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About VLACS
The Established, Respected Leader in Customized Learning
When learning is customized for each student’s strengths, challenges, interests, and talents, every student is empowered to succeed.
A Unique Approach for Unique Students
Our approach to teaching and learning helps elementary, middle, high school, and adult learners worldwide to meet their educational goals on their own terms. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, state-approved public charter school, our programs are free to all New Hampshire residents in grades K-12 and under the age of 21. All others pay out-of-state tuition. The success of our students is our only motivation.
Why VLACS
For students looking for a more flexible, customized educational experience, VLACS offers the opportunity to learn at your own pace and in your own way. Whether you want to enroll in one or more courses to supplement your education at a traditional school, or you want to attend VLACS full-time, you’ll get a wealth of subjects to choose from, individualized instruction from experienced teachers, and a wide range of learning options that take you from the virtual classroom to the workplace and beyond.
Our Students
From Kindergarten to adult learning and everything in between, our students come to VLACS with a variety of needs, interests, and talents. Our unique customized learning model provides you with the opportunity to determine when, where, and how to learn based on your needs, interests, and talents.
Many of our students attend part-time to explore an area of interest not offered in their home district, or to allow themselves to learn at a pace that’s different from the traditional academic calendar. Others use VLACS to support homeschool learning. Some enroll full-time and earn their diploma through VLACS. Whatever your educational goals, VLACS is here to help you achieve them.
VLACS Students by the Numbers
76%
Public school
11%
Homeschool
6%
VLACS full time
3%
Private School
1%
Charter School
3%
Withdrawn / Unknown School
Hear from Our Students
[My teacher] was so nice. She was always super interested in what I was doing. That’s why I love VLACS so much. I never feel like I’m wasting my time with my VLACS work. Everything is super helpful in my learning.
For me, VLACS is the freedom to be my own person. Every one of the teachers, faculty, and staff I have interacted with during my time here have encouraged me to be nothing but the best and most authentic version of myself. I’ve truly never enjoyed education as much as I have with VLACS.
My experience with VLACS has been exceptional. I have been able to complete coursework at my own pace, and I can choose which courses interest me. My instructors encourage me to do my best, while providing support along the way.
VLACS not only feels like a second chance at a diploma but as an additional support system… and some instructors feel like wonderful friends.
Learning Opportunities
At VLACS, the world is your classroom. Our students choose when, where, and how they learn based on their needs, interests, and talents. With our customized learning model, you can take a traditional course at your own pace, design an independent project, or take advantage of the many opportunities for hands-on and non-traditional learning.
Courses are academically rigorous, and all VLACS students work one-on-one with experienced instructors who provide the support they need to succeed. With no pre-set timetable, you’ll be able to take things at your own pace and replace a “pass or fail” mindset with the flexibility to advance when you’re ready.
Approvals
VLACS is a fully approved public charter school under the jurisdiction of the New Hampshire Board of Education, which sets standards and approves all public schools in the state. Our wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses are audited by the College Board on an annual basis, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approves certain courses for prospective student-athletes seeking initial NCAA eligibility.
- College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) code: 300188
- NCAA approved courses can be found here using the CEEB code
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) A+ rating
Articles & Awards
We are proud to be recognized for excellence in education with awards and mentions in the media.
Podcasts
- Learning Out Loud: Rewriting the Rules to Match the Game Your Want to Play
- The Learning Accelerator: Beyond Brick and Mortar
Selected Articles
- eSchool News: 5 learner-centered education models to inspire reform
- Getting Smart: Unbundled: Designing Personalized Pathways for Every Learner
- Christensen Institute: K-12 Value Networks: The Hidden Forces that Help of Hinder Learner-centered Education
- The Learning Accelerator: VLACS Profile
- The New York Times: Online Public Schools
- Pointful Education: Promoting Student Ownership through Career Education
Awards
- New Hampshire Excellence in Education Special Recognition Award: 2009 and 2016
- Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Recipient: 2012
- New England Conference on Gifted & Talented: 2009
Our History
Bringing customized learning to students through technology for 15 years.
2007
VLACS Charter Established
The New Hampshire Board of Education approved the first charter application of the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School.
2008
Opened to Students
The school accepted its first students, with approximately 700 enrollments.
2009
VLACS at NECGT
VLACS was recognized at the New England Conference on Gifted Education and Talent Development.
2012
Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence Recipient
The Commissioner’s Circle of Excellence recognizes schools and districts that aspire to excellence by being innovative in service to children.
2013
Charter Renewed
The New Hampshire Board of Education unanimously approved the charter renewal application and extended the school’s charter for an additional five years.
2013
Curriculum Expansion Plan
The charter renewal included future plans to add a full-time middle school program, expanding the curriculum to include selected elementary school courses, and providing programming for adult learners.
2016
VLACS awarded the NH Excellence in Education Special Recognition Award
This award is issued to New Hampshire schools and educators by the New Hampshire Excellence in Education Awards Board of Directors and applied by selection committees of experienced New Hampshire educators and community leaders.
2018
Growing and Thriving
VLACS is one of the largest statewide virtual schools in the United States.
2020
Pandemic Response
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, VLACS applied its years of experience in online education to provide students, parents, and educators support with their transition to remote learning. During this time, we served thousands of students, and expanded our program to the K-5 level.
Visit Our Knowledge Base
Have a VLACS question? Search our Knowledge Base for instant answers about our programs, courses, admissions, and more.
VLACS Equal Opportunity Fund
Please consider joining us in our initiative to provide financial support to students and adults who need assistance achieving their educational and career goals.
