s comments on assignments. They’re there to help you improve and succeed in the course.

3. Skipping Over the Lessons

It’s easy to want to jump straight into quizzes, tests, and projects. But skipping the instructional lessons can hurt your understanding and performance. The lessons provide the foundation for everything else in the course.

How to avoid it: Make time to go through each lesson carefully. Take notes, complete practice activities, and engage with the material. You’ll be better prepared for assessments and more confident in your knowledge.

4. Treating Your Course Like It’s Less Important

Just because your course is online doesn’t mean it’s optional or less meaningful. It’s easy to put it on the back burner, especially when you’re balancing other in-person classes or activities.

How to avoid it: Treat your VirtualSC course like any other class. Set aside dedicated time to work on it during the week. 

Beat Procrastination in Online Courses: 3 Easy Tips

A publication of the VirtualSC Student Advisory Board

Students from around the world struggle with procrastination. It is often easier to delay tasks than to dive in and get them done. For some, it is not just a habit but a challenge they do not know how to overcome.

At VirtualSC, we are committed to helping our students develop strong time-management skills and overcome procrastination. Here are three effective tips to help you stay on track:

1. Use a Weekly Planner

Organize your week by writing down all course deadlines and tasks. Mapping out your schedule strategically can help you stay ahead and reduce last-minute stress.

2. Set Daily Work Goals

Aim to complete a consistent amount of work each day. This helps prevent assignments from piling up and keeps your workload manageable.

3. Avoid Multitasking

It is tempting to watch videos or scroll through social media while studying, but multitasking can slow you down. Focus fully on your work so you can complete it more efficiently and retain more information.

By applying these strategies, you can take control of your time and become a more efficient, productive learner.

11 Tips for First-Time VirtualSC Learners

“While grades are important, focus not only on the material but also on how to be independent and manage your time. Have a growth-learning mindset by paying attention to how you have grown and celebrating your progress.”

The VirtualSC Student Advisory Board gathered over the summer and discussed the feelings of first-time VSC learners. Check out the following advice for navigating your VSC coursework this fall from the seasoned virtual learners on the Student Advisory Board:

1. Create your own schedule for studying and completing assignments. 

2. Communicate when you have an issue or question. Begin your communication early on, perhaps, by asking a quick question or simply introducing yourself (to your teacher). 

3. Remember why you chose to take the class. What was your initial reason or motivation? If you once cared, you shouldn’t stop now, even if you are overwhelmed. Remember that reason, take things in chunks, and try not to do everything at once.

4. Refrain from doubting yourself if you do not do as well as you wish. Doubting yourself is what will hurt you the most. You are capable and can succeed. 

5. Don’t rush through your work. Take things slowly using the pacing guide. 

6. Get ahead. Use any downtime you can find to work on your class. Even 10 minutes can make a difference.

7. Find other students at your school taking VSC courses to build community.  

8. Be prepared to learn online on a screen. 

9. Take notes! Have school supplies.

10. Learn to ask for help when you need it! 

11. Section out your work based on what you understand versus what you don’t. Draw connections!

    

 

 

5 Tips for Exhibiting Academic Integrity While Learning Online

a publication of the VirtualSC Student Advisory Board

“Academic integrity is maintaining a good work ethic and learning on your own.”

 

Academic integrity is paramount in all of your classes, especially when learning online when digital tools are easily accessible! Here are some tips from the VirtualSC Student Advisory Board to exhibit academic integrity: 

1. “Don’t let your friends do your work for you!” 
2. “You need to learn stuff now because you are probably going to take the class in college and you’ll need the knowledge then or when you start working.” 
3. “If your teacher provides resources, use them, and then you’ll be less likely to cheat.” 
4. “You don’t learn if you cheat! You could fail your final exam if you’re dishonest and don’t truly learn the content in your class” 
5. “Shift your mindset about grades and learning. Learning does not focus on the course materials, but rather, it should emphasize the importance of the skills gained from your courses. This can be time management, communication, and especially integrity. These skills can be learned almost everywhere, but especially, through online classes as being online is the future. We must learn how to use it with integrity by focusing on our growth as a person rather than technology.” 

Visit the VirtualSC Academic Integrity Policy webpage to learn more about maintaining honesty in VSC courses. 

5 Strategies for Success in eLearning

By VirtualSC’s 2023-24 Student Advisory Board

The members of VirtualSC’s Student Advisory Board have a strong understanding of what it takes to learn online. These students from unique backgrounds have a variety of experiences with VirtualSC courses. Our team of Student Advisors have gathered their top strategies for success in an eLearning environment with the hopes that their tips will help other students enrolled in online courses:

Tip #1: Use Your Time Wisely

Consider using a timer when working on VirtualSC courses to avoid procrastination. – Grace L.

Don’t be afraid to try different methods, like timers, when you first start VirtualSC courses. Everyone’s time management is different. – Grace L.  

Procrastinating on online coursework is ineffective. – Nora B. 

Teachers provide pacing guides with recommended pacing for an online course. You can use these to manage your time. – Siddarth B. 

Remove any possible distractions (including cell phones) while working. This allows for focus. – Beatriz L. 

Tip #2: Create a Routine

Consider clustering your workload where you complete your online coursework on certain days of the week. – Siddarth B. & Kylie W.

A calendar and reminders are smart ways to keep up with your online assignments. – Kennedy R.

Downtime at school or at home can be really useful when completing VSC coursework. Even if it’s only 10-15 minutes, that time still counts! – Nora B. 

Use electronic calendars in your phone for consistent reminders or a notebook calendar to check on major assignments. – Beatriz L. 

Tip #3: Create a Learning Environment

Create a learning environment that works best for you. A quiet, well-lit space is what works best for me when completing online courses. – Beatriz L. 

Some people work well in a desk or study-like environment.

Tip #4: Communicate!

Digital communication is necessary when completing courses online. – Siddarth B. 

There is no such thing as a dumb question. Don’t be afraid to communicate with your teachers online. – Siddarth B. 

VirtualSC teachers want to push students toward their best work. Communicate with them! – Nora B. 

Tip #5: Smart Use of Tech Tools

Bookmark pages that are important for your online course for easy access and to stay organized. – Siddarth B. 

Use technology to locate outside articles on topics you’re interested in from your online course. – Nora B. 

Anyone can learn online by reading directions from the teacher and from VirtualSC. – Kennedy R. 

Save any VirtualSC resources (books, websites, study materials, etc.) about topics that relate to your class. – Beatriz L. 

In The Middle: VirtualSC Quarterly Middle School Newsletter

Click the images below to learn more about upcoming middle school course offerings and our quarterly student spotlights:

High School in Middle School?

 

Is your middle school student interested in taking virtual high school courses?

VirtualSC offers both middle school and high school level courses. While on-grade level courses are usually the right fit, some 7th and 8th grade students are ready for the challenge of high school credit courses. With so many courses offered, how do middle school students know which courses will offer the most benefits? The following are areas to consider before enrolling.

Interest

Interest is an important factor of success in an online course. Self-motivated students generally do better than students who were placed in a course by someone else. A middle school student’s interest in a high school course should be discussed before enrollment. Read the course syllabus and view course tour video posted on our Course Offerings webpage (opens in a new window).

Maturity  

Interest is not the only deciding factor. Students taking advanced courses should be academically ready for high school levelcourses, specifically those offered in a virtual platform. High school credit courses will become part of the student’s high school transcript and the final grade weighted in the GPA. Grades, mastery of 8th grade skills and teacher recommendation are all helpful indicators of a student’s readiness.

Schedule

All online classes require daily focused time on task. Students in advanced courses may need more time for the extra work. Consider a student’s schedule. Will there be time to focus on the coursework and seek additional help if needed?

Examples

Aiden is an 7th grade student who is interested in drama and creative writing. He has an open exploratory period and could join a lab group taking a high school level computer science course. Is this a good placement?

Maybe. Has Aiden shown interest in computer sciences? Do his science and math grades reflect a mastery of 8th grade skills? His schedule is open for daily work, but will he have access to additional help if he struggles with an advanced concept?

Options. Aiden could take a VirtualSC middle school exploratory course in the lab such as Journalism, Exploring World Language or Game Design. While these courses would not carry high school credit, they may be a better interest, maturity and scheduling fit for Aiden and prepare him for advanced work in the future.

Ima is an 8th grade student who took Algebra 1 in 7th grade and did well. She is in her school robotics club and is interested in engineering, computer science, or maybe game design. Because she would like to start advanced courses as soon as possible in high school, she is thinking of taking an introductory computer science course such as Discovering Computer Science or Fundamentals of Computer Science at VirtualSC, in addition to her full course load at school.

Maybe. Ima definitely has the interest and background to consider taking a high school computer science course. Good questions to consider are whether Ima has the maturity to work on her own on an online course, and whether she has enough time in her schedule on top of a full school day and her robotics commitments.

Options. Ima should ask her counselor to help her decide which high school course is a good fit for her future plans. VirtualSC also recommends Discovering Computer Science over Fundamentals of Computer Science for advanced middle school students.

Alex is a 6th grade student interested in learning a new language. She plays on a travelling soccer team with international students.

Maybe. Our Exploring World Languages exploratory course may be a great fit for Alex as she learns about different languages and can help her decide which language she would like to take at the high school level in 7th or 8th grade. Alex and her family should discuss if the travel sports schedule will interfere with an asynchronous coursework.

Options. Alex can request enrollment in a high school credit world language course such as Spanish 1, French 1, Latin 1a and other titles when she gets to 7th or 8th grade.

 

If you have questions about our upcoming courses and student enrollments, learn more at VirtualSC.org.