These grades are a critical period of social, emotional, and academic development. Because course offerings for these grades are structured to build foundational skills preparing students for success in high school and beyond, maximizing the in-person classroom experience is vital.

While virtual learning platforms offer flexibility, on-campus, face-to-face instruction remains the standard and most effective learning environment for middle school students. Primarily, virtual coursework for these grades will be used as an alternative placement tailored to specific student circumstances, including:

• Documented Medical or Health Needs: For students experiencing extended illness, injury, or other health-related circumstances that prevent regular physical attendance.
• Administrative & Student Support Placements: For situations where school administration determines that an alternative learning environment is necessary to best support the student’s behavioral, disciplinary, or personal adjustment needs.

• Time Intensive Extracurricular Activities: For students exploring areas such as performing arts, athletics, or other fields that may require travel or schedules that would interfere with attending in-person school on a regular basis. 

Before any 7th or 8th-grade student can be transitioned to a virtual course, a consultation must take place involving the school counselor and the student's parent/guardian.