Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for VIP Academy?
The application for VIP Academy is accessible online on the VIP Academy website's Homepage. There are three steps to the application: 1) submit the application, 2) submit the two required essays, and, if chosen to move forward, 3) attend the mandatory in-person orientation meeting.
How are students considered for VIP Academy?
The following data points are reviewed: Assessment data (STAR Assessment and Georgia Milestones), attendance at current school, past and current grades, parental involvement, and number of credits already earned for students in Grades 9-12. Teachers will also evaluate the two essays each scholar submits as a part of the application process.
Can a student be withdrawn from VIP Academy by the school administration?
Yes, if a scholar and learning coach does not meet expectations outlined in the enrollment agreement, the scholar can be dropped from VIP Academy and required to return to a traditional instructional setting located within their school zone no later than the end of the semester.
If I am accepted into VIP Academy, do I have to withdraw from my home school?
Yes, current Bibb County scholars accepted into VIP Academy must withdraw from their home school. New district students should complete the online registration process for Bibb County and choose VIP Academy as a school option. If selected for VIP Academy, students from outside of Bibb County will become Bibb County students and will have to withdraw from their other school.
What is the cost to attend VIP Academy?
There is no cost to attend VIP Academy. As a Bibb County School, VIP Academy is funded by the State of Georgia and by Bibb County. VIP Academy does not require dues, tuition, or any other version of payment in order for students to attend.
What VIP Academy IS NOT?
1. Hospital Homebound Program
2. Response to Behavioral Concerns
3. Temporary Learning Environment
4. Traditional School Setting
How involved should parents and guardians be when students are in virtual school?
VIP Academy identifies parents and guardians as Learning Coaches, and we believe you play a vital role in your child's education on a daily basis. The home serves as the classroom, making use of virtual services for instructional purposes. Learning coaches are required to closely monitor their students, ensuring they meet all enrollment agreement expectations. It is important for students to have a dedicated learning space and necessary supplies for completing assignments. Additionally, learning coaches are expected to hold daily meetings with their students to ensure they are keeping up with each course, staying in communication with their teachers, completing assignments, and attending all required sessions.
What are the daily and weekly requirements for learning online?
The virtual learning platform allows flexible daily scheduling with mandatory daily attendance check-in by 10:00am. Most of our core academic classes are conducted with a live teacher, meaning that scholars will need to dedicate 1 hour and 15 minutes per class for each class meeting in a week. Within each school day a scholar could have up to 2 hours and 30 minutes of live classes (2 classes at 1 hour and 15 minutes each). The scholar will then need to dedicate another 2 to 4 hours of work to ensure he/she stays current with classwork in all classes. All together, scholars need to be prepared to spend anywhere from 4 hours to 6 hours a day completing classwork. While this is a suggested time, failure to spend adequate time completing assignments will cause the scholar to fall behind, resulting in the scholar needing to spend even more time on work at a later time.
What grade levels are eligible for VIP Academy?
VIP Academy serves scholars in grades 6-12.
Is VIP Academy the same as homeschooling?
No, while scholars do complete their work outside of the VIP building, the learning coaches are not expected to facilitate the learning. That expectation falls on the certified teachers of VIP Academy. We need the learning coach to ensure that scholars are able to complete their assignments in a safe and effective environment, but you do not have to teach the curriculum.
What textbooks, supplies, devices, and internet access are required?
VIP Academy provides each scholar with a Chromebook for use while attending VIP Academy. It is required that each student have a Bibb County issued device from VIP Academy as many of the programs that are used must be run through a Bibb County device. It is also imperative that students have a reliable, fast internet connection in order to keep up with the work load.
What are the attendance requirements for VIP Academy?
Scholars must check in through the attendance link located in the Canvas page of their homeroom class each day between Midnight and 10:00am for FTE purposes.
What are the pacing requirements for VIP Academy?
Canvas based classes: Most core academic classes will be administered by a VIP Academy teacher and will have specific class meetings online. These meetings will occur in the morning and are typically every other day. Additionally, students will have set tasks that must be completed within Canvas and which have specific start and end dates. Failure to turn in assignments by the end date will result in the assignment being marked missing and assigned a grade of zero.
Imagine learning classes: Students work at their own pace and receive most of there classroom assistance from Imaging Learning instructors. It is possible to talk with a VIP Academy teacher for assistance, but VIP Academy does not control the grades of an Imagine Learning course. These are mostly elective and CTAE classes.
What kind of diploma do VIP Academy graduates receive?
Scholars completing BCSD requirements of 23 Carnegie Units receive a Georgia High School Diploma from VIP Academy. VIP Academy is a school registered with the State of Georgia. The school code is 1311. ALL scholars enrolled in the academy are expected to matriculate and complete their high school experience with VIP Academy.
What courses are available at VIP Academy?
VIP Academy offers a full set of Core Academic courses (Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies) to all scholars in grades 6th through 12th, ensuring that each scholar has access to all the required academic courses needed to graduate. Scholars also have the opportunity to take elective classes through Imagine Learning, including foreign languages and business classes. For scholars desiring a more rigorous class option, there is the option to take AP Courses through Imagine Learning, though VIP Academy would suggest allowing us to facilitate dual-enrollment courses with local colleges and universities that would allow the scholar to take college level courses free of charge and gain both college and high school credit.
What learning management systems are utilized in VIP Academy?
VIP Academy utilizes Canvas for live taught classes and Imagine Learning for fully online courses.
How will students and parents communicate with teachers?
Communication occurs through the Parent Square app, Outlook email, and Microsoft Teams. VIP Academy also maintains a Facebook page and Snapchat account that we encourage you to follow!
Who are the teachers at VIP Academy? Are they on-site or virtual?
VIP Academy is staffed with certified teachers for tiered support and direct blended-instruction. The teachers work from our building at 2011 Riverside Drive, but will meet with your scholar in a virtual manner. Only on a few, select days will students enter the VIP Academy building.
How do I know if virtual learning is the right option for my child?
Successful virtual learning requires good time management, effective communication, independent study habits, self-motivation, and academic readiness. We encourage you to visit us for one of our information sessions to meet with us and get more detail on what it means to be a VIP Academy scholar. While VIP Academy seeks to assist as many scholars as possible with their education, we also recognize that we are not the best educational choice for many scholars.
How will I monitor my child's academic progress?
Daily monitoring is possible through the Genius SIS System, Canvas, and Infinite Campus (Parent and Student Portal).
What are the contact numbers for technical support?
Hardware: Dr. Arndra Jackson 478-779-4851
Canvas: Dr. Monica Radcliff 478-779-2579
Imagine Learning and Genius: Mrs. Lashonda Harrision 478-779-2424
Can VIP Academy students try out for sports or participate in extracurricular activities in Bibb County schools?
Yes, scholars attending VIP Academy are eligible to try out for sports and other clubs at other schools in Bibb County. Students wishing to participate in other extra curricular activities may also do so. Scholars desiring to attend VIP Academy while living in another county will need to check with their local schools to determine eligibility for sports and clubs.
Can my child enroll in CTAE courses or dual enrollment?
Yes, CTAE pathways and dual enrollment courses are offered through W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy. While taking courses at W.S. Hutchings and College and Career Academy does not transfer a scholars school enrollment, there is still an application required to join the desired program. VIP Academy can also facilitate dual-enrollment with local colleges and universities to ensure that each student is able to get the best education possible, and tailored to his or her needs.
What standardized testing is required of VIP Academy students?
Scholars must take all state-mandated (BEACON and Georgia Milestones) and district benchmark assessments (Star Assessment, Writescore, Unit Assessments). We try to administer many of the test virtually, but BEACON and Georgia Milestones are secure tests and must be taken in person, on our campus at 2011 Riverside Dr.
Can a VIP Academy student transfer back to a traditional campus during the school year?
While it's recommended for virtual scholars to commit to a full school year, transfers can be considered at the end of a semester. However, this is not highly recommended due to the personalized support provided for virtual success.