Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has opened applications for a new virtual learning program designed for students with long-term medical needs.
The school system had a virtual academy—the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA)—which was closed this year. According to MCPS, eliminating the academy was a decision made due to a lack of budget funding. The school board approved the operating budget with cutbacks in June.
According to MCPS, the new program is meant to provide synchronous and asynchronous virtual education for students who cannot attend school in-person for up to a year due to medical conditions. The application form has space to specify a physical or mental health condition. Applicants have to submit medical verification from a practitioner.
Asynchronous learning refers to assignments without live instruction. According to MCPS, instruction will happen during the traditional school day when possible, but synchronous instruction may happen outside the school day. Students in the program will get synchronous instruction at least four days a week, with daily sessions of asynchronous learning.
The program begins next month on Nov. 6, according to MCPS. The school system encourages those who are interested to apply as soon as possible.
