CAPISTRANO VIRTUAL SCHOOL

 

Capistrano Virtual School (CVS) is part of the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD). Our online curriculum is aligned with CUSD's course of study and instructional calendar. The unique program options that we offer enable students to continue their education in an alternative setting by entering into a long-term independent study contract. A fully credentialed and highly skilled teacher is assigned to every enrolled student. Capistrano Virtual School families are provided exceptional support throughout the school year.

 

TIME COMMITMENT 
Students need to work 4 hours per school day (1 hour per subject) to
stay current in their classes. The four core subjects are English, math, science, and social studies. Interactive online programs are used for instruction. Parents/guardians play a big role to support and guide their child each school day. 

 

VIRTUAL LEARNING
Each virtual lesson includes a direct instruction video and a variety of follow-up activities. Students complete assignments that follow the pattern of five activities: warm-up, direct instruction, summary, assignment, and quiz. Students also take unit exams. Capistrano Virtual School teachers also monitor student progress daily and throughout the school year.

 

SUPPORT, PROGRAMS AND ACCESS
Capistrano Virtual School offers teacher support, ongoing communication, weekly. Optional offerings may include workshops for students, family excursions, special activities/events, and access to your child's neighborhood school. An assignment calendar of online work is provided to families so that parents/guardians and students know what needs to be accomplished each school day.

 

ONGOING COMMUNICATION
There is ongoing communication between the Capistrano Virtual School teacher, student, and parent/guardian during the year by e-mail, phone, and in-person at Capistrano Virtual School, including parent/teacher conferences. A “Weekly Surf Report” is emailed to Capistrano Virtual School families every Monday. Each online issue contains school news and optional fun and educational activities for Capistrano Virtual School students and families. 

 

ACCESS TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL
Capistrano Virtual School students have the option of participating in programs and classes at their neighborhood school of residence. Students can take up to two classes at their neighborhood CUSD middle school while enrolled in Capistrano Virtual School, creating a blended or hybrid program. A minimum of four online classes must be taken at Capistrano Virtual.

 

TESTING AND ASSESSMENTS
All required State Standardized Tests, including California Standardized Testing and Reporting Program (CAASPP)/Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) and district assessments, are administered at the Capistrano Virtual School site. Student progress is continually monitored through a variety of web-based assessments.

 

STUDENTS WITH AN IEP
If a child is a special education student with a current Individualized Education Program (IEP), California Education Code requires that an IEP team consent to an independent study placement to attend CVS. Parents/guardians are asked to contact their child’s IEP case-carrier to see if Capistrano Virtual School is an educational option for their special education child. 

 

CREDIT/NO CREDIT
Students do not receive letter grades at Capistrano Virtual School. Students earn credit based on the level of work they complete each week, and during the collection of work on monthly turn-in days. Attendance is given based on work completion on monthly turn-in days.

 

REQUIREMENTS
Students and parents/guardians are required to attend an Orientation with their Capistrano Virtual School Advisement Teacher, a Conference at the beginning of the semester or two weeks after enrolling, and any other scheduled teacher/student meetings.

 

SST & 504 COORDINATOR
Sean McNamara (spmcnamara@capousd.org) is the Student Success Team (SST) and 504 Plan Coordinator.