VirtualSC Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about VirtualSC here.

Below are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about VirtualSC.  Click on any of the questions below to view the answer.  If you cannot find the answer to your question listed below, please call us at (803) 734-8039 or email virtualsc@ed.sc.gov.

General Program Questions

Using the SC Uniform Grading Policy the following Excel spreadsheet was created to demonstrate how the GPA is calculated. This is only for demonstration and is not to be used for transcript calculations.  Example file

Please visit our Tutorials page for more information on how to Create a Student Account, Request a Course and Drop a Course.

If you are having trouble uploading a video assignment, please review the Link to Video questions webpage or contact your VirtualSC teacher for assistance.

 

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Chrome OS  50.390%

Desktop  96.6923%
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 other .0003%  Updated 5/12/23

Yes, a final exam is required for all initial credit courses (not Credit Recovery). Final exams must be proctored, and count for 20% of the student’s final grade.  Students enrolled in courses that require an EOC exam must take the EOC exam in order for a grade to be issued for the course. For more information on Final Exams, click here.

Initial credit core courses offered by VirtualSC are approved by the NCAA for students planning to play NCAA sports in college.  Credit Recovery (CR) courses in those subjects are not approved by the NCAA.

Yes, all the VirtualSC courses are aligned to the state and national standards. Once a VirtualSC course is complete, students will be issued a grade, and the sponsor school will award high school credit and add the course to the transcript.

PLEASE NOTE: When downloading the browser plug-ins below, some websites may ask you to download additional software. You must choose “no” or un-check the box for the software if you do not wish to download additional content.

Browser Plug-ins — The most current versions are recommended

–          Acrobat Reader (https://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/) or a Browser that opens a PDF natively

Computer Requirements

–          1+ GHz machine, preferably running Windows 10+

–          If on a MAC then Intel chip, M1, or M2 running OSX 10.9+

–          Minimum of 10 GB free HDD space

–          A broadband connection, 3+ Mb/s, is strongly recommended. The connection should not have a changing IP mid-session, so TOR services and/or other multiple proxy services might disconnect from the LMS session.

–          Windows 7, 8 (Chrome, Firefox or Opera)

–          Windows 10 (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Opera)

–          Microsoft Office, Open Office or Google Docs/Drive (Some Computer courses require Microsoft Office which will be notated within course registration)

–          1+ GB RAM, preferably 4+ GB

–          Display setting 1024×768 resolution or higher

–          Students need a method to save work to a portable/re-writable medium (USB, cloud)

–          Audio: Sound card with speakers, microphone or headset

 

For more information, please review our Troubleshooting Guide.

Students are not required to own a computer, but we do require that students have access to a computer with internet.  We do not provide computers to students. If you do not have a computer at home, contact your local library and school media center to see if they might be able to help.

While there are some parts of our courses that are accessible through tablets and smartphones, students will not be able to complete the entire course on these devices. It is required that all VirtualSC students have access to a computer with internet capabilities.

Technology requirements should be reviewed and tested on your computer before beginning a VirtualSC course.

VirtualSC does not limit the number of courses a student can take; although, our program suggests that students do not take more than 4 courses at one time.

It is best to discuss the VirtualSC course load with a school counselor. VirtualSC offers three course sessions so students can review their schedules to determine the best time to take a course.

Students in grades 7-12 that are enrolled in a South Carolina public school, private school, home school or Adult Education program can take VirtualSC courses. VirtualSC has also started offering a few middle level courses that are available to students in grades 6-8.

Middle School

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

More frequently asked questions about VSC can be found at our main program website FAQs

If you are a student, guardian, a school interested in learning more about VirtualSC middle school courses, contact us at virtualsc@ed.sc.gov

What other support will I have as a student?

As a student in a VirtualSC middle school course, you will also be supported by a team of student service professionals. Before or during enrollment, representatives from the Student and Schools Services Team are only a phone call or email away. You can reach them at 803-734-8039 or virtualsc@ed.sc.gov

Are state end-of-year examinations required?

Statewide assessments for middle school such as SCReady or SCPass are administered by schools. VirtualSC is a supplemental program and does not administer statewide testing. Check with your school for questions about end-of-year statewide assessment requirements and scheduling.

Will I take a proctored exam?

No. Yearlong math, social studies, science, and English courses do not require exams to be proctored, but will have benchmark assessments at the end of semester one and two. Semester long elective courses may have a final benchmark quiz or assignment, but proctoring is not required for completion.

How does my teacher communicate with me?

Whether you enroll in a single course or multiple courses, you are supported by highly qualified, engaging teachers from registration to final grades. VirtualSC’s middle school teachers work as a team to communicate important information, calendar dates, and presentations specific to our middle school students. Students receive messages at the VSCDashboard and in their course. Our teachers work hard to give individualized attention and feedback to each student enrolled in their courses and are available to meet online or by phone during office hours.

Will any live online session be offered?

Live sessions with teachers are offered and participation is encouraged, but attendance in your VirtualSC course is recorded by your work completed on time.

Do I have to attend class online each day?

No. VirtualSC is flexible!- Each course will publish a pacing guide of due dates to help you plan an individualized schedule. VirtualSC is available 24/7 which means you will have the flexibility to complete coursework anytime before it is due.

Do you offer advanced courses?

Our middle school math and English courses include advanced activities if you are seeking a challenge. The advanced activities are available to all students enrolled in the course but are not required. If you are interested in the advanced track, your teacher will support you and will issue your final grade report with an advanced designation. 

Can I take more than one VirtualSC course?

You can choose to take one or more courses with us. We offer Math, English, Social Studies and Science.  Elective courses for middle school are also available each semester. Be sure to check our current course offerings for elective course titles that may interest you.

Can I finish late?

No. VirtualSC partners with your sponsor to provide a final grade and publishes the due date for when those grades will be finalized for each enrollment . Teachers will work closely with you to keep you on pace to finish your course by the final deadline. 

Can I finish early?

Yes. Teachers will publish a course pacing guide, but students can work ahead of pace. When all graded assignments are completed, a student will be issued a final grade report.

Can I enroll after a course begins?

No. VirtualSC enrollments are approved only during the registration period and open and close on the published calendar schedule.

When can I enroll?

You may request a course during registration. Visit our Dates and Deadlines webpage.

VirtualSC’s middle school courses are available for yearlong and semester enrollments depending on the course titles. Math, Science, English and Social Studies courses run over two consecutive semesters—beginning in September and ending in May. Elective courses are usually offered in a single semester.

Because VirtualSC is a supplemental program and not a school, your enrollments must be approved by your public, private or homeschool sponsor. In addition, your sponsor will monitor your progress and record your final course grade on your school transcript.

Are there required daily meetings?

No. VirtualSC middle school courses are designed for asynchronous content delivery and are led by a South Carolina certified teacher communicating via class announcements, messaging, online meetings and phone calls. This offers students the flexibility to complete online learning from any location 24/7 with the added benefit of direct personalized feedback and support. There are no daily required meetings. Attendance is based on completion of work on time.

How much does a VirutalSC course cost?

There is no cost to enroll in a VirtualSC middle school course. Individual enrollments are free to South Carolina students.

Parent Questions

Using the SC Uniform Grading Policy the following Excel spreadsheet was created to demonstrate how the GPA is calculated. This is only for demonstration and is not to be used for transcript calculations.  Example file

Need some help troubleshooting? Use this link link to review some common problems and possible ways to fix them. If you still need assistance after reviewing this information, please contact Student Services at 803-734-8039 or virtualsc@ed.sc.gov.

VirtualSC does not limit the number of courses a student can take; although, our program suggests that students do not take more than 4 courses at one time.

It is best to discuss the VirtualSC course load with a school counselor. VirtualSC offers three course sessions so students can review their schedules to determine the best time to take a course.

Students in grades 7-12 that are enrolled in a South Carolina public school, private school, home school or Adult Education program can take VirtualSC courses. VirtualSC has also started offering a few middle level courses that are available to students in grades 6-8.

VirtualSC is a free state-sponsored online program serving students currently attending public, private and home schools in grades 7-12 and Adult Education Programs. We offer free rigorous online courses aligned to state standards that are developed and taught by Highly Qualified, SC licensed teachers.

Sponsor & Counselor Questions

VirtualSC does not limit the number of courses a student can take; although, our program suggests that students do not take more than 4 courses at one time.

It is best to discuss the VirtualSC course load with a school counselor. VirtualSC offers three course sessions so students can review their schedules to determine the best time to take a course.

Students in grades 7-12 that are enrolled in a South Carolina public school, private school, home school or Adult Education program can take VirtualSC courses. VirtualSC has also started offering a few middle level courses that are available to students in grades 6-8.

Student Questions

Using the SC Uniform Grading Policy the following Excel spreadsheet was created to demonstrate how the GPA is calculated. This is only for demonstration and is not to be used for transcript calculations.  Example file

Please visit our Tutorials page for more information on how to Create a Student Account, Request a Course and Drop a Course.

If you are having trouble uploading a video assignment, please review the Link to Video questions webpage or contact your VirtualSC teacher for assistance.

Need some help troubleshooting? Use this link link to review some common problems and possible ways to fix them. If you still need assistance after reviewing this information, please contact Student Services at 803-734-8039 or virtualsc@ed.sc.gov.

VirtualSC does not limit the number of courses a student can take; although, our program suggests that students do not take more than 4 courses at one time.

It is best to discuss the VirtualSC course load with a school counselor. VirtualSC offers three course sessions so students can review their schedules to determine the best time to take a course.

Students in grades 7-12 that are enrolled in a South Carolina public school, private school, home school or Adult Education program can take VirtualSC courses. VirtualSC has also started offering a few middle level courses that are available to students in grades 6-8.

VirtualSC is a free state-sponsored online program serving students currently attending public, private and home schools in grades 7-12 and Adult Education Programs. We offer free rigorous online courses aligned to state standards that are developed and taught by Highly Qualified, SC licensed teachers.

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