Frequently Asked Questions

VLAC is asynchronous, home-based virtual learning opportunity for students in grades K-12. Our program is a public school option for parents (and other caregivers) that are willing to guide their child's learning but preferring a flexible, home-based environment. 

Students in Grades K-8 have a VLAC teacher who grades and provides feedback in six classes per semester

Students in Grades 9-12 have a VLAC mentor teacher who helps students connect with content area teachers contracted through our curriculum partners, Imagine and Lincoln. 

VLAC is a public school program offered at no charge to families. Participating districts pay tuition to VLAC so that students can utilize VLAC.

Open enrollment begins in late spring (generally in mid May). During open enrollment, parents can initiate the enrollment process. Families must still enroll in a district. The district must still approve each enrollment.

Enrollment closes the Friday after Labor Day. It is recommended that enrollment be completed no later than August 1st, so the family can complete the enrollment process and have all materials the first day of school. Families completing enrollment in late August may not have materials the first day of school. VLAC's flexible calendar does allow for this.

After the first Friday of the school year, students can enroll if the district agree to or initiates the enrollment. Parents cannot start the enrollment process online as they can during open enrollment. Generally, the district needs to see a need for the enrollment to begin the process. If you are interested in enrolling in VLAC outside our enrollment windows we suggest talking with your district enrollment office. Not sure who to contact? Email info@vlac.org and we will contact your district on your behalf.
 

VLAC starts the Tuesday after Labor Day.
 

VLAC K-5 families have Michigan Empowered Lincoln Learning curriculum. The curriculum is high quality and fully aligned with state standards. Students can choose electives from Lincoln and Defined. Check the curriculum page for detailed information. 

VLAC Middle and High school uses Imagine and Lincoln Learning courses that meet all the requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum allowing student to earn a  diploma from your sending school district. Students who need to meet NCAA requirements will find a variety of courses to choose from. See middle and high school pages under curriculum for more information. 

Parents must enroll their student in a local school district that participates with VLAC. Each student is required to work with a learning guide in the student’s home. Students are required to respond to a minimum of one (1) contact per week that is initiated by their VLAC teacher. Students in grades 3-8 and 11 are required to participate in the annual required state assessments.  

VLAC serves students in Genesee, Lapeer County, Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties. Please visit our Participating Districts​ page for a complete list of districts.

Students who enroll in VLAC are provided with technology equipment (including computer package and internet access for qualifying students) and materials needed to participate in the program. Though materials when available are shipped to students, courses can be completed without physical materials. 

Students in Grades K-5 are receive books, Science kits, and other needed learning materials.

Students in Grades 6-8 in Lincoln receive Science kits. 

Students in Grades 9-12 enrolled in Advanced Placement classes that require a textbook and/or lab equipment are provided with materials. 

VLAC offers one computer per student. Students in grades K-5 also receive a printer, ink and paper. Students in Grades 6-8 can request printers which are provided if devices are available. VLAC will also provide internet access for qualifying students. After a student has completed one full year of the VLAC program, the computer and/or printer may be purchased at a depreciated value. For additional information regarding technology families may refer to the Acceptable Use Agreement​.

Students will need the listed minimum configurations in order to participate in the program.

Highly qualified Michigan teachers provide VLAC students with instructional oversight and daily curriculum support. VLAC teachers and mentors are available to meet with students and parents by appointment. Students in Grades 9-12 have highly qualified content area teachers for each class and teachers are available to meet with students during office hours and by appointment. VLAC Partners may offer online on-demand chat or other immediate supports.

No.  Students must complete online checkpoints and assessments. Daily lessons for most grade levels require regular online activity.

Yes. VLAC can be an option for students with an IEP if it is determined that a student will benefit from VLAC. The student's school district of enrollment must approve VLAC placement as part of the student's IEP. We strongly encourage the sending district hold a transition IEP when moving students placement to VLAC.

Yes. VLAC can be an option for students who have long term suspensions or students who are expelled. Expelled and suspended students must be approved for placement by the school district of enrollment.

Yes, students in grades 3-8 and 11 are required to participate in annual State testing. These tests require several days of in person attendance during the school year. VLAC also offers WIDA and MIACCESS for qualifying students.

Parent (and other caregivers) participation is vital to student success in the program. To be successful, our program requires a five-day-a-week schedule similar to the time spent in a traditional classroom. It is recommended that you dedicate an average of five hours per day of your home school schedule to working with your child.

The schedule can vary every day, based on family schedules and the student’s mastery of that day’s lessons. Virtual programs can be incorporated into vacation and other times. Many families report that VLAC allows for efficient use of time while providing the flexibility that they need.

Please note that during the first two weeks of the school year teachers will hold required daily live lessons in order to teach success strategies and ensure students have access to online courses. 

Home-schooling places all of the responsibility and decision-making on the family: you decide what curriculum to use and how, where and when to teach your child. You will generally be responsible for paying for the curriculum as well. A virtual public school is a tuition-free home based schooling option with support from highly qualified teachers, using a proven curriculum that meets state and national standards.

Yes. Events are planned throughout the school year. Attendance is optional and some events may require a small fee.

Families are welcome to email info@vlac.org to schedule a personalized virtual or phone meeting with our staff.