How can I check the status of my course request?

Log into your account as often as you wish, using your username and password. Once you are placed in your desired course, you will be contacted by your instructor.

Can I work at my own pace?

Students may opt to work at an accelerated, traditional or extended pace, however, regular work submission and communication is required in all VLACS courses in accordance with the student's pace chart.

How do I select an honors course?

During registration, please sign up for the course you desire If the course has an honors option, please inform your instructor during the introductory phone call if you wish to take the honors version. The instructor can explain all requirements needed to obtain honors credit.

Do I have to wait for school to begin to take an online class?

Virtual Learning Academy has on-going registration. You may start a course at any time throughout the year. Register here.

How much is it?

Whether you are a full time or part time, resident of New Hampshire student, all classes are no charge. There is a tuition charge for non-residents. Click here for more information

How do I take a class through eStart?

eStart is a partnership between VLACS and the Community College System of New Hampshire. Credits earned through eStart are dual credits: high school and college. Any New Hampshire junior or senior from high school, private school, alternative school or home educated can take 100% online courses taught by CCSNH instructors. Tuition is just $150 per course and the credits can be used toward a degree program at CCSNH or other post secondary institutions. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information

What are the graduation requirements?

Art Education; 0.5 credit, ICT - Technology; 0.5 credit, English; 4.0 credits, Mathematics; 3.0 credits (1 credit of Algebra, 0.5 Geometry), Physical Science; 1.0 credit, Biological Science; 1.0 credit, US and NH History; 1.0 credit, US and NH Government; 1.0 credit, Economics; 0.5 credit, World History; 0.5 credit, Health Education; 1.0 credit, Physical Education; 0.5 credit, Advisory (credit varies--Career Exploration: 0.5 credit, Internship/Job Shadow: 0.5 credit, Community Service: 0.5 credit, Digital Portfolio: 0.5 credit), Electives; 5.0 credits, E.L.O - Career; 1.0 credit

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What is a virtual online school?

Virtual schools are available through the Internet and provide students the flexibility of any time, anywhere access to rigorous, personalized education. In the virtual classroom, every student is actively engaged directly with the instructor, thereby offering a comprehensive and thorough understanding of each course taken.

What is a charter school?

Charter schools are public schools that operate without many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools. In exchange for this increased freedom, charter schools agree to greater accountability. The 'charter' that establishes each school is a performance contract detailing the school's mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment, and ways to measure success. Charter schools are accountable to their sponsor, usually a state or local school board, to produce positive academic results and adhere to the charter contract.

Who founded the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School?

The Exeter Region Cooperative School District (SAU 16) initiated the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School as an independent organization. The Academy has its own employees and teaching staff, Board of Trustees, and financial statement.

When was the Virtual Learning Academy established?

The New Hampshire Board of Education approved the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School in May 2007.

Who approved VLACS?

The Academy is approved by the State of New Hampshire and the U.S. Department of Education. VLACS meets the federal requirements of a graduating, high school.

Why does New Hampshire need a virtual online high school?

Many NH high school students cannot take advanced placement or specialized classes because their school district cannot afford the course or there is not enough student interest for a school district to justify funding a course. Since its inception, VLACS has provided students and schools options to reduce drop out rates, scheduling flexibility, expanded course offerings, and credit recovery options. An additional benefit we offer is the one-to-one communication between the instructor and student, which is vastly different from the instructor-student relationship in the traditional classroom environment. The virtual environment enables the instructor to get to know each student and challenge each student based upon his/her learning style, strengths and weaknesses.

Virtual Learning Academy Charter School is New Hampshire's first statewide, online high school. It provides students with flexibility, choice, a personalized learning environment, and the opportunity to learn using the latest technology. Most importantly, VLACS provides every NH high school student with and equal learning opportunity.

How is VLACS funded?

The Virtual Learning Academy is funded through the New Hampshire's Education Trust Fund, which exists solely to benefit NH's charter schools. State law gives the NH Legislature the authority and job to fund the state's charter schools.

Who can attend VLACS?

Any high school or middle school student who resides in New Hampshire, up the the age of 21, may apply to the Academy. The Academy will accept out-of-state high school and middle school students on a tuition basis.

Part-time students may enroll in the Academy for academic enrichment, accelerate their progress in a traditional high school program or finish uncompleted coursework. Students who intend to graduate from the Academy may apply to pursue full time studies. Students may also pursue college credit while still in high school through our dual-credit partnering programs with several colleges.

How does VLACS develop its curriculum?

We purchase most of our curriculum from the Florida Virtual School, a successful virtual school that has been operating since 1997. During the past 10 years, the FVS curriculum and coursework has been evaluated and revised to meet rigorous academic standards. In addition, FVS' instructors, administrators, students and parents continually evaluate the curriculum and coursework.

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Can credits earned through VLACS count towards my high school graduation requirements?

Yes, a student can earn a half or full credit on every course taken. Additionally, college credit can be earned through our dual credit, college partnering programs such as eStart and the New Hampshire College System.

How do I request an official transcript?

If you need an official transcript, you can request a transcript through your account by selecting the link “View Unofficial Transcript".

How do students interact and debate with other students online?

The Academy supports an open source, Web-based course management system that enables students to communicate with each other. Students can upload and share materials, hold online discussions and chats, and review assignments. This invaluable experience prepares students to easily adapt to a future academic or career environment in an expanding digital world.

Does the Academy have an enrollment/admission process?

Yes, both part-time and full-time students are expected to be self motivated, possess good communication and writing skills, able to work independently, have good time management skills, and have access to a computer with an Internet connection.

In order to be eligible to become a full-time student at VLACS, a student must:

• Be a New Hampshire resident to qualify for free tuition or pay non-resident tuition in full upon admission;
• Have not earned a high school diploma;
• Not be expelled from a school or diploma granting program;
• Successfully complete the admissions application including the submission of school transcripts;
• Complete one or more half credit segments as a part time student with a 70% average or better as a part time student before becoming eligible for transitioning to full time status;
• Receive a recommendation for acceptance by the VLACS admissions team;
• Complete all coursework prior to their twenty-first birthday;

In order to be eligible to enroll in classes as a part-time student at VLACS, a student must:

• Be a New Hampshire resident to qualify for free tuition or pay non-resident tuition in full prior to enrollment;
• Have not earned a high school diploma;
• Not be expelled from a school or diploma granting program;
• Successfully complete the enrollment process;
• Complete all coursework prior to their twenty-first birthday;

How does a student apply to VLACS?

Student applications can be accessed through www.vlacs.org, or by calling our office at (603) 778-2500.

When can a student register for classes?

Students may register anytime at the school's website.

When do classes start?

Start times are flexible. During the registration process, students will be asked to select a start time that meets their educational goals.

Can students who dropped out of high school earn high school credits through VLACS?

Yes, these students are encouraged to apply to the Virtual Learning Academy. The Academy is available 24-7, offers flexible scheduling to complete coursework, and provides one-to-one interaction between the student and instructor, and as such is a viable option for older high school students who wish to earn a high school diploma without returning to the traditional classroom environment.

How many classes can a student take through VLACS?

Full-time students take a full course load of six credits per year. Part-time students can be active in no more than four classes at one time and may not take more than six credits between July 1st and June 30th of any year. Most of the courses are one-credit classes, however 0.5-credit classes are also offered.

What kind of courses can I take online?

VLACS offers more than 100 courses including basic middle school and high school courses. There are many subjects available that may not be offered in your school. The Academy offers Competency Recovery for a student needing to just complete a few fundamentals in a course. Additionally, there are many Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Virtual Learning Academy also offers dual-credit courses that offer high school and college credit simultaneously.. A complete list of courses, along with course descriptions can be accessed at http://catalog.vlacs.org/.

How does an online course work? Do I work at my own pace?

VLACS instructors guide students through the online coursework, and students can complete the work at their own pace, however, regular work submission and communication is required in all VLACS courses in accordance with the student's pace chart. For example, a strong math student can complete an Algebra course in 15 weeks, whereas a struggling Algebra student may take up to 38 weeks to complete the course. The virtual environment enables the instructor to get to know each student and challenge each student based upon his/her learning style, strengths and weaknesses.

How long will I have to complete a course?

The timeline for course completion will be flexible to meet the needs of students. Typically, students will complete a 1-credit course in about 38 weeks or complete a 0.5-credit course in 19 weeks. Students could opt to accelerate the pace of these courses or request additional time if they find the coursework too challenging.

I have questions about courses, who should I contact?

If you have questions about enrollment, registration, or courses, visit our web site www.vlacs.org and select the Contact Us page for an email contact. You may also contact us at (603) 778-2500 and the operator will direct you to the appropriate staff person.

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What credentials must instructors have?

All VLACS instructors are either New Hampshire certified or are in the certification process and deemed as highly qualified according to state standards. Administrators conduct a specialized, comprehensive hiring process for all instructors to ensure they are willing to accept and enjoy the unique and demanding challenges of online teaching. Currently, VLACS employs over 100 instructors from five New England States.

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How does the instructor actively engage students in the online environment?

In the virtual classroom, every student is actively engaged with the instructor. Each student is directly accountable for every query, question or exercise. Unlike the traditional classroom where instructors communicate with several students at all different levels, at one time, virtual instructors are in constant, one-to-one communication with each student. This environment enables the instructor to become familiar with the student's learning style and skills, and facilitate an effective, challenging learning opportunity for each student, at their own pace.

Technically, instructors communicate with students through the Academy's open source, Web-based course management system. The system enables instructors to upload and share materials, hold online discussions and chats, give quizzes and surveys, and gather and review assignments, and post grades. The system is password protected and meets stringent privacy and security standards to protect users.

How involved can parents be? How are they informed about their child's progress?

Parents are encouraged to become involved in their child's academic career at the Academy. Enrolled students will be assigned an instructor and advisor who maintains regular contact with parents about the student's progress. The advisor's role is to serve as a contact person for the student or parent regarding questions about courses, procedures, college placement.

In addition, students and parents receive a welcome call from the instructor and then monthly communication from the instructor including progress reports on the 15th of each month. The instructor will return all emails and phone calls from students and/or parents within 24-48 hours.

Do New Hampshire students pay to attend VLACS?

High school and middle school students who reside in New Hampshire are eligible to apply and attend the Academy free of charge. The Academy accepts out-of-state students when seats are available; these students will be charged tuition for attending the school.

Does funding for VLACS take away from money that supports NH public schools?

No. The state's Adequacy Education Fund and local property taxes fund New Hampshire's public education system. The state manages and distributes monies from these income sources to public school districts.

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