Can any student take online classes through A2 Virtual+?

Most Michigan students in grades 6–12 attending a public school district or public school academy are eligible to take online courses under Michigan’s Section 21f law.

Under Section 21f, eligible students may request up to two online courses per academic term. In some situations, students may take additional online courses if the district determines it is in the student’s best interest and an educational plan is developed.

Online learning can provide students with additional course options, scheduling flexibility, opportunities for acceleration, and access to courses that may not be available in their school building.

Families should also consider whether online learning is a good fit for the student’s learning style, schedule, time management skills, and support needs.

How do I know if online learning is a good fit?

Online learning can be a strong option for many students, but it requires time management, communication, independence, reliable technology access, and consistent effort.

Students do not need to be perfect in all of these areas to succeed. However, families should think carefully about where the student is already strong and where additional support may be needed.

Will the credit earned be recognized the same as a traditional course?

Yes. Online courses taken through the approved A2 Virtual+ course list generate a grade and may generate credit if the student successfully completes the course.

The course will appear on the student’s transcript with an online designation as part of the course title. For example, an online government course may appear as Government OL.

A2 Virtual+ courses are designed to meet academic standards, but students and families should always work with their counselor to make sure course choices align with graduation requirements, career goals, learning needs, and athletic eligibility.

Are online courses flexible and can they be customized to fit a student’s other commitments?

Online courses offer flexibility in when and where students complete their work, but they still have defined start dates, end dates, pacing expectations, and required assessments.

Most courses include a pacing guide to help students stay on track. Students may have flexibility within the week, but online learning is not meant to be completed all at once or rushed through at the end of the term.

Advanced Placement courses and some other courses may include specific deadlines. Students should review the syllabus and course expectations carefully.

Is there a limit on how many online courses one student can register for?

Yes. Under Michigan’s Section 21f law, eligible students in grades 6–12 may request up to two online courses per academic term as part of their schedule.

Course requests must still meet legal, district, prerequisite, graduation, and scheduling requirements. A request may be denied for specific reasons allowed under Section 21f, including if the student has already earned the credit, lacks the prerequisite knowledge and skills, or the course does not align with the student’s educational plan.

Can a student take all of their classes online?

Some students may be able to take a full online schedule, but this should be discussed carefully with the student’s building counselor.

If, after meeting with the building counselor, it is determined that taking all classes online is appropriate, the student will need to attend an in-person orientation with the A2 Virtual+ counselor.

During orientation, students will review how to access their courses, confirm they can access all required parts of each class, learn important A2 Virtual+ policies, and complete the Online Success Agreement.

Families should consider the student’s independence, time management, course load, support needs, and graduation plan before choosing a fully online schedule.

Can middle school students take high school classes?

Yes, middle school students may take high school courses if they have completed the required prerequisites and the course is appropriate for their academic plan.

If a middle school student successfully completes a high school course, the course can appear on the high school transcript and fulfill the high school requirement. The grade is generally not calculated into the high school GPA because cumulative high school GPA begins in the fall of freshman year.

Families should be aware that some colleges and universities may recalculate GPA using all courses that appear on the transcript.

Can students take two sequential courses at the same time?

In general, students must complete the prerequisite course before beginning the next course in a sequence.

For example, a student would need to complete the first part of a course or the required prerequisite before moving into the next level. Prerequisites are listed in course descriptions and course selection materials.

Students and families should work with their counselor before requesting sequential courses to make sure the plan is appropriate.

Can an AAPS student use online courses to take additional languages?

Yes. An online course may be used as part of a student’s schedule if it fits the student’s academic plan and is approved through the appropriate process.

Students may need to adjust their building schedule to make room for the online course. Students should talk with their counselor before requesting an online world language course or any additional online course.

Does the course have to be completed in a specific timeframe?

Yes. Online courses have defined start and end dates and must be completed by the end of the posted term.

Students are expected to follow the pacing guide and make consistent progress throughout the term. Falling behind can make it difficult to complete the course successfully because students may not have enough time to learn the material, complete required assignments, and finish required assessments.

Families should review the course calendar, pacing guide, and teacher expectations at the start of the term.

Can students complete online classes while out of the country?

Many students have successfully completed A2 Virtual+ coursework while temporarily visiting another country. However, students taking classes with A2 Virtual+ must still be current AAPS students.

Families should also be aware that some countries have local internet restrictions or filtering policies that can make accessing online curriculum platforms difficult or, in some cases, not possible.

Students who will be traveling internationally should plan ahead, communicate with their teacher, and make sure they will have reliable access to required course platforms and materials.

All students must still complete the required proctored assessments for their course. Students who do not complete the required proctored assessments will not earn credit for the class.

Are proctored assessments required?

Yes. All A2 Virtual+ courses require students to complete two proctored assessments. Proctoring helps confirm that student work authentically reflects the student’s understanding and mastery of course content.

The specific assessments requiring proctoring may vary by course. Students should review their course information and teacher directions carefully.

Students who do not complete the required proctored assessments will not earn credit for the class.

Are extensions available?

Extension policies may change by school year and program. Families should review the current A2 Virtual+ extension policy for the most accurate information.

Are students required to pay a fee for an online course during the school year?

No. During the regular school year, AAPS students do not pay Ann Arbor Public Schools to take an approved online course that is part of their schedule.

Students typically take the online course in place of another course in their schedule. Any associated course fees for approved school-year online courses are handled by Ann Arbor Public Schools.

Summer Term courses are separate and may have different registration, cost, and deadline requirements.

How does taking online courses affect eligibility in sports?

Student athletes must stay on pace in online courses because athletic eligibility checks rely on current academic progress and grades.

If a student has not submitted expected work by the time grades are reviewed, the student’s grade may reflect missing or incomplete work even if the completed assignments were strong.

Students participating in athletics should check with their school Athletic Director to understand MHSAA eligibility rules. Students planning to participate in college athletics should make sure any core online course is NCAA approved.

When I take an online course, will it be in PowerSchool?

Yes. Online courses are listed in PowerSchool. Families may also need to check the course platform gradebook, depending on the course and platform being used.

Grades are typically updated regularly in PowerSchool and reflect student progress based on the course pacing guide. For some online platforms, the platform gradebook may provide the most detailed day-to-day view of student work.

Please note that A2 Virtual+ grades may be easier to view from the full PowerSchool website rather than the mobile app.

What can I expect from my teacher in an online class?

A2 Virtual+ teachers are highly qualified in the content area they teach and are expected to support students through communication, feedback, and instructional guidance.

Teachers respond to student communication within 24 hours Monday–Friday, excluding holidays and breaks.

Most assignments are graded within 72 hours. Longer assignments or late work may take up to one week to grade.

Students should expect personalized feedback and should contact their teacher when they need help, clarification, or support with pacing.