Admissions Criteria 

Students can apply through the LRSD Registration portal. 

Each student will be asked to complete a selection process. 

Families will receive notice of acceptance by mail.

LRSD Virtual Academy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

WHAT IS THE LRSD VIRTUAL ACADEMY (LRSDVA)?

LRSDVA is a virtual school option for students in K-12th grades within the Little Rock School District.  The goal of the LRSDVA is to provide students a flexible learning option with enriching learning experiences that target individual student needs.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LRSDVA?

LRSDVA is an exceptional opportunity for students who want to attend school virtually during the current school year for various reasons.

Research suggests successful secondary (6-12th) virtual students tend to have the following traits and supports: 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ASYNCHRONOUS AND HYBRID LEARNING? 

There is flexibility in being a virtual student by the nature of the way that students “attend school”; however, students enrolled in LRSD’s Virtual Academy have a choice between asynchronous or hybrid learning options.  This allows parents/students to choose a learning method that best fits the needs of the student.   

Asynchronous Learning

Asynchronous students will access pre-recorded teacher-led instructional videos, and interact with the teacher and other students in the class using a variety of methods (i.e. email, discussion boards, message threads via Schoology, etc.). Students will use Schoology to access additional instructional resources and submit assignments. 

Hybrid

Hybrid Students can complete work asynchronously online AND attend in-person classes on certain days.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR THE DISTRICT’S VIRTUAL ACADEMY?

Student Perspective

Flexibility (i.e. students who have to work, teenage parents, physical/emotional conditions that prohibit them from thriving in an in-person setting, choice in individualized learning path, meets the need of a home-bound student even on a temporary basis, ensures a learning environment for those students who have failed to thrive in a brick and mortar setting, provides a local/public option for students to be a part of LRSD who would have previously had to choose a charter or private virtual school) 

Teacher Perspective

Flexible scheduling, option for certified/qualified teachers who have a medical condition to continue serving students, avenue to learn/use innovative instructional methods, staff could become trainers or “model program” for effectively integrating technology, ability to focus and best serve student needs in one set instructional delivery method) 

WHO MAY APPLY?

Any 6-12 student who lives within Pulaski County may apply for LRSD’s Virtual Academy. 

HOW DO I APPLY?

To apply to attend LRSD’s Virtual Academy, click here.  Once the initial application is completed online, you will receive communication from the school.

CAN MY STUDENT RETURN TO IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION DURING THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR?  

No, virtual students will be assigned to the virtual school for the entire school year.

See the applicable grade level plan for additional details regarding the intervention for students who may begin to struggle academically in the virtual setting.  

Please note, if students do not maintain a 60% in all core subject areas they will be provided additional support before being dismissed from the LRSD Virtual Academy and assigned back to in-person instruction. 

HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL BE IN MY STUDENT’S VIRTUAL CLASS? 

6^th – 12^th grades (40 students per section/class with a 170 total student max per teacher.)

IS THERE A FEE TO ATTEND THE VIRTUAL ACADEMY?

No, there is no charge to attend the Virtual Academy.  Students will need to purchase normal school supplies for use at home (i.e. paper, pencils, color pencils, pens, etc.).  Students enrolled in the Virtual Academy will be assigned a district owned chromebook to use to complete school work. Parents are strongly encouraged to purchase chromebook insurance to protect the district owned device from theft and/or damage. 

WILL STUDENTS BE REQUIRED TO COME TO THE ACADEMY FACE-TO-FACE AT ANY TIME IN THE SCHOOL YEAR?

Yes, Virtual Academy students will be required to take both district and state-mandated tests in person at the Virtual Academy under the supervision of the Virtual Academy certified staff. A testing schedule will be provided for all Virtual Academy grade levels before the start of the school year. 

Additional assessments may also require a virtual student to come to the Virtual Academy, depending on the need(s) of each student and the applicable supportive service requirements. 

WILL VIRTUAL ACADEMY STUDENTS GET TO PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS AND/OR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES?

Yes, Virtual Academy students are eligible to participate in athletic and extracurricular activities that are offered/sponsored by their in-person school of record. Virtual Academy students must meet the same eligibility requirements as traditional in-person students must meet for the applicable athletic team and/or extracurricular. 

Middle School

Virtual Math

Devon Holmes

A Days

12:20-1:40

Virtual Science

Nicholson Weaver

A Days

8:55-10:15

Virtual Social Studies

Michael Harris

B Days

12:20-1:40

Virtual English

April Moore

B Days

8:55-10:15

High School

Virtual Maths

Rebecca Barnett

B Days 

10:54-12:19

Virtual Sciences

Anthony Wood

B Days

4:05-5:25

Virtual Social Studies

Bobby Harris

B Days

2:29-4:00

Virtual English

Jennifer Oakley

A Days

2:29-4:00

Virtual Spanish

Margarita Perez

A Days

10:54-12:19

Virtual Oral Communications

Jonas White

B Days

12:54-2:25

Virtual Music Appreciation

Phillip Rollins

A Days

12:54-2:25

Wendy Minor, Principal

Elementary (K-5)

wendy.minor@lrsd.org

(501) 447-5100

 

Philicia Bell, LRSD Virtual Academy POC

Middle School (6-8)

philicia.bell@lrsd.org

(501) 447-2600  

 

Quintin Cain, Principal

Middle School (6-8)

quintin.cain@lrsd.org

(501) 447-2600

 

Joel Spencer, LRSD Virtual Academy POC

Secondary (9-12)

joel.spencer@lrsd.org

(501) 447-1927   

 

Carlton McGee, Principal

Secondary (9-12)

carlton.mcgee@lrsd.org

(501) 447-1900