Virtual Learning Academy
Description
Questar III’s Virtual Learning Academy provides districts with comprehensive and flexible virtual learning solutions. These services support instructional continuity and offer students increased access to elective and core academic courses, credit recovery options, and specialized tutoring. Leveraging partnerships and certified staff, Questar III ensures high-quality virtual instruction tailored to a variety of student needs, including homebound learners and summer school enrollees. The academy includes distance learning, online instruction, and full-credit virtual courses for students across grade levels.
Programs & Services
Distance Learning Partnership (COSER 431.000)
Through a partnership with NERIC, Questar III school districts can join a regional distance learning community. This network allows programs to be shared via a high-definition interactive video system. Courses are taught in real-time to students across multiple locations, enabling districts to expand academic offerings without additional staffing.
Highlights of Distance Learning
- Participation in regional distance learning community
- State-of-the-art, high-definition interactive video system
- Increased student access to elective and required courses
Online Learning (COSER 441.010)
Online Learning offers school districts flexible options to meet increasing educational demands despite limited resources. These programs help address staff shortages and scheduling conflicts while allowing students to complete coursework online. Credit accrual and recovery are offered in collaboration with approved vendors.
Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) (COSER 441.020)
The Virtual Learning Academy provides first-time credit courses across a wide range of subjects. Instruction is delivered by Questar III NYS Certified Teachers using structured online platforms. This option supports districts looking to expand course availability without needing additional in-house instructors.
Courses include:
- English 9-12
- Global History & Geography 9 & 10
- Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry
- US History and Government, Participation in Government, Economics
- Psychology, Sociology, Spanish 1 & 2
- Financial Literacy, Personal Finance, Personal Communications
- Media Literacy, Computer Science
- Earth Science, Living Environment, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Health
*A minimum enrollment of 4 students per course may apply*
Highlights of Virtual Learning Academy (VLA)
- Individual courses in core subjects and electives
- Full-year course selection
- Instruction by Questar III NYS Certified Teachers
- Minimum enrollment of 4 students per course
Virtual Credit Recovery/Course Intervention (COSER 441.030)
This program supports students in need of academic recovery or intervention to stay on track for graduation. Courses are delivered online with instructional and/or support services provided by either Questar III or the school district.
Option 1: Questar III-Provided Instruction and Support
- Instruction and support by NYS Certified Teachers from Questar III
Option 2: District-Provided Instruction and Support
- District provides teachers and support staff while purchasing courseware through Questar III
Highlights of Credit Recovery
- Courses are prescriptive, identifying areas of deficiency
- Personalized learning plans to focus student efforts
- Supports students in graduating with their cohort
Virtual Tutoring Services (Grades K-12) (COSER 441.040)
These services are ideal for homebound students requiring instruction for five or more days. Instruction is aligned with NYS mandates and conducted by Questar III certified teachers.
- Meets NYS required instructional hours
- 2 hours/day for elementary students
- 3 hours/day for grades 7-12
- Instruction by Questar III NYS Certified Teachers
Virtual Summer School (Grades 7-12) (COSER 441.050)
This six-week summer program allows students to complete failed or incomplete courses through a blend of online courseware and scheduled live video sessions. Courses are taught by certified teachers and follow a structured academic calendar.
Available courses may include:
- English 9-12
- Global History & Geography 9 & 10
- Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry
- US History and Government, Participation in Government, Economics
- Spanish 1 & 2
- Earth Science, Living Environment, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Health
Highlights of Virtual Summer School
- 6-week program using online courseware
- Instruction by Questar III NYS Certified Teachers
- Two-hour video class sessions twice per week