2024-2025 Application Dates and Information

The 2024-2025 application for Spring 2025 is open. Please note that there will be no openings for K-5 this year. Applicants may be on a wait list due to the number of seats available at this time. For questions, email casey.gray@hck12.net or lisa.mullins@hck12.net.

The 2025-2026 application period for new students will open on May 1, 2025, and close on or before July 15, 2025.

HCVA Eligibility and Admissions

• Submit an online application and all required forms within the designated application period.

• Students must not have academic, behavior or attendance issues that would prevent progress in an independent learning environment.

• Parent/Guardian must have a strong commitment to collaborate in their child’s progress and ensure student’s meet daily and weekly attendance and progress goals.

• Students must have reliable internet access at home and a home computer. Tablets are not compatible with many of the online course requirements.

• Parents and students must make a commitment to communicate weekly or as needed with HCVA and online teaching staff. This may be by email, phone, text or in-person meetings.

• In-person days at the McPheeters Bend campus are required for all students. TCAP and EOC testing will take place on the Pathways campus in Rogersville during December, April and May. These dates will be announced.

• Students not meeting the communication, academic, behavior, attendance or mandatory in-person guidelines will be removed from the HCVA program and required to enroll in their zoned school.

Hawkins County Virtual Academy Handbook and Policies

Mission Statement

The mission of the Hawkins County Virtual Academy is to provide Hawkins County students and families with a broad range of educational opportunities through effective use of technology. 

Vision Statement

Hawkins County Virtual Academy seeks to engage learners through both an on-line and hybrid model of learning that will provide opportunities for academic, social and emotional growth. 

Program Information 

HCVA program targets non-traditional learners and current homeschool students wanting to enroll in the free Hawkins County Schools program. Students will be enrolled in an on-line program with access to individual learning plans, Hawkins County Schools teachers and online course content. Students enrolled in completely online coursework will only need to attend campus for required state testing (EOC/TCAP/Writing Assessment) or when face-to-face tutoring is needed. 

This program is geared for students who do well with independent learning, like to learn at their own pace and seize the opportunity to have a flexible schedule. Students enrolled in the hybrid model may take some courses online and some courses at their local zoned school, TCAT center or college.

Eligibility

6-12 students will be admitted through an application process conducted with HCVA admission committee with final approval from the HCVA Principal. Potential students will be referred by their parent/guardian and complete an online application. Students must not have current disruptive or severe behavior issues that would prevent progress in an independent learning environment. Parent/Guardian must have a strong commitment to partner in their child’s progress. Parents and students are required to complete enrollment forms and agreements. Students must have internet access at home. A Hawkins County Schools owned Google Chromebook or similar device will be loaned to students who do not own a home computer. Daily attendance on a flexible schedule is offered. Students will complete all coursework within the Hawkins County Schools calendar year. 

Academics

Students will be offered a sequential curriculum that meets or exceeds the academic standards adopted by the state board of education. Offered courses will be noted as one of the following course types: 

Online: All coursework will be completed in an online format.

Hybrid: Some coursework will be completed in an online format. Some face-to-face  meetings with the teacher or on a school campus may be required.

LEA: Coursework will be completed at the student’s zoned or assigned school. (Ex. Band, Concert Choir)

Students/Parents must be available to conference with the HCVA Principal when necessary to discuss student progress.

Students must maintain acceptable participation and meet attendance expectations as set forth by the HCVA Principal and course instructors. 

Students who are found to be behind in their work will be subject to removal from the virtual academy and will be returned to their zoned school as academically appropriate.

Students who fail more than 1 course during a school year will not be eligible for virtual academy admission the following school year. The student must return to their zoned school of record. 

Failure to comply with guidelines of the HCVA will result in a student being returned to his/her school of zone.

Not all CTE areas will be offered in the virtual school. Some CTE focus areas will require on-campus courses. Currently the Humanities CTE area is the only fully online focus area offered. 

Grading

Students will earn grades in the virtual academy upon successful course completion. All grades earned will be posted at the end of the grading period. HCVA students will not receive traditional progress reports and report cards. Parents and students will have access to online accounts which will reflect the student’s current progress percentage and current grade in real time. The final grade will be posted to the students grade card and permanent record upon course completion. The Hawkins County grading scale will be used by the HCVA. The HCVA counselor will post final credit to the student’s permanent transcript. Some courses require end of semester, state mandated EOC/TCAP tests. 

Attendance

Virtual schools in the State of Tennessee are required to meet the equivalent of the 180 days of instruction and 6.5 hours per day per academic year pursuant to T.C.A. § 49-6-3004. Hawkins County Schools follows the Rules of the State Board of Education, Rule 0520-01-03,03 pertaining to the operation of virtual schools. We are required to monitor participation and progress to ensure students meet participation requirements, and make progress toward successful completion of courses. All coursework must be completed during the published Hawkins County School Calendar year. Students must be at the correct percentage and progress each week as determined by the HCVA administrator. Hawkins County School Board Policy is in effect for HCVA students (Board Policy 6.200).

Discipline

Students enrolled in the HCVA must abide by all Hawkins County School Board policies. Students attending campus for courses, athletic events or other activities must attend in published school dress code and follow the rules and procedures as found in the Hawkins County Student Handbook. HCVA students are subject to the same discipline policies and procedures as traditional Hawkins County students. 

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

Students enrolled in the HCVA may be eligible to participate in athletic or extracurricular activities in which they qualify for. This includes prom, clubs and sports. HCVA students will fall under the same rules, regulations and try-out procedures as traditional students. Site personnel at each campus will assist students seeking to participate in such activities. Site personnel at each school may determine a student’s eligibility for such programs by contacting the HCVA administrator or counselor as needed. 

Withdrawal Process

Students who wish to withdraw from the HCVA must meet with the Virtual School Principal and complete a withdrawal request. Students must withdraw to their zoned school, another school system, or a home school program. Any processing fees will not be refunded upon withdrawal. All materials and technology devices must be returned to HCVA before students can be transferred to another school. 

State Mandated Testing

Students who are enrolled in courses with an associated state mandated test must participate in testing. All testing will be conducted on site at a Hawkins County Schools designated location. Students who fail to attend testing will be dismissed from the HCVA. 

Continuous Enrollment

Students must meet continuous enrollment criteria to remain enrolled in the HCVA. A violation of one or more of the following areas will result in immediate dismissal from the HCVA program. 

• Attendance

• Progress and/or Completion Percentages

• Grades

• Student Communication 

• Parent Communication

• Response to required test sessions (AIMSweb, CASE, EOC, TCAP)

• Response to requested virtual meetings/tutoring

• Attendance at all required in-person test sessions.

Fees

 While there is no tuition for the HCVA, other school fees may apply such as technology fees, AP course fees, dual enrollment fees, meal charges while on campus and other similar fees. Students who have been given use of a technology device will be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged devices and will be required to sign an acceptable use policy.