Portsmouth Public Schools

Portsmouth Public Schools is partnered with Virtual Virginia (VVA), the state's virtual learning platform, to serve as the division's online program provider. VVA is staffed by Virginia-certified teachers and provides students a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (independent) learning. Please note: The PPS Bright Start Preschool Program will only offer in-person learning. There will be no virtual option for preschool students.

Virtual Instruction
Virtual learning provides students and families more flexibility; however, it is important to understand that virtual learning is not “easier” than in-person learning. In fact, it can be more difficult as it requires students to be motivated, self-disciplined and good managers of their time. 

Here are some key items to consider when thinking of enrolling in VVA: 

• VVA requires students to participate in the live instruction sessions as well as keep up with independent work and deadlines. Students demonstrating no productivity over the course of eight days will be automatically dropped from the VVA program. If dropped from the program, students will have a one-time opportunity for reinstatement only after having a conference with their VVA teacher, parent/guardian and PPS counselor/mentor. Any subsequent drop will require students to return to in-person learning immediately.
• VVA students follow the VVA calendar, not the PPS calendar. This means not all holidays and breaks align with PPS. For the 2022-23 school year, the first day of school is Aug. 24, and the semester will end Dec. 21. 
• Students failing or performing below standards at the end of the first semester may be required to return to in-person learning for second semester.
• Students who participated in a virtual learning program (VVA or Edgenuity) for the 2021-22 school year and did not demonstrate success may not be accepted into the program. 
• Even if students are enrolled in VVA, they are still required to take the Virginia SOL tests in-person at their zoned PPS school. 
• For more details about the VVA program, visit the VVA website.