Virtual Learning Classrooms

Virtual Learning Classrooms (VLC) offers virtual learning opportunities to students in middle and high school grades across the city. To provide increased equity and access to courses, the program offers schools the opportunity to enroll students in classes that are not currently offered at their school including world language, dual enrollment with SUNY and CUNY, Advanced Placement and electives.

Through VLC, schools are able to increase their course offerings, staff hard to staff classes, and help students earn advanced diplomas and college credit.

During the day, students from multiple schools with similar bell schedules are scheduled for a class. The live classes are taught synchronously by centrally hired teachers. Using Zoom, students interact with the teacher and other students as they participate in rigorous and engaging classes. There are also synchronous classes available at nontraditional times of day.

Want to learn more? Email VLC@schools.nyc.gov

Expectations

  • In general, during traditional school hours, students are expected to join classes from their home schools and are supervised and supported by home school staff. The staff supervising students is responsible for taking attendance, troubleshooting technology, providing in person student support, and regularly communicating with the virtual teacher.
  • If students are enrolled in a school that is running an approved NYCPS virtual learning program (i.e. School Based Virtual Learning) or if students are participating in classes held at nontraditional times, they may take VLC classes remotely. In those cases, a school liaison will need to be identified to support students and communicate with the virtual teacher.
  • All students are required to have access to a computer with a camera and headset (with a microphone) to participate in virtual classes. If any students are participating in classes from remote locations, the school should verify the student's internet access.
  • Schools need to program students thoughtfully. Students should opt into a virtual class, enjoy online learning, and be prepared for the academic rigor of advanced courses. 
  • Per New York State regulations, parents must opt into virtual learning.

Teachers

The virtual teachers are highly trained teachers that enjoy virtual teaching. They use a variety of EdTech tools and strategies to connect with students and ensure an engaging learning environment. Virtual teachers are NYCPS licensed and the teachers of record. They are supervised centrally.

Benefits

  • Students have access to high interest, rigorous classes that they otherwise would not be able to take in-person.
  • High school students can earn college credits and middle school students can earn high school credits.
  • Students can earn advanced diplomas and qualify for the New York State Seal of Biliteracy.
  • Schools can increase course variety and offer specialized courses.
  • Schools can use virtual classes to recruit and retain students.
  • Virtual classes can help with school space constraints.
  • VLC prepares students for virtual work and college environments.

For school year 26-27, participating schools will need to pay the following fees to offer Virtual Learning Classroom courses:

  • Annual course student fee:
    • $1000 to enroll up to 4 students in a class section
    • $2750​ to enroll between 5 and 10 students in a class section
    • $4125​ to enroll between 11 and 15 students in a class section
    • $5500​ to enroll between 16 and 20 students in a class section
    • $7500 to enroll over 20 students in a class section (class cannot exceed contractual class size rules)
  • Semester course student fee:
    • $500 to enroll up to 4 students in a class section
    • $1375​ to enroll between 5 and 10 students in a class section
    • $2060​ to enroll between 11 and 15 students in a class section
    • $2750​ to enroll between 16 and 20 students in a class section
    • $3750 to enroll over 20 students in a class section (class cannot exceed contractual class size rules)
  • Annual course student fee for the following course only: Spanish Year 1
    • $1400 to enroll up to 4 students in a class section
    • $3500 to enroll between 5 and 10 students in a class section
    • $5250​ to enroll between 11 and 15 students in a class section
    • $7000​ to enroll between 16 and 20 students in a class section
    • $10,500 to enroll over 20 students in a class section (class cannot exceed contractual class size rules)
  • Semester course student fee for the following course only: Health
    • $700 to enroll up to 4 students in a class section
    • $1750​ to enroll between 5 and 10 students in a class section
    • $2625​ to enroll between 11 and 15 students in a class section
    • $3500​ to enroll between 16 and 20 students in a class section
    • $5250 to enroll over 20 students in a class section (class cannot exceed contractual class size rules)