• What type of diploma do students earn?

    • The CMVS diploma is the same as a diploma from any other CMS school. CMVS is  held to the same high standards and graduation requirements as all Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Online classes are not ‘easier,’ ‘shorter,’ or less work than traditional classes. In fact, in a CMS student survey, most students reported that online classes were more challenging than their traditional classes due to the independent nature of the course work.

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    What courses are available?

    • CMVS offers core and elective courses at the standard, honors, and Advanced Placement, and levels as well as Career and Technical Education courses. Our students also have the option to take college courses, and potentially achieve an associate’s degree while still in high school.

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    Who teaches the online courses?

    • All courses are taught by highly-qualified North Carolina certified teachers who meet all North Carolina and local standards and qualifications.

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    How many courses can students take each year?

    • Students are required to take 8 classes each school year. Student schedules will be based on student and family academic goals. Students will take courses that will lead to an on-track, cohort graduation. 

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    Is there a certain amount of time students must work on courses?

    • CMVS courses require an average of 90 minutes per class each weekday (M-F). CMVS classes follow the CMS calendar, and we take daily attendance. Attendance is based on presence in  live instruction sessions (frequency varies by grade), and completion of daily assignments.  Our courses are not “self-paced.”  

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    Will CMVS accommodate individualized education plans (IEPs) and 504 plans?

    • Yes. CMVS will provide accommodations required by local, state, and federal guidelines.

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    Do students have to log onto the computer at certain times of day?

    • All CMVS courses have at least one synchronous learning session per week.  Students in grades 6-9 have daily synchronous meetings for all classes. Frequency of synchronous instructions varies in grades 10-12, but classes generally meet synchronously one per week in grades 10-12. 

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    Do students have to take final exams face-to-face?

    • Yes. Some courses will require a student to report to the physical school to take a proctored exam. This includes MAP testing; NC End-of-Grade exams (6th grade Math & English; 7th grade Math & English; 8th grade Math, English, & Science) NC End-of-Course exams (Math I, Math 3, English II, and Biology), AP exams, and Career Technical Education (CTE) courses, Pre-ACT, PSAT and ACT. Final exam requirements for other courses may require a face-to-face test at principal and teacher discretion.

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    Can students graduate early?

    • Yes.  A student who has met graduation goals can graduate earlier than their original cohort. However, a student who has finished high school graduation requirements may also take college courses with CMS learning partners and earn college credit for free.

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    How do students take physical education classes online?

    • The online PE offering still requires physical activity that is tracked and monitored. Additionally, health education is also required. Students who have special requirements via an IEP or 504 will have an adapted PE course based on their plans.

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    How do students connect with their teachers and advisors?

    • Relationships between teachers and students are critical to the success of virtual students. We specifically look for teachers who can build relationships with students across distance and time. CMS teachers monitor student progress and reach out to students who appear to need additional support. Students can arrange face-to-face meetings with their teachers, or communicate via e-mail, phone, text, Zoom, or other options. Teachers will arrange with families the best way to communicate.