For students who want flexibility with course selection, or want to take classes that are not offered in-person, Meridian has many options. From Hybrid Classroom classes (Hy-C) to the Arlington Career Center, students have many course selection opportunities that are not standard, on-campus courses. One of these many options is Virtual Virginia.
Virtual Virginia is an enterprise of the Virginia Department of Education. It allows students to take courses online that are otherwise not offered at their local school. These courses count for credit and can be added to a transcript.Virtual Virginia classes are taken through Canvas, an online interface similar to Schoology.
Students progress through modules to complete assignments and work through the course. Unlike Hy-C courses, Virtual Virginia courses have deadlines which students are expected to complete on time. On average, most modules are about one day of work. Oftentimes, the teacher assigns a Youtube video or has students read brief passages related to the assignment.
Virtual Virginia allows students to choose from an extremely wide variety of courses. In total, Virtual Virginia offers 127 different high school options. From African American History to AP German, students can explore a multitude of subjects. Some notable courses include AP Chinese Language and Culture, World Mythology, College Composition I (Dual Enrollment) and Data Science.
At the bottom of every student’s course registration form, above the list of alternate electives, there is a category marked “Virtual Virginia.” Students can simply click on the hyperlink, choose a course, and write down their selected choice. Then they must follow up with their counselor to confirm their decision.
Additionally, Virtual Virginia allows students to take summer courses that Meridian does not offer.
Virtual Virginia provides an opportunity to take summer courses that we do not offer through our Summer Academy,” Counselor Mr. Brad McAdam explained.
Courses are offered in two cohorts. Cohort 1 classes run from June 3 to July 12 and Cohort 2 classes run from June 17 to July 26. They also offer credit recovery courses such as Biology I and Algebra II. Summer registration opens on March first.
