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 Virtual Virginia 2022-23 school
year, the first day of school is August 23, 2023 and the semester will end January
16, 2024.
- 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 the virtual learning program (VVA) for the 2022-23
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.
To Register:
We are currently taking request from families that would like to continue/start virtual
classes with Virtual Virginia in the Fall 2023. We will accept applications until Friday,
June 23, 2023. Applications WILL NOT be accepted after this date. Click on the link
below to complete the application. Please fill out the form for each student you would
like to be virtual.
*Students that have not demonstrated academic success in their 2023 – 2024
virtual or in-person classes will not be considered for the virtual program.
Virtual Virginia Intent Form for the 2023-2024 School Year
Additional Resources
As part of the VVA platform, parent and family engagement is key to students'
success. To help manage families' expectations of their child's commitment to the
virtual learning program, please see the following documents and information.