Parent FAQs

Can my student enroll with VirtualSC full-time?

Since VirtualSC is not a school, but a supplementary program, we do not have a full-time enrollment option.  Students must already be enrolled with a public, private, or homeschool or an Adult Education program.

How many VirtualSC courses can my student take?

Generally most students can successfully take 2-3 VirtualSC courses at a time. Although we do not limit the number of courses students can take, most students can not handle the course load of 4 or more courses at the same time.

It is best to discuss with your school counselor how many courses are best for your student. Remember, courses can be requested during any one of our three sessions, so take a look at your students schedule to determine if they will have the time to commit to an online course.

Does my student need to have their own computer for VirtualSC?

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. The great thing about the VirtualSC is that courses can be accessed anywhere at anytime as long as your have a computer and internet access. If you do not have a computer at home, contact your local library and school media center to see if they might help you. Although, our technology requirements cannot always be satisfied on a public computer.

While there are some parts of our courses that are accessible through tablets and smartphones, you 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.

 

What are the technology requirements for my computer?

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.

For questions or concerns regarding software requirements for Blackboard Collaborate, please call: 877-382-2293.

Browser Plug-ins — The most current versions are recommended

· Oracle Java Version 8 Update 91 (http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp)

· Flash 22.0 or higher (https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/)

· Shockwave (Operating System Dependent)

· Acrobat Reader 11.0.08 or higher (https://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/)

PC Requirements

-          Pentium III (500 MHz minimum, higher recommended)

-          Minimum of 10 GB free HDD space

-          128k internet connection. A broadband connection is strongly recommended.

-          Windows XP, Vista  (not recommended, but might work – use Firefox browser)

-          Windows 7, 8 ( better but use Firefox instead of IE )

-          Windows 10 (use Edge browser or Firefox )

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

-          1 GB RAM

-          Display setting 1024×768 resolution

-          Printer access required

-          Internet Explorer version 8.0 or higher

-          Firefox version 15.0 or higher

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

-          Audio: Sound card with speakers, microphone or headset

Macintosh Requirements

-          Intel chip Mac

-          OSX

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

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

-          1 GB RAM

-          Minimum of 10 GB free HDD space

-          12x CD ROM (CD/DVD Recommended)

-          128k internet connection. A broadband connection is strongly recommended.

-          Display setting 1024×768 resolution

-          Printer access required

-          Safari browser or Firefox version 15.0 or higher

-          Audio: Speakers and microphone or headset

Suggestions

-          Windows 10  or OS-X (Intel chip) with all updates

-          Java, Flash, Adobe Reader, Shockwave  all updated

-          Broadband internet connection

-          Office,  Open Office, or Google Docs

-          Display setting of 1024 x 768

-          Edge browser, Firefox 47+, Chrome

-          4+ GB of Ram

-          512+ MB  video card

 

For more information, please review our Troubleshooting Guide.

What kinds of courses does VirtualSC offer?

VirtualSC offers the following course leves:

  • Advanced Placement (AP)
  • Honors
  • College Prep (CP)
  • Credit Recovery (CR)

To view the entire Course Catalog, click here.

How much do VirtualSC courses cost?

VirtualSC courses are offered free-of-charge! Courses include the classroom materials online, including the textbook (computers/devices must be provided by the student).

Do VirtualSC courses have Final Exams?

Yes! All initial credit courses require a proctored final exam (credit recovery courses do not).  Final exams count as 20% of the student's final grade.

Algebra 1, Biology 1, English 1 and US History and Constitution are the only courses that do not require a proctored final exam, because of the state-mandated EOCEP that is required.

For more information on VirtualSC final exams, click here.

Can I view the grades of my student?

Yes! Parents can create their own account by clicking "Sign Up" at the top right hand corner of the page.  You will need your students VirtualSC account information and VirtualSC ID number.

With the parent/guardian account, you will be able to view your student's schedule and grade.

If I had an account in the old VSA system, do I need to create a new account to use the VirtualSC Dashboard?

Yes, you will need to create a new account.  Accounts that were active in the VSA system did not carry over to the new VirtualSC Dashboard.  This includes all users: students, counselors and parents.

For instructions on how to create your new account, please check the Tutorials page.