Is the Virtual Academy Right for Your Family?
Every student learns differently. The Virtual Academy is a new option for families who need a more flexible way to learn. See if any of these sound like your family.
My child needs a flexible schedule
Student athletes, performers, kids with health needs, and families who travel can build school around their life. The Virtual Academy lets students complete coursework in the morning, evening, or on weekends.
My child learns at their own pace
Some students need more time on a topic. Others are ready to move ahead. The Virtual Academy lets each student work at the pace that fits them, with a recommended weekly schedule to keep them on track.
My child learns better in a different environment
Some students do their best work in a quieter setting, with more flexibility, or at home. The Virtual Academy is built for students who learn best in a self-directed environment.
My child wants online learning along with sports and clubs
Most online schools do not offer extracurricular activities. Virtual Academy students can join any BCPS sport, club, or in-person elective. Online academics, full school experience.
My child wants a clear path to college
Graduates of the BCPS Virtual Academy qualify for the Bearcat Advantage scholarship. The earlier a student enrolls at BCPS, the more they may receive.
My child has an IEP or 504 plan
The Virtual Academy honors all IEPs and 504 plans. Special education services and accommodations are coordinated by dedicated Virtual Academy staff.
A Full Battle Creek Public Schools Experience
The Virtual Academy is a full Battle Creek Public Schools program. Students are held to the same academic standards as students who attend in person.
Real coursework, real expectations.
Students complete a full BCPS curriculum aligned with state standards. Grades and progress are tracked.
A path to college
Graduates can qualify for the Bearcat Advantage, which covers up to 100% of college tuition at eligible Michigan colleges and HBCUs nationwide.
Full access to BCPS activities
Sports, clubs, fine arts, and in-person electives, just like any other BCPS student.
A Battle Creek Education, On Your Schedule
The BCPS Virtual Academy is a Battle Creek Public Schools program, designed and supported by district staff who know our community.
Bearcat Advantage Eligible
BCPS Virtual students may be eligible for the Bearcat Advantage scholarship based on in-district residence.
Full Access to BCPS Activities
Students can join any BCPS sport, club, or in-person elective.
BCPS Teachers and Staff
Dedicated BCPS Virtual Academy staff support every student. No call center. No chatbot.
Tuition-Free
A public school program, completely free for all students. That includes families who enroll through Schools of Choice.
A Path to College
The Bearcat Advantage Scholarship
The Bearcat Advantage is a scholarship for eligible Battle Creek Public Schools graduates. It is funded through community partnerships, including a major grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and is administered by Battle Creek Public Schools. Virtual Academy graduates qualify on the same terms as any other BCPS graduate.
Up to 100% of collegeTuition Covered
The Bearcat Advantage covers tuition and required fees at eligible Michigan four-year colleges and universities.
Open to HBCUs Nationwide
The scholarship can be used at nearly 100 eligible Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country.
Earlier Enrollment Earns More
The scholarship amount scales with years of continuous enrollment at BCPS. Time at the Virtual Academy counts toward eligibility.
About Acellus
Students at the Virtual Academy complete their coursework through the Acellus Learning System, an online curriculum used by thousands of school districts across the country.
How Acellus works
Acellus delivers each lesson as a short video, usually five to ten minutes long, followed by practice questions that check what the student has learned. The system tracks every student's progress and adjusts the pace based on how they are doing. If a student is struggling with a concept, Acellus identifies the gap and provides targeted help. If a student already understands the material, they can keep moving forward.
What Acellus covers
Acellus offers a full curriculum across math, language arts, science, social studies, and electives. It also includes Advanced Placement courses, special education courses, and credit recovery options. The system is developed by the International Academy of Science, a nonprofit organization that has been creating educational content for over 30 years.
How BCPS uses Acellus
The Virtual Academy uses Acellus as the curriculum platform, but BCPS staff supervise each student, provide one-on-one support, monitor progress, and step in when a student needs help. Acellus is the tool. BCPS staff are the teachers.
A Day at the Virtual Academy
Learning happens at home, on a schedule that works for your family. Here is what to expect.
Self-paced coursework, with structure
Students follow a recommended weekly pace, but their schedule is flexible. They can complete coursework in the morning, evening, or on weekends. There is no daily log-in time to keep up with.
Real support when students need it
Dedicated BCPS Virtual Academy teachers and staff are available throughout the school year. They answer questions, support through the in person learning hub (Battle Creek Area Math & Science Center)
In-person only when it counts
Students come to a BCPS building for required state testing and any time they want in-person support. The rest of the time, learning happens wherever they are.
